Rap star Rob Base, known for hip-hop classic It Takes Two, dies aged 59

Rap artist Rob Base, best known for the 1980s hip-hop classic It Takes Two, has died after a bout of cancer aged 59. The musician, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, created the hit song with his musical partner DJ E-Z Rock, and it is credited with helping to take hip-hop to mainstream success in dance clubs and the pop charts. Base died "surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer" on Friday, just days after his 59th birthday, according to a post on his official Instagram account. "Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives," it said. "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 whose impact will never be forgotten." A Harlem native, Base was part of a hip-hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock, a musical force that sprung to fame in 1988 with the release of It Takes Two. The song quickly climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The track has been sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black