Iconic hip-hop pioneer, ‘It Takes Two’ singer, dead at 59: His ‘legacy helped shape a generation’
Rapper celebrated his birthday just four days ago.
Liam Carter 
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. Rob Base, the influential rapper best remembered for his iconic collaboration with DJ E-Z Rock, has passed away at the age of 59.
A Legacy That Shaped a Generation
Base, who celebrated his birthday just four days prior to his passing, died on Friday following a private battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death, as reported by Variety.
A heartfelt statement shared on his Instagram account paid tribute to the artist's enduring influence: “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.”
Bridging Hip-Hop and Mainstream Success
According to Variety, Base played a vital role in the evolution of music in the 1980s, acting as an instrumental force in cross-pollinating hip-hop and house music to bring the genres to the mainstream.
His career reached massive heights in 1988 when his hit anthem “It Takes Two” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. He followed that success by topping the same chart with “Get on the Dance Floor.”
The cultural footprint of “It Takes Two” has extended well beyond the decade of its release, remaining a staple in popular culture and appearing in hit films such as 2009’s “The Proposal” and 2010’s “Iron Man 2.”
