{"id":352,"date":"2026-05-23T15:06:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T15:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homebuyerrelocation.com\/?p=352"},"modified":"2026-05-23T15:06:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T15:06:34","slug":"rob-base-it-takes-two-rapper-who-helped-popularize-crossover-hip-hop-dies-at-59","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homebuyerrelocation.com\/?p=352","title":{"rendered":"Rob Base, \u2018It Takes Two\u2019 rapper who helped popularize crossover hip-hop, dies at 59"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rob Base, the Harlem rapper who became a late-1980s cultural phenomenon with the genre-blending smash \u201cIt Takes Two,\u201d died Friday surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer. He was 59.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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His family announced the death on his Instagram account, writing: \u201cToday, we share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.\u201d The statement continued: \u201cRob\u2019s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives. Rest in Paradise, Rob Base. May 18, 1967 \u2013 May 22, 2026.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mr. Base had celebrated his 59th birthday just four days before his death, posting to Instagram: \u201cHappy 59th Birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, Mr. Base grew up in Harlem, where he met his future musical partner, Rodney \u201cSkip\u201d Bryce \u2014 who performed as DJ E-Z Rock \u2014 as schoolchildren. The two were inspired by a local group called Crash Crew. \u201cWe used to watch them and looked up to them. We said to ourselves, \u2019This is something that we want to do,\u2019\u201d Mr. Base told Rolling Stone in 2014.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After early singles \u201cDJ Interview\u201d and \u201cMake It Hot\u201d generated local buzz, the pair crafted the demo of \u201cIt Takes Two\u201d in about two nights, which led to a deal with Profile Records. The resulting 1988 debut album, also titled \u201cIt Takes Two,\u201d peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B\/Hip-Hop Albums chart.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt Takes Two\u201d reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance\/Club Songs chart and has since become a cultural touchstone, sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas. The song appeared in numerous films, including \u201cThe Proposal\u201d (2009) and \u201cIron Man 2\u201d (2010), and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The duo followed with \u201cGet on the Dance Floor,\u201d which topped the same chart.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Mr. Base released his sole solo studio album, \u201cThe Incredible Base,\u201d in November 1989, and reunited with E-Z Rock for 1994\u2019s \u201cBreak of Dawn,\u201d though the album failed to make a commercial impact. <\/p>\n

DJ E-Z Rock, whose full name was Rodney \u201cSkip\u201d Bryce, died in 2014 at age 46 from complications from diabetes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In recent years, Mr. Base remained active as a live performer. He was part of the \u201cI Love the \u201990s Tour,\u201d which featured fellow rap icons Vanilla Ice and Young MC, and also served as executive producer of the 2025 independent film \u201cUrban Flesh Eaters.\u201d <\/p>\n

Mr. Base is survived by his son Robert Jr. and his daughter De\u2019Jene.<\/p>\n

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\n This article was constructed with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published by a member of The Washington Times’ AI News Desk team. The contents of this report are based solely on The Washington Times’ original reporting, wire services, and\/or other sources cited within the report. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
\n<\/em><\/p>\n


\n The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
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Rob Base, the Harlem rapper who became a late-1980s cultural phenomenon with the genre-blending smash “It Takes Two,” died Friday surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer. 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