What's happened
Robert “Base” Ginyard, known for It Takes Two with DJ E‑Z Rock, has died at 59. His death is confirmed in multiple outlets; the duo’s 1988 hit helped bring hip‑hop and house into the mainstream and the song remains influential.
What's behind the headline?
Key takeaways
- The passing of Base has been reported across major outlets following an Instagram post. The piece underscores that It Takes Two remains a cultural touchstone and continues to influence artists and productions in hip‑hop and pop culture.
- Coverage emphasizes the duo’s origins in Harlem and their impact on mainstream recognition for hip‑hop/house fusions.
- Several outlets note Sample usage and continued relevance of the track in media and advertising, illustrating the song’s lasting footprint.
What this means
- The death closes a chapter in late‑80s hip‑hop history, while the song’s legacy likely prompts renewed attention to the genre’s cross‑pollination with dance music.
- The reporting frames Base’s career in the context of a broader Harlem music lineage and its ongoing influence on contemporary artists.
How we got here
Base, real name Robert Ginyard, emerged from Harlem in the late 1980s as part of Rob Base & DJ E‑Z Rock. Their 1988 hit It Takes Two became a landmark blend of hip‑hop and house, later certified platinum and widely sampled. He is survived by family and friends; DJ E‑Z Rock, his longtime partner, died in 2014.
Our analysis
AP News notes Base’s death and cites his Instagram statement; The New York Times highlights the track’s status in Rolling Stone’s list of 500 greatest songs and its platinum certification; The Guardian and The Independent reference the duo’s early success and subsequent influence; NY Post adds context about Base’s CTRL Escape Tour.
Go deeper
- What other late‑80s hip‑hop acts are seeing renewed interest?
- How has It Takes Two influenced recent productions or samples in pop culture?