On Friday (5.22,) the pioneering rapper professionally known as Rob Base, on Friday (5.22,) passed away at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer, just days after celebrating his birthday.
Born Robert Ginyard, the iconic hip hop artist is best known for the enduring 1988 hip-hop anthem “It Takes Two,”
Taking to social media, a statement released on his official Instagram account confirmed the musician’s passing while surrounded by his family. Expressing gratitude for his vast contributions to the industry, the statement read “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” noting that his “music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.” In addition to his professional accomplishments, the artist was remembered as a dedicated family man, father, and enduring creative force.
Hailing from Harlem, New York, Ginyard achieved international recognition alongside his long-time musical collaborator, Rodney Bryce p/k/a DJ E-Z Rock. The childhood friends, who originally met in the fourth grade, released their debut single “DJ Interview” in 1986 and two years later, they launched “It Takes Two,” the legendary track that propelled hip-hop from underground circles into mainstream dance clubs and pop charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and subsequently achieved platinum certification.
What has since become a permanent fixture in popular culture, the influential track was subsequently sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas and was also featured in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and the 2009 romcom film The Proposal.
Recalling the track’s sudden popularity, Rob Base once said that its creation was entirely spontaneous, admitting, “We didn’t think that it would cross over and be as big as it became.”
Word of Ginyard’s death prompted widespread tributes from figures across the entertainment and sports worlds including NFL Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders who offered his condolences online, calling the late rapper a personal legend.
Robert’s passing follows the death of his musical partner Bryce, who died from health complications in 2014 at the age of 56. Ginyard is survived by his family and friends.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: 2C2K Photography from Houston, TX