Discover the full biography of Rob Base, the legendary “It Takes Two” rapper. Learn about his family, wife, children, career, death, legacy, and impact on hip-hop music.
Who is Rob Base?
Rob Base was an American rapper, performer, and hip-hop pioneer best known as one half of the legendary rap duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. Born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, in Harlem, New York, Rob Base became one of the most recognizable voices in late 1980s hip-hop after the massive success of the classic hit song “It Takes Two.”
For millions of fans around the world, Rob Base represented the fun, energetic, and dance-driven spirit of old-school hip-hop. His music helped introduce rap to mainstream audiences at a time when the genre was still growing globally. With his lively stage presence, catchy lyrics, and unforgettable party anthems, he became one of the most influential entertainers of hip-hop’s golden era.
Quick Facts About Rob Base
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Ginyard |
| Stage Name | Rob Base |
| Birth Date | May 18, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York, USA |
| Profession | Rapper |
| Famous Song | “It Takes Two” |
| Music Partner | DJ E-Z Rock |
| Genre | Hip-Hop, Rap |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | Yes |
| Years Active | 1980s–2026 |
Early Life and Background
Rob Base grew up in Harlem, New York, where he developed a love for music and performance at an early age. While growing up, he met Rodney Bryce, who later became famous as DJ E-Z Rock. The two formed a close friendship during childhood and eventually turned their shared passion for music into a successful career.
Inspired by New York’s rapidly growing hip-hop culture during the 1980s, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock began recording and performing together. Their chemistry, energy, and creative sound quickly attracted attention within the music industry.
The duo eventually signed with Profile Records, one of the labels helping shape early hip-hop music during that period.
Rise to Fame With “It Takes Two”
Rob Base’s life changed forever in 1988 when he and DJ E-Z Rock released “It Takes Two.” Built around a powerful sample from Lyn Collins’ song “Think (About It),” the track exploded into a worldwide hit.
The song became one of the most iconic hip-hop party anthems ever created. Its energetic beat, crowd-hyping lyrics, and dance-floor appeal made it a favorite at clubs, concerts, weddings, sports arenas, and parties around the world.
“It Takes Two” helped push hip-hop further into mainstream pop culture and introduced rap music to audiences who had never fully embraced the genre before. The song later achieved platinum success and continued to influence generations of musicians decades after its release.
Following the success of the hit song, Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock released other popular tracks, including:
- “Joy and Pain”
- “Get on the Dance Floor”
- “Keep It Going Now”
Their music blended rap with dance and house influences, creating a sound that was both unique and timeless.
Solo Career and Continued Success
Although Rob Base became most famous for his work with DJ E-Z Rock, he also pursued a solo career. In 1989, he released his solo album The Incredible Base and remained active in the entertainment industry for decades.
Unlike many artists from his era who faded away from public attention, Rob Base continued performing across the United States and internationally. He became a regular performer on nostalgic music tours such as the I Love the ’90s Tour, where fans celebrated classic hip-hop legends.
Even many years after his peak commercial success, his performances still attracted large crowds because of the lasting popularity of “It Takes Two.”
Family, Wife, and Children
Despite being a famous entertainer, Rob Base kept most of his personal life private.
Reports indicate that he was married to a woman named April for many years. Rob reportedly spoke fondly of their relationship and revealed that he knew her around the time his music career began rising to fame.
After April’s passing in 2013, reports later linked Rob Base to Lynette Blackwell, who was believed to have become his wife in later years.
Rob Base was also a proud father. He had two children:
- De’Jené Ginyard
- Robert Ginyard Jr.
Although the exact ages of his children were not publicly disclosed, both were believed to be adults before his death. Family members and close friends often described him as a caring father who deeply valued family despite his demanding music career.
Net Worth
Most of his earnings reportedly came from:
- Royalties from the classic hit “It Takes Two”
- Live performances and nostalgic hip-hop tours
- Licensing deals for movies, commercials, and TV shows
- Music streaming and sampling credits
One reason Rob Base continued earning money decades after his biggest hit was because “It Takes Two” remained heavily used in pop culture, sports events, films, and advertisements worldwide.
Interesting Things About Rob Base
He Helped Change Party Music Forever
“It Takes Two” became one of the most played party songs in history. The song has remained popular for nearly 40 years and still appears in movies, commercials, sports events, and DJ playlists worldwide.
He and DJ E-Z Rock Were Childhood Friends
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock met while growing up in Harlem and built their music journey together from a young age. Their friendship became one of hip-hop’s memorable partnerships.
He Continued Performing for Decades
Unlike many artists from his era who disappeared from the spotlight, Rob Base continued performing live on nostalgic hip-hop tours and at music festivals even in recent years.
He Quietly Battled Cancer
One of the most surprising parts of his passing was that many fans — and reportedly even some friends — did not know he had been battling cancer privately.
He Also Worked Behind the Scenes
Beyond performing, Rob Base reportedly mentored younger artists and remained involved in entertainment projects, including executive production work in film.
Emotional Legacy
For many fans, Rob Base represented joy, celebration, and the golden age of hip-hop. His music carried a carefree energy that made people dance, smile, and connect with each other.
His death is being seen not only as the loss of an artist but also as the loss of a cultural icon whose music helped shape generations of hip-hop lovers around the world. Even after his passing, songs like “It Takes Two” are expected to continue inspiring artists and entertaining audiences for many years to come.
Death and Final Days (Latest News 2026)
In May 2026, heartbreaking news emerged that Rob Base had passed away at the age of 59 after a private battle with cancer.
Reports stated that he died peacefully surrounded by family shortly after celebrating his birthday. Many fans were shocked because he had largely kept his illness away from the public eye.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from fans, fellow artists, DJs, producers, and celebrities around the world. Many described him as one of the true pioneers who helped hip-hop grow into a global force.
His death was viewed as a painful moment for the music industry, especially for fans of old-school rap and the golden era of hip-hop.
What His Death Means to Hip-Hop
The passing of Rob Base represents more than the loss of a musician. For many people, it marks the loss of one of the artists who helped transform hip-hop from a local street movement into mainstream entertainment.
During the late 1980s, hip-hop was still fighting for wider acceptance. Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock helped change that reality through music that appealed to broad audiences beyond traditional rap listeners.
“It Takes Two” became one of the songs that broke barriers between hip-hop, dance music, and pop culture. Because of this, Rob Base is often remembered as one of the entertainers who made rap music more commercially successful worldwide.
Many artists today continue to sample, remix, and reference his music because of its timeless energy and influence.
Legacy
Rob Base leaves behind a powerful legacy in the history of hip-hop. His music created joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories for generations of fans.
Even after his passing, songs like “It Takes Two” continue to unite people on dance floors, at celebrations, and across popular culture. His contribution to hip-hop remains important because he helped shape an era that laid the foundation for modern rap music.
For fans around the world, Rob Base will always be remembered as one of hip-hop’s greatest party-rocking pioneers — an artist whose music brought people together and whose influence will continue to live on for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old was Rob Base?
Rob Base was 59 years old.
What is Rob Base’s real name?
His real name was Robert Ginyard.
What is Rob Base famous for?
He is famous for the hit song “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock.
Where was Rob Base born?
He was born in Harlem, New York, United States.
Did Rob Base die?
Yes. Reports released in May 2026 stated that he passed away after battling cancer.
Who was DJ E-Z Rock?
DJ E-Z Rock was Rob Base’s longtime friend and music partner. He died in 2014 due to complications related to diabetes.
What genre of music did Rob Base make?
He made hip-hop and rap music, often mixed with dance and house influences.
What is Rob Base’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly confirmed, but celebrity wealth estimates over the years placed his net worth in the low millions, mainly from music royalties, performances, and licensing deals.
Was Rob Base still performing before his death?
Yes. He continued performing at concerts and nostalgic hip-hop tours in recent years.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. All the details cannot be independently verified by Glamtush or its editorial team.
