Rob Base, Hip-Hop Pioneer Behind It Takes Two, Dies at 59

Rob Base, the legendary hip-hop rapper famous for the seminal 1988 single “It Takes Two,” has died at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer. The announcement was revealed on Friday, May 22, through his official Instagram account, which paid tribute to the pioneering artist’s profound influence on multiple generations of musicians and listeners worldwide. Base achieved fame as a member of the influential duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, whose distinctive fusion of hip-hop and house music fundamentally shaped the musical landscape of late-1980s popular music. “It Takes Two,” built around a sampled vocal from Lyn Collins’ 1972 song “Think (About It),” turned into a cultural phenomenon that extended far beyond the music world, cementing its position as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.

The Individual Behind the Blockbuster Success

Born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, Rob Base grew up in Harlem with his creative partner DJ E-Z Rock, whom he had known since the age of nine. The pair were influenced by a local group called Crash Crew, whose shows captivated the aspiring artists and sparked their drive to pursue hip-hop as a career. “We used to observe them and looked up to them. We said to ourselves, ‘This is something that we aspire to achieve,'” Base remarked in a 2014 conversation with Rolling Stone. Though they initially formed a larger collective with seven members, only Base and E-Z Rock sustained the committed effort needed to build a enduring presence in the competitive music industry.

After unveiling their early singles “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot,” the duo inked a deal with Profile Records and unleashed their first album, also titled It Takes Two. The album and its powerful opening song quickly built momentum in clubs and climbed the charts, with the record reaching Number Four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “It Takes Two” itself reached Number Three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, whilst their next release “Get on the Dance Floor” dominated the same chart. The track’s compelling rhythm and universal message of mutual respect and understanding connected with audiences worldwide, establishing Base and E-Z Rock as creators of a new sound.

• Childhood friends who encountered each other in Harlem during the fourth grade
• Inspired by neighbourhood hip-hop collective Crash Crew to take up music
• Secured a deal with Profile Records after releasing early singles
• First album reached Number Four on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop rankings

A Heritage That Defined Successive Generations

The significance of “It Takes Two” transcended its initial chart success, becoming a defining reference point for hip-hop artists throughout generations. Celebrated performers featuring Snoop Dogg, Gang Starr, Girl Talk, and 2NE1 sampled the track, incorporating its infectious groove into their own compositions and highlighting its lasting influence. The song’s broad appeal of unity and respect struck a chord with generations, motivating producers and rappers to explore anew Base’s masterpiece. Its presence in hip-hop culture became so pervasive that Questlove selected it for his best 50 Hip Hop Songs of All Time list, whilst Rolling Stone placed it as number 24 on their Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time.

Beyond critical acclaim, “It Takes Two” attained the rare distinction of extending beyond the music industry entirely. The track featured in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, introducing the song to gaming audiences worldwide. It appeared prominently in Sandra Bullock’s 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal, bringing Base’s creation to general film audiences. The song also featured in Marvel’s 2001 film Iron Man, cementing its status as a cultural artefact that shaped entertainment across multiple mediums. This cross-platform presence demonstrated the broad appeal of Base’s work and its ability to enhance diverse creative projects.

Cultural Influence Outside of Music

Rob Base’s “It Takes Two” transcended conventional musical limits, becoming a cultural phenomenon that influenced film, TV, and gaming sectors. The track’s infectious energy and uplifting tone made it an ideal choice for filmmakers and game developers seeking authentic hip-hop representation. From major motion pictures to interactive media, Base’s work delivered a musical foundation to numerous occasions in popular culture, ensuring its significance endured across generations and mediums.

• Appeared in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game in 2004
• Appeared in Sandra Bullock’s romantic comedy The Proposal in 2009
• Included in Marvel’s Iron Man movie released in 2001
• Sampled by Snoop Dogg, Gang Starr, Girl Talk, and 2NE1
• Ranked Number 24 on Rolling Stone’s Top Hip-Hop Songs list

From Harlem Dreams to Chart-Topping Success

Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard on 18 May 1967, came out of the vibrant streets of Harlem with a goal that would transform hip-hop forever. Alongside his lifelong companion DJ E-Z Rock, whom he had been acquainted with since fourth grade, Base developed an early passion for music after seeing the neighbourhood collective Crash Crew play. “We used to watch them and admired them. We said to ourselves, ‘This is a path that we want to do,'” Base noted in a 2014 conversation with Rolling Stone. Though seven of them initially formed a group, only Base and E-Z Rock possessed the commitment and drive required to work in music full-time, setting them apart from their peers.

The duo’s rise happened shortly after joining Profile Records. After their first tracks “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot,” they put out their debut album, It Takes Two, in 1988. The album’s opening song became an immediate hit, reaching Number Three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and cementing Base and E-Z Rock as major players within the hip-hop landscape. Their subsequent single “Get on the Dance Floor” dominated the same chart, confirming their commercial appeal and artistic credibility. These initial triumphs transformed two Harlem friends into worldwide music professionals, fulfilling their childhood dreams and inspiring countless budding artists.

The Unforeseen Creation of a Classic Piece

“It Takes Two” was constructed around a voice recording from Lyn Collins’ 1972 soul standard “Think (About It),” a smart sampling technique that blended hip-hop with house music sensibilities. Music producer Teddy Riley crafted the song employing a distinctive syncopated rhythm characteristic of New Jack Swing, producing an compelling rhythm that captivated dancefloors and radio stations alike. The song’s message of understanding and respect went beyond conventional hip-hop norms, establishing it as a unifying anthem that united diverse audiences under its irresistible rhythm.

A Working Life Beyond the Duo

Following the enormous success of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, Base launched a solo career that showcased his versatility as an artist and producer. While his post-duo work never quite attained the commercial heights of “It Takes Two,” Base continued working in the music industry, working alongside various artists and exploring different musical directions. His influence extended beyond his own recordings, as he established himself as a respected figure within hip-hop circles, supporting up-and-coming artists and contributing to the genre’s ongoing development throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Base’s impact to hip-hop were celebrated far beyond his chart success. The cultural importance of his work with DJ E-Z Rock meant that his legacy would persist for generations. “It Takes Two” became a staple at clubs, weddings, and celebrations worldwide, covered by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Girl Talk. Base stayed involved with the music community until his death, attending industry events and reflecting on his pioneering role in connecting hip-hop and house music during a period of change.