HARLEM rapper Rob Base, one-half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died aged 59.

The musician, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, passed away after a private battle with cancer, his family announced in a statement.

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Rob Base was best known for the hit ‘It Takes Two’ Credit: WireImage

Base made up one half of rap group Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock Credit: Getty Images

Base, best known for the hit “It Takes Two”, celebrated his birthday just four days ago.

A statement posted on his social media account read: “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.”

Base and E-Z Rock burst into the 1980s mainstream with a unique blend of house music and hip-hop.

E-Z Rock died from complications of diabetes in 2014.

Their breakaway hit, “It Takes Two”, reached number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988.

What began as a neighbourhood party record from the streets of Harlem blew up into an iconic anthem.

Rob Base (L) and DJ E-Z Rock perform during the Legends Of Hip Hop Reunion Tour in 2012 Credit: Getty

Base continued performing in recent years including at the I Love The 90’s tour in 2016 Credit: Getty

Since its release the track has been sampled by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Black Eyed Peas.

Base and E-Z Rock met in the fifth grade while growing up in Harlem.

In a 2023 interview with Medium, Base described their working relationship as “magic”.

He said: “It Takes Two came together quickly.

“We went in the studio and was able to complete it in a day.

“I remember us thinking we made a song just for our hood, never knowing it would become ‘internationally known’.”

More recently, Base continued performing on the “I Love the ’90s Tour” alongside acts like Vanilla Ice and Young MC.

He told the outlet: “My career has been amazing.

“I have spent the last 35 years doing what I love and I always want to stay humble and be appreciative of every person that loves me and my music.”

Base also mentored up-and-coming artists under his company Funky Base inc.

And he worked as an executive producer on the horror film “Urban Flesh Eaters”, released last year.