Rob Base, Hip-Hop Pioneer and 'It Takes Two' Rapper, Dies at 59

Rob Base, the influential rapper best known for the 1988 hip-hop anthem 'It Takes Two,' has died at the age of 59. The artist, born Robert Ginyard, passed away on May 22 following a private battle with cancer, just days after celebrating his birthday. As one half of the iconic duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, Ginyard helped bridge the gap between early hip-hop and mainstream pop, creating a sound characterized by high energy, innovative sampling, and an infectious spirit that defined an era. His passing marks a significant loss for the music world, triggering reflections on the foundational role he played in the development of 1980s rap culture. While his partner DJ E-Z Rock passed away in 2014, the legacy of their music—specifically their seminal platinum hit—remains a fixture in global pop culture, solidifying Ginyard's reputation as a visionary who brought joy and rhythmic precision to the burgeoning genre of hip-hop.