Rob Base, a member of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock from Harlem, has passed away at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer. Known by his real name Robert Ginyard, Base rose to fame with the hit song “It Takes Two” in 1988, a fusion of hip-hop and house music that played a pivotal role in popularizing both genres.
In an Instagram post announcing his death, it was stated that Rob Base’s music and influence had a significant impact on a generation, spreading joy to millions globally. Apart from his musical career, he was remembered as a devoted father, family man, friend, and a creative force whose legacy will endure.
His musical partner, DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney (Skip) Bryce, passed away in 2014 at the age of 46 due to complications from diabetes. The duo’s journey began in Harlem, where they met as fifth-grade students and drew inspiration from the success of the Crash Crew, a fellow Harlem-based group. Their talent led them to sign with Profile Records in 1987, one of the pioneering hip-hop labels at the time.
The breakthrough success came the following year with “It Takes Two,” which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 charts and peaked at No. 3 on the Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. The track, now a classic, has been sampled by various artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas and featured in numerous films. Notably, it received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Their subsequent release, “Get on the Dance Floor,” also achieved significant success on the club songs chart, solidifying their presence in the music scene.
