Rapper Rob Base, known for 'It Takes Two,' dies at 59 after private battle with cancer
Rob Base, the rapper known for his hit 1988 song "It Takes Two" with DJ E-Z Rock, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 59.
According to a statement shared on his Instagram page announcing the news of his death, the hip-hop icon "passed away peacefully" on Friday "surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer."
The statement continued: "Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten."
The statement ended with, "Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."
ABC News has reached out to a representative for Base.
Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, rose to fame in the late 1980s when he and DJ E-Z Rock released "It Takes Two." The song, which sampled Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)," had an infectious beat and became one of the most iconic hip-hop party anthems ever.
According to Billboard, the song, which was part of the duo's debut studio album of the same name, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988, helping the album reach platinum certification.
Songs on "It Takes Two" also included "Joy and Pain" and "Get on the Dance Floor."
Following it's success, other artists would go on to sample the song, including Snoop Dogg on his 2009 hit single "I Wanna Rock," Gang Starr on his 1991 track "Suckas Need Bodyguards," and Girl Time's "Overtime."
Following "It Takes Two," the duo parted ways before reuniting in 1994 for their second and last studio album, "Break of Dawn."
DJ E-Z Rock died on April 27, 2014, from complications related to diabetes. At the time, Base spoke to Rolling Stone and said that they first met in grade school in Harlem. Base remembered his friend and music partner saying, "He was a good DJ, but everybody just loved him for who he was; just a funny guy. He was always quick to make friends, no matter where he was. He was just that type of guy."
In 1989, Base released his only studio album, "The Incredible Base," which made it to No. 50 on the Billboard 200 and No. 20 on Billboard's top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Earlier this week, Base celebrated his 59th birthday. He took to Instagram and wrote, "Happy 59th Birthday to me ... God thank you for allowing me to see another year."
