Rob Base, the pioneering rapper best known for the infectious 1988 hip-hop classic It Takes Two, has died at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer.

The musician, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, passed away on Friday — just days after celebrating his 59th birthday — surrounded by family, according to a statement posted on his official Instagram account.

“Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the post read. “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.”

Base, a Harlem native, rose to fame alongside his musical partner DJ E-Z Rock with the release of It Takes Two. The high-energy track became a massive crossover hit, climbing charts, earning platinum certification, and helping bring hip-hop into mainstream dance clubs and pop culture.

The song has been sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, featured in major films such as The Proposal, and even appeared in the iconic video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Rob Base’s passing marks the end of an era for one of hip-hop’s most joyful and energetic voices. It Takes Two wasn’t just a hit — it was a cultural moment that helped bridge hip-hop from the streets to the global stage, encouraging people everywhere to get up and dance.

Behind the high-energy performances, Base was remembered as a loving father, family man, and creative force. Tributes poured in quickly from across the entertainment world, with comedian Dane Cook writing, “He WAS internationally known and he DID rock the microphone,” and NFL legend Deion Sanders calling him “a legend to me.”

His longtime partner DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce) passed away in 2014, making this loss feel even more poignant for fans of the duo.

While Base’s music brought pure fun and positivity to millions, his battle with cancer was kept largely private until the end. His legacy, however, remains loud and clear — a reminder of how one infectious track can define a generation and keep people moving for decades.