Rob Base, the New York rapper best known as one half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died at age 59. Multiple outlets report that Base died on Friday, May 22, following a battle with cancer. News organizations cite a statement posted on his social media accounts, including Instagram, as the source of the announcement. Several reports say the cancer fight was private. They also note that his death came only days after his birthday.
Born Robert Ginyard, Base was associated with the Harlem rap scene and gained widespread recognition for the 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” which he performed with DJ E-Z Rock. Sources commonly describe the song as a breakout crossover success that became a enduring party staple. Billboard and other outlets note the track’s performance on U.S. charts and its platinum certification by the RIAA.
DJ E-Z Rock, his longtime recording partner, died in 2014, with reports attributing that death to complications from diabetes.
