Mourning the death of Rob Base, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

Senate Resolution No. 2258

BY: Senator CLEARE

        MOURNING  the  death  of  Rob  Base, distinguished
        citizen and devoted member of his community

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework served to  enhance  the
quality  of  life  in their communities and the great State of New York;
and

  WHEREAS, On Friday, May 22, 2026, Rob Base,  of  Harlem,  New  York,
died at the age of 59; and

  WHEREAS,  Rob  Base  was born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967; in the
fourth grade, he relocated from the Bronx to Harlem in  Manhattan  where
he  became a classmate of future rapper, DJ E-Z Rock; he attended Harlem
public schools and loved music;  influenced  by  rap,  he  performed  in
talent shows and as many open mic or hip-hop events as possible; and

  WHEREAS,  Rob  Base  and DJ E-Z Rock became a hip-hop duo, releasing
their first single album in the United States, "DJ Interview," in  1986;
their  first Profile release was "It Takes Two" which quickly climbed to
number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988; later,
it was certified platinum status by the Recording  Industry  Association
of America (RIAA) seven times; and

  WHEREAS, The track has been sampled by other performers and featured
in  films  and video games; 20 years later, in 2008, the song was ranked
number 37 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop;  additionally,  it  is
credited  with  helping  to  take hip-hop to mainstream success in dance
clubs and the pop charts; and

  WHEREAS, Rob  Base'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; he is known for being a pioneer of
the   crossover  success  that  rap  music  had  in  the  popular  music
mainstream; and

  WHEREAS, Rob Base leaves behind a legacy which will long endure  the
passage  of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn the death of Rob Base; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Rob Base.