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

Rob Base, the legendary hip-hop artist famous for the landmark 1988 single “It Takes Two,” has passed away at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer. The announcement was announced on Friday, May 22, via his official Instagram account, which honoured the trailblazing musician’s profound influence on multiple generations of musicians and listeners worldwide. Base rose to prominence as a member of the iconic partnership Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, whose distinctive fusion of hip-hop and house music fundamentally shaped the sound of late-1980s mainstream music. “It Takes Two,” built around a sampled vocal from Lyn Collins’ 1972 song “Think (About It),” became a cultural sensation that extended far beyond the music industry, securing its place as one of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of all time.

The Individual At the Heart of the Megahit

Born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, Rob Base was raised in Harlem with his musical collaborator DJ E-Z Rock, whom he had met since the age of nine. The pair were inspired by a neighbourhood band called Crash Crew, whose shows mesmerised the young musicians and ignited their ambitions to pursue hip-hop as a career. “We used to observe them and admired 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 created a bigger group with seven members, only Base and E-Z Rock maintained the committed effort required 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 launched their first album, also titled It Takes Two. The album and its powerful opening song rapidly gained traction in clubs and rose up the rankings, with the record hitting Number Four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “It Takes Two” itself ascended to 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 infectious groove and broad appeal of understanding and respect resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing Base and E-Z Rock as pioneers of a new sound.

• Early companions who met in Harlem during the fourth grade
• Motivated by neighbourhood hip-hop collective Crash Crew to pursue music
• Signed to Profile Records following putting out initial tracks
• First album reached fourth position on Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart

A Tradition That Defined Multiple Generations

The impact of “It Takes Two” reached well past its initial chart performance, establishing itself as a defining reference point for hip-hop artists over many years. Celebrated performers such as Snoop Dogg, Gang Starr, Girl Talk, and 2NE1 drew from the track, incorporating its infectious groove into their original work and showcasing its sustained relevance. The song’s timeless theme of solidarity and mutual regard struck a chord with generations, motivating producers and rappers to revisit and reimagine Base’s masterpiece. Its role within hip-hop culture grew so dominant that Questlove chose it for his best 50 Hip Hop Songs of All Time list, whilst Rolling Stone positioned it as number 24 on their best hip-hop songs in history.

Beyond critical acclaim, “It Takes Two” achieved the rare distinction of transcending the music industry completely. The track appeared in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, introducing the song to gaming audiences worldwide. It featured prominently in Sandra Bullock’s 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal, presenting Base’s creation to general film audiences. The song also appeared in Marvel’s 2001 film Iron Man, cementing its status as a cultural landmark that influenced entertainment across multiple mediums. This cross-platform presence showcased the universal appeal of Base’s work and its ability to enhance varied creative endeavours.

Cultural Influence Beyond Music

Rob Base’s “It Takes Two” went beyond traditional music boundaries, becoming a cultural force that shaped film, TV, and gaming sectors. The track’s compelling vitality and uplifting tone made it an perfect fit for filmmakers and game developers looking for authentic hip-hop representation. From major motion pictures to interactive entertainment, Base’s work provided a musical foundation to numerous occasions in popular culture, ensuring its relevance remained constant across generations and mediums.

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

From Harlem Dreams to Chart Success

Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard on 18 May 1967, came out of the lively neighbourhoods of Harlem with a goal that would transform hip-hop forever. Alongside his lifelong companion DJ E-Z Rock, whom he had known since fourth grade, Base developed an strong interest for music after watching the neighbourhood collective Crash Crew perform. “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 interview with Rolling Stone. Though seven of them initially formed a group, only Base and E-Z Rock had the commitment and drive required to work in music full-time, setting them apart from their peers.

The duo’s rise happened swiftly after signing to Profile Records. After their first tracks “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot,” they put out their first album, It Takes Two, in 1988. The album’s opening song turned into an instant sensation, ascending to Number Three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and establishing Base and E-Z Rock as major players within the hip-hop scene. Their next release “Get on the Dance Floor” dominated the same chart, confirming their market success and creative legitimacy. These early successes turned two Harlem mates into international recording artists, fulfilling their childhood dreams and inspiring countless budding artists.

The Unforeseen Creation of a Classic Work

“It Takes Two” was built upon a voice recording from Lyn Collins’ 1972 soul classic “Think (About It),” a smart sampling technique that blended hip-hop with house music elements. Music producer Teddy Riley crafted the song using a unique jump-up syncopation reminiscent of New Jack Swing, creating an compelling rhythm that engaged radio stations and dancefloors alike. The song’s message of understanding and respect went beyond conventional hip-hop conventions, positioning it as a unifying anthem that united diverse audiences under its irresistible rhythm.

A Career Path Beyond the Duo

Following the substantial success of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, Base launched a solo career that demonstrated his versatility as an artist and producer. While his solo output never quite attained the commercial heights of “It Takes Two,” Base stayed involved in the music industry, working alongside various artists and investigating 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 sustained growth throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Base’s contributions to hip-hop were celebrated far beyond his chart success. The cultural significance of his work with DJ E-Z Rock meant that his legacy would continue for generations. “It Takes Two” proved to be a staple at clubs, weddings, and celebrations worldwide, covered by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Girl Talk. Base kept ties to the music community until his death, participating in industry gatherings and reflecting on his pioneering role in linking hip-hop and house music during a transformative era.