Rob Base, one part of the esteemed hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock from Harlem, has passed away at the age of 59 following a cancer battle. Known by his birth name Robert Ginyard, Base rose to fame with the hit song “It Takes Two” in 1988, a fusion of hip-hop and house music that played a pivotal role in popularizing both genres.
An announcement on his Instagram confirmed his demise, praising Rob for his music, vitality, and enduring influence that resonated with audiences globally. Described as a devoted father, family man, friend, and artistic visionary, Rob Base’s impact transcended his performances on stage.
His creative partner, DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney (Skip) Bryce, passed away in 2014 at 46 due to complications related to diabetes. The duo, who first crossed paths as classmates in Harlem during fifth grade, drew inspiration from the achievements of another local group, Crash Crew. Their musical journey began in 1987 when they signed with Profile Records, an early player in the hip-hop industry.
The breakthrough success of “It Takes Two” in 1988 catapulted Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock onto the music scene, climbing to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and securing a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The iconic track has been sampled by various artists, including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and featured in multiple cinematic productions. Notably, the song achieved platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Their subsequent release, “Get on the Dance Floor,” also achieved notable recognition on the club songs chart, cementing the duo’s influence in the realm of hip-hop and dance music.