Rapper Rob Base, known for popularizing hip-hop, passes away at age 59

The hip-hop world mourns the loss of Robert Ginyard, known to many as Rob Base, who recently passed away at the age of 59 after battling cancer. As one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, Base, along with his creative counterpart Skip” Bryce, left an indelible mark on the music industry, blending hip-hop and house music in a way that brought both genres into the mainstream. The duo’s most notable hit, “It Takes Two,” released in 1988, catapulted them to success and solidified their place in music history.

Rob Base’s impact goes beyond his musical contributions; he was known as a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose legacy will endure for generations to come. Base and DJ E-Z Rock met in Harlem as fifth-grade students and drew inspiration from the success of fellow Harlem-based group, Crash Crew. They signed with Profile Records in 1987, becoming part of the early hip-hop movement. The success of their debut single, “It Takes Two,” propelled them into the spotlight, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, paving the way for their continued success in the music industry.

In addition to their chart-topping single, Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock found success with their subsequent release, “Get on the Dance Floor,” which also made waves on the club songs chart. “It Takes Two” received widespread acclaim and has been sampled by numerous artists, including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas, and featured in various films, further solidifying its place in music history.

The untimely passing of Rob Base follows the death of DJ E-Z Rock in 2014, who succumbed to complications from diabetes at the age of 46. Despite the loss of his creative partner, Rob Base’s influence and impact on the music industry remain unparalleled. Base’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for future generations of artists and cemented his status as a pioneer in hip-hop and house music.

The legacy of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock lives on through their timeless music, which continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. Their contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark, shaping the landscape of hip-hop and house music for years to come. As the hip-hop community mourns the loss of Rob Base, his memory, music, and impact will forever remain ingrained in the hearts of fans and music lovers worldwide.