American hip-hop icon dies @ 59

American hip-hop icon Rob Base has died at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer.
The rapper, born Robert Ginyard, reportedly passed away on Friday surrounded by family members, according to a statement posted on his official Instagram page.
The statement described him as a devoted father, family man and influential figure in music whose legacy inspired generations of fans.

“Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the statement read.
Rob Base rose to global fame as one-half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock. The pair became internationally recognised following the release of their 1988 hit song, “It Takes Two,” which played a major role in bringing hip-hop into mainstream pop culture and club scenes worldwide.
The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Over the years, “It Takes Two” remained a popular cultural anthem, featuring in films, television shows and video games, while also being sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and Black Eyed Peas.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from fans and celebrities. Comedian Dane Cook praised him as a performer who “rocked the microphone,” while former NFL star Deion Sanders described him as “a legend.”
His longtime collaborator, DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney Bryce, died in 2014 at the age of 56 due to complications linked to diabetes.
The duo, who reportedly knew each other since childhood, released their first single, “DJ Interview,” in 1986 before achieving global success with “It Takes Two.”
In a previous interview, Rob Base revealed that the iconic track was created almost by accident after the duo discovered the Lyn Collins sample shortly before recording the song. He admitted he never expected it to become a worldwide hit.
Rob Base is remembered as one of the pioneering figures who helped take hip-hop from the streets of New York to global mainstream audiences.