Rob Base, one-half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, who was best known for the hit “It Takes Two,” has died. He was 59.

The rapper, who celebrated his 59th birthday just four days ago, died on May 22 while surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.

“Rob’s 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,” reads a statement on his social media account. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”



Alongside E-Z Rock, who died in 2014 from complications of diabetes, Base was instrumental in cross-pollinating hip-hop and house music and bringing them to the mainstream in the 1980s. Their smash “It Takes Two” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988 followed by “Get on the Dance Floor,” which topped the same chart. In the decades since, “It Takes Two” has become a cultural touchstone, sampled by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Black Eyed Peas and used in films including 2009’s “The Proposal” and 2010’s “Iron Man 2.”

Robert Ginyard was born on May 18, 1967, and met E-Z Rock in the fifth grade while growing up in Harlem. They were inspired to form a duo as teenagers after seeing local group the Crash Crew manage to release a record, prompting Base to buy a microphone and E-Z Rock to get a mixer and turntables.

After their songs “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot” picked up local buzz, they crafted the demo of “It Takes Two” in about two nights, which led to a deal with Profile Records. They soon followed with their debut album, 1988’s “It Takes Two,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spawned two more hits: “Get on the Dance Floor” and “Joy and Pain.”



Base followed with his sole studio album to date, “The Incredible Base,” in November 1989, and reunited with E-Z Rock for 1994’s