Rob Base was an American rapper and hip-hop artist best known as one half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, creators of the iconic 1988 party anthem “It Takes Two.” He gained international public attention for a track that became one of the most sampled and enduring songs in hip-hop history, helping to propel the genre into mainstream pop culture.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Robert Ginyard (also spelled Ginyard)
Age: 59 (born May 18, 1967 – died May 22, 2026)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter
Known For: The platinum-selling single “It Takes Two” (1988)
Marital Status: Not publicly confirmed
Children: Yes (a loving father, per family statements)
Early Life and Background
Rob Base was born on May 18, 1967, in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City . He grew up in Harlem and met his future musical partner, Rodney “Skip” Bryce (who would become DJ E-Z Rock), in the fifth grade . The two bonded over their shared love of music and the emerging hip-hop culture, watching local groups like the Crash Crew prove that kids from their neighborhood could make records .
Career and Achievements
Base and DJ E-Z Rock began their musical journey inspired by the idea that they could do what they saw others doing. Base bought a microphone while E-Z Rock picked up a mixer and turntables . They released their first singles, “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot,” which garnered local attention .
Their breakthrough came in 1988 with the release of “It Takes Two.” Built around the iconic Lyn Collins “Think (About It)” drum break, the song became an instant dancefloor classic . The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales exceeding one million copies .
The duo’s follow-up single, “Get on the Dance Floor,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart . Their debut album, also titled It Takes Two, landed at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and went platinum . Base released his debut solo album, The Incredible Base, in 1989, which reached No. 20 on the same chart .
“It Takes Two” has been described by Rolling Stone as “the single greatest use of a looped drum break in rap history” and “the hip-hop equivalent” of the guitar solo in Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” . The track has been sampled by Snoop Dogg, the Black Eyed Peas, and Mac Miller, and has appeared in films such as The Proposal (starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds), Iron Man 2, and the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas .
Major Event or Controversy
No major controversies are associated with Rob Base. His longtime musical partner, DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce), died in 2014 from complications related to diabetes at the age of 56 . Base continued to perform after his partner’s death, always carrying his memory with him, and was recently part of the “I Love the ’90s Tour” alongside artists like Vanilla Ice and Tone Loc .
Why He Is In the News
Rob Base is in the news following his death on May 22, 2026, at the age of 59 . His official Instagram account announced that he passed away “peacefully surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer” . His death came just four days after he celebrated his 59th birthday . Tributes have poured in from the hip-hop community, including Fat Joe, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Kid Capri .
Conclusion
Rob Base was a foundational figure in hip-hop whose work with DJ E-Z Rock produced one of the most recognizable and enduring party anthems in music history. “It Takes Two” remains a cultural touchstone nearly four decades after its release, ensuring that his voice, energy, and legacy will continue to bring joy to dance floors for generations to come.
