‘80s Hip-Hop Legend Dead at 59

robbasemusic and robginyard_jr / robbasemusic and robginyard_jr/InstagramHip-hop pioneer Rob Base died Friday after a battle with cancer. He celebrated his 59th birthday on Monday. “We share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully, surrounded by family,” said a statement on his Instagram account. “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,” the tribute added. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.” The Harlem-born rapper, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, was half of the iconic hip-hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney “Skip” Bryce), who became pals in fifth grade. The pair paved a path mixing hip hop and house music, and taking it mainstream. Their best-known song was the smash 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” which has since been honored by Snoop Dogg in his “I Wanna Rock” and The Black Eyed Peas in “Rock That Body.” Base continued to perform after E-Z’s death in 2014, and performed on the I Love the ‘90s Tour with fellow rap icons Vanilla Ice and Young MC.Read more at The Daily Beast.