Rob Base died Friday surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer. He was 59 years old, having celebrated his birthday just days before his death.
A statement posted to his Instagram page confirmed his passing. "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," the statement read. It closed with, "Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."
Earlier in the week, Base had posted a birthday message on Instagram that read, "Happy 59th Birthday to me ... God thank you for allowing me to see another year."
Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, grew up in Harlem and first met his future music partner, DJ E-Z Rock, in grade school. Together they recorded "It Takes Two," released in 1988, which sampled Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)." According to Billboard, the song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart that year. The album of the same name reached platinum certification. Other tracks on the album included "Joy and Pain" and "Get on the Dance Floor."
The song's reach extended beyond its initial run. Snoop Dogg sampled it on his 2009 single "I Wanna Rock," and Gang Starr used it on the 1991 track "Suckas Need Bodyguards."
After the success of the debut album, Base and DJ E-Z Rock parted ways before reuniting in 1994 to record their second and final studio album together, "Break of Dawn." In between, Base released a solo album in 1989, "The Incredible Base," which reached No. 50 on the Billboard 200 and No. 20 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
DJ E-Z Rock died on April 27, 2014, from complications related to diabetes. At the time, Base spoke to Rolling Stone about their friendship. "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," Base said.
With Base's death, both members of the duo that created one of the most sampled and recognized songs in hip-hop history are now gone.
