Rob Base Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Rob Base is an American hip-hop pioneer known for the platinum hit “It Takes Two” and his lasting influence on rap’s crossover appeal.

Introduction

Rob Base (born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967) emerged in the late 1980s from Harlem, New York, and co-created one of the most sampled and enduring party-rap anthems of all time. His ascent to hip-hop prominence laid groundwork for rap’s mainstream break-through. With an estimated net worth of around $500,000, he remains an active performer and cultural figure.  In his personal life, Base once was married to April Ginyard until her passing in September 2013, and his journey reflects both professional highs and real-life trials. 

Quick Facts

“From Harlem Blocks to Platinum Beats”

Born in Harlem, New York, Robert Ginyard’s youth blended the raw energy of urban life with an early fascination for rhyme and rhythm. He and childhood friend DJ E‑Z Rock (Rodney “Skip” Bryce) attended the same public schools in Harlem and began performing together in local hip-hop crews before formalizing their duo in the mid-1980s.

Their breakout came with the track “It Takes Two” (1988), released under Profile Records, which carried a heavy dose of sample-based fun and club readiness. The album of the same name went multi-platinum and remains a hip-hop touchstone. 

Defining moments in Rob Base’s journey include:

• Signing with Profile Records after early singles such as “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot.” 

• The release of “It Takes Two” and its ascension into pop culture ubiquity. 

• The solo turn with his album The Incredible Base (1989) and subsequent efforts. 

• Re-uniting with DJ E-Z Rock for the album Break of Dawn (1994) and later performing on nostalgia tours. 

In weaving these, the story of Rob Base isn’t just about one hit—it’s about standing at a crossroads of hip-hop evolving into chart territory, and carving out a place in that shift.

Main Sources of Wealth

The core pillars of Rob Base’s wealth include:

• Music royalties & publishing – ongoing earnings from “It Takes Two” and other catalogue works.

• Live performances & nostalgia tours – including appearances on “I Love the ’90s”-style line-ups and club events. 

• Licensing & brand usage – the track’s frequent use in commercials, movies and sporting events has added value. 

Note: Figures are approximate and reflect publicly-available information; actual values may vary.

Relationships & Family Life

Rob Base’s personal life has been marked by long-standing partnerships and family commitment. While he keeps many details private, some elements are publicly documented:

• In a relationship with Rhonda Dunbar from around 1986 to 1990; their daughter De’Jené Ginyard was born in 1989. 

• In 1991 he met April (last name Ginyard), and in 1992 they welcomed a son, Robert Ginyard Jr. The couple later became guardians to April’s cousin, Dysell. 

• Rob and April remained married until her passing in September 2013. 

Key insights into Rob Base’s relationships and personal life:

• He values family stability and guardianship of younger relatives, as shown by his role with Dysell.

• His relationship with April lasted through the height of his career and beyond, suggesting a deep personal anchor.

• Rob Base’s public commentary avoids sensationalism—he frames his personal life in terms of commitment rather than celebrity.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Rob Base leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Regular touring and stage appearances, which keep him active in the hip-hop scene and connected to audiences who grew up with his music.

• Engagement in philanthropic or health-related campaigns; for example, a kidney-health initiative built around his signature track “It Takes Two.” 

• Collecting memorabilia and maintaining a classic-era hip-hop repertoire for fans of the ’80s and ’90s revival shows.

• While specific luxury-asset details (cars, homes, etc.) are not publicly deep, his modest net worth suggests a life scaled to performance earnings rather than extravagance.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Evaluating Rob Base’s net worth involves acknowledging the lasting value of his catalogue and his live performance presence. Many wealth-tracking outlets place his net worth at around $500,000.

Breakdown:

Despite the modest figure, it reflects the reality of many legacy artists whose peak earnings were decades ago and who now rely on performance tours and licensing rather than multi-platinum album trends. The consistent presence of his music in media continues to provide residual income, and his touring work keeps his brand alive.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Rob Base is regarded today as one of the artists who helped bridge underground hip-hop with mainstream visibility. His track “It Takes Two” remains a go-to party anthem and cultural shorthand for early boom-era rap crossover. 

He is respected for:

• Maintaining credibility while embracing commercial success.

• Upholding a no-frills, professional attitude towards performance and branding.

• Mentoring or participating in heritage tours that bring ’80s and ’90s hip-hop to new audiences.

His legacy is less in dozens of albums and more in one track’s enduring power, and his public image leans toward a respected elder statesman rather than a contemporary chart-chaser.

Conclusion

The story of Rob Base—born May 18, 1967—illustrates the arc of a young Harlem-based MC who leapt from block parties into platinum records, anchored by the anthem “It Takes Two.” With an estimated net worth of around $500,000, his journey reflects both the rewards and the realities of hip-hop’s evolution. His personal life—marked by his marriage to April and his role as father and guardian—adds another layer to his narrative of commitment beyond the microphone. Rob Base’s birthday serves not just as a milestone but as a reminder: the beats, the rhymes, the legacy—they all take two: the artist and the audience, the past and the present.