Rob Base, rapper on hip-hop staple "It Takes Two", dies aged 59

The artist, born Robert Ginyard, died on 22 May, a statement shared to his Instagram account confirmed.

“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” the statement read. “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”

Base and his musical partner DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce) forever changed the landscape of late‑’80s hip-hop with their 1988 single "It Takes Two". Built around the “Think” drum break – sampled from Lyn Collins’ 1972 James Brown-produced track "Think (About It)" – the song’s call-and-response energy and Base’s opening bars became some of the most recognisable in rap. It peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and went multi‑platinum, with its DNA later surfacing in records by everyone from Snoop Dogg and Skepta to Black Eyed Peas and Ciara. It was ranked number 37 on VH1's 100 greatest songs of hip hop in 2008 and made Questlove’s Top 50 Hip Hop Songs of All Time for Rolling Stone.

The duo followed up their debut with Break of Dawn in 1994 and continued to perform. He was booked to perform at Pass the Mic Live at Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City and the Rock the Bells cruise later this year.