Rob Bass, the rapper who was one half of the rap duo with DJ EZ Rock that created the hit song “It Takes Two,” has died. He was 59 years old.
The rapper, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, passed away on Friday after a private battle with cancer, according to a statement shared on his Instagram.
“Rob’s music, energy and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions of people around the world,” the post reads. “Off stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend and creative force whose influence will never be forgotten.”
He concluded by saying, “Thank you for the music, memories, and moments that have become the soundtrack of our lives.”
Bass’ influence was quickly felt in the music industry, with stars paying their respects in the comments section below the post.
“What do you mean? I was just on the phone with him a few months ago to get a sample and he didn’t say anything about being sick!!! This is awful,” Kid Capri wrote.
Fat Joe added, “Love you Rob and I’m so sorry,” while DJ Jazzy Jeff commented, “Rest in peace little brother 💔💔💔.”
The rapper had just celebrated his 59th birthday four days before his death, and shared an Instagram post celebrating his special day, writing, “Thank you for allowing me to celebrate another year 🙏🏾.”
Bass rose to fame in 1988 with the smash hit “It Takes Two” along with musical partner DJ EZ Rock (who died in 2014 at the age of 46).
The single eventually became a definitive anthem within the hip-hop genre and was later sampled by artists such as Snoop Dogg in his 2009 song “I Wanna Rock” and the Black Eyed Peas sampling the song in their 2009 song “Rock Your Body.”
The song was also sampled in the 1993 song “I Wanna Rock” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith).
The song is also famous for being used in movies such as 2000’s “Love & Basketball,” 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” and 2018’s “Bumblebee.”
Rob Bass and DJ EZ Rock were also known for songs like “Get on the Dance Floor” and “Joy and Pain.”
In recent years, Bass was a performer on the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” performing shows alongside 90’s mainstays like Vanilla Ice and Young MC.
He also mentors the next generation of artists through his company, Funky Base, Inc.
