Rapper Rob Base, best known for the 1988 hip-hop anthem “It Takes Two,” has died at 59 after a private battle with cancer, according to a statement posted on his Instagram account.
The statement said Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, died Friday and remembered him as a father, family man, friend and creative force. PEOPLE and The Associated Press also reported his death, citing the Instagram announcement.
Base marked his 59th birthday four days earlier with an Instagram post thanking God for another year. The latter statement said his music and energy helped shape a generation.
Artists posted tributes after the announcement. Kid Capri said he had spoken with Base months earlier about clearing a sample, while Fat Joe and DJ Jazzy Jeff also shared messages remembering him.
Base rose to fame with DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney “Skip” Bryce, on “It Takes Two.” The Associated Press reported that the track reached the Billboard Hot 100, hit No. 3 on the Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later received platinum certification.
The song remained a cultural staple through samples and screen placements. Artists including Snoop Dogg, The Black Eyed Peas and DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince sampled or referenced it, while films including “Love & Basketball,” “Iron Man 2”, and “Bumblebee” used it.
DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014 at 46. The base later remained active through performances, including the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” and through mentoring work with Funky Base, Inc.
