‘It Takes Two’ rapper Rob Base dead at 59
Rap artist and hit songwriter Rob Base, known widely for the 1980s hip-hop track ‘It Takes Two’, has passed away from cancer at 59.
The news was shared by his official Instagram account, which detailed that the hip-hop artist died “surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer” on May 22nd, just days after his 59th birthday.
The statement continued, “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our live. Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.”
The tragic post concluded, “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
The icon, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, collaborated with friend and musical partner DJ E-Z Rock on ‘It Takes Two’, which became a top-40 single and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Since then, the single has been sampled by several famous names in the industry, including on 2009’s track ‘Rock That Body’ by The Black Eyed Peas, 2009’s ‘I Wanna Rock’ by Snoop Dogg, and 2004’s ‘It Takes Scoop’ by Fatman Scoop.
It’s also been a central premise in several movies, including the Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds 2009 romantic comedy, The Proposal, as well as being included in a Grand Theft Auto release in 2004.
DJ E-Z Rock, real name Rodney Bryce, died at the age of 56 in April 2014 from diabetes related complications.
“With ‘It Takes Two’, we were at a friend’s house, and we were just going through a bunch of records,” he said, before admitting later on, “We didn’t think that it would cross over and be as big as it became.”
Tributes have already poured in for the Harlem native, including from NFL Hall-of-Fame football star Deion Sanders, who wrote: “Prayers to Rob Base entire family and loved ones. He was a legend to me.”