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Rob Base, the rapper known for his hit 1988 song “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 59.
According to a statement shared on his Instagram page announcing the news of his death, the hip-hop icon “passed away peacefully” on Friday “surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.”
The statement continued: “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.”
In this Nov. 9, 2019, file photo, Rob Base performs at Magic City Casino in Miami, FL.
Manny Hernandez/Getty Images, FILE
The statement ended with, “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
ABC News has reached out to a representative for Base.
Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, rose to fame in the late 1980s when he and DJ E-Z Rock released “It Takes Two.” The song, which sampled Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It),” had an infectious beat and became one of the most iconic hip-hop party anthems ever.
In this April 27, 2012, file photo, Rob Base (L) and DJ E-Z Rock perform during the Legends Of Hip Hop Reunion Tour at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Aaron Davidson/WireImage via Getty Images, FILE
According to Billboard, the song, which was part of the duo’s debut studio album of the same name, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988, helping the album reach platinum certification.
Songs on “It Takes Two” also included “Joy and Pain” and “Get on the Dance Floor.”
Following it’s success, other artists would go on to sample the song, including Snoop Dogg on his 2009 hit single “I Wanna Rock,” Gang Starr on his 1991 track “Suckas Need Bodyguards,” and Girl Time’s “Overtime.”
In this Oct. 20, 2024, file photo, Rob Base performs at Jeremy Renner Heroes Fore Kids Las Vegas All-Star Concert at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas at The Linq Promenade in Las Vegas.
Denise Truscello/Getty Images, FILE
Following “It Takes Two,” the duo parted ways before reuniting in 1994 for their second and last studio album, “Break of Dawn.”
DJ E-Z Rock died on April 27, 2014, from complications related to diabetes. At the time, Base spoke to Rolling Stone and said that they first met in grade school in Harlem. Base remembered his friend and music partner saying, “He was a good DJ, but everybody just loved him for who he was; just a funny guy. He was always quick to make friends, no matter where he was. He was just that type of guy.”
Rob Base poses for picture backstage during the 2023 Freestyle Explosion Throw Back Jam at Watsco Center on March 11, 2023 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images
In 1989, Base released his only studio album, “The Incredible Base,” which made it to No. 50 on the Billboard 200 and No. 20 on Billboard’s top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Earlier this week, Base celebrated his 59th birthday. He took to Instagram and wrote, “Happy 59th Birthday to me … God thank you for allowing me to see another year.”
