HARLEM rapper Rob Base, one-half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died aged 59.<\/p>\n
The musician, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, passed away after a private battle with cancer, his family announced in a statement.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up to The Irish Sun\u2019s daily newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tThank you!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Rob Base was best known for the hit \u2018It Takes Two\u2019 Credit: WireImage<\/p>\n
Base made up one half of rap group Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Base, best known for the hit \u201cIt Takes Two\u201d, celebrated his birthday just four days ago.<\/p>\n
A statement posted on his social media account read: \u201cRob\u2019s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. <\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Base and E-Z Rock burst into the 1980s mainstream with a unique blend of house music and hip-hop.<\/p>\n
E-Z Rock died from complications of diabetes in 2014.<\/p>\n
Their breakaway hit, \u201cIt Takes Two\u201d, reached number three on the Billboard Hot Dance\/Club Songs chart in 1988.<\/p>\n
What began as a neighbourhood party record from the streets of Harlem blew up into an iconic anthem.<\/p>\n
Rob Base (L) and DJ E-Z Rock perform during the Legends Of Hip Hop Reunion Tour in 2012 Credit: Getty<\/p>\n
Base continued performing in recent years including at the I Love The 90\u2019s tour in 2016 Credit: Getty<\/p>\n
Since its release the track has been sampled by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Black Eyed Peas.<\/p>\n
Base and E-Z Rock met in the fifth grade while growing up in Harlem.<\/p>\n