Iconic 90s rapper Rob Base has passed away at the age of 59 after a private battle with cancer. The It Takes Two singer, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, shot to fame as part of the hip hop duo 'Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock'. The rapper celebrated his birthday just four days ago.

According to a statement released by his family on his social media account, it 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 whoe impact will never be forgotten. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."

Rob and E-Z Rock met in school while growing up in Harlem and later built their rap career from the ground up after recording early demos together. The pair sprung to fame in 1988 with the realse of It Takes Two. The song climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Since its release, the track has been sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and appeared in films like the 2009 hit romantic comedy The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The song was also featured in the iconic video game series Grand Theft Auto in its San Andreas release in 2004.

E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney Bryce, died in April 2014 from diabetes related complications, aged 56.

In 2023, Rob said their working relationship as 'magic'. He said: "It Takes Two came together quickly. We went into 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 'internationlly known'."

Tributes poured in for Rob on Friday evening. Comedian Dane Cook wrote on X: "He WAS internationally known and he DID rock the microphone. One of my favorite songs ever. Rob Base filled the airwaves with hit music. RIP man."

NFL Hall-of-Fame football star Deion Sanders said: "Prayers to Rob Base entire family and loved ones. He was a legend to me."