HARLEM rapper Rob Base, one-half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died aged 59.
The musician, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, passed away after a private battle with cancer, his family announced in a statement.
Base, best known for the hit “It Takes Two”, celebrated his birthday just four days ago.
A statement posted on his social media account read: “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.
“Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
Base and E-Z Rock brought a unique blend of house music and hip-hop to the mainstream in the 1980s.
E-Z Rock died from complications of diabetes in 2014.
Their breakaway hit, “It Takes Two”, reached number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988.
What began as a neighbourhood party record from the streets of Harlem blew up into an iconic anthem.
Since its release the track has been sampled by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Black Eyd Peas.
Base and E-Z Rock met in the fifth grade while growing up in Harlem.
They became inspired to form a duo as teenagers leading Base to buy a mic and E-Z Rock a mixer and turntables.
More recently, Base continued performing on the “I Love the ’90s Tour” alongside acts like Vanilla Ice and Young MC.
He also mentored up-and-coming artists under his company Funky Base inc.
Base also worked as an executive producer on the horror film “Urban Flesh Easters”, released last year.
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