Rob Base, hit songwriter and rapper, passes away after cancer fight

Renowned artist Rob Base, known for his popular 1980s hit song “It Takes Two,” has passed away at the age of 59 after battling cancer. The news of his death was shared on his official Instagram account, just a few days after his 59th birthday on May 18. Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, was surrounded by his family during his final moments.”Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the Instagram post read. “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.” Besides being an influential artist, Base was also a devoted father, family man, friend, and creative spirit whose impact will always be remembered.Rob Base, a native of Harlem, rose to fame as part of a hip-hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock. Their collaboration skyrocketed in 1988 with the release of “It Takes Two,” a song that peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later achieved platinum status certified by the Recording Industry Association of America. The track has been sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas and featured in various films and video games.Tributes and messages of condolences flooded in following the news of Base’s passing. Comedian Dane Cook paid homage to the artist by sharing lyrics from “It Takes Two” and praising Base for his musical contributions. Similarly, NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders expressed his respect for Base and extended prayers to his family and loved ones. DJ E-Z Rock, Base’s longtime partner, passed away in 2014 due to diabetes-related complications at the age of 56. The duo’s journey in music began with the release of their first single, “DJ Interview,” in 1986, followed by the massive success of “It Takes Two.”Reflecting on the creation of the iconic song, Rob Base revealed in a 2014 interview that its inception was spontaneous and unexpected. He recounted how they stumbled upon the sample that would become the basis of the hit track during a casual listening session with friends before heading to the studio that same night. Despite their lack of preparation, the duo crafted a song that resonated with audiences far beyond their expectations. Base admitted that they never anticipated the immense success that “It Takes Two” would achieve, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the impact of creative experimentation.