Hit songwriter and rapper Rob Base dies aged 59

Artist of the 1980s-era hit song It Takes Two, Rob Base, has died after an extended bout with cancer. He was 59.

The artist, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, passed away just days after his 59th birthday, on 18 May, according to a post on his official Instagram account.

He died "surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer", the post said.

"Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives," it continued.

"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, Rob 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 No 3 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 Eyed Peas, and appeared in films like the 2009 hit romantic comedy The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

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