Rapper and Hip-Hop Pioneer
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Robert Ginyard's life.
Robert was born
· New York City, New York, USA
Relationship
After moving from the Bronx in the fourth grade, Robert Ginyard met Rodney 'Skip' Bryce in the fifth grade while attending public school in Harlem. This meeting established a lifelong friendship and musical partnership that would eventually define the hip-house genre. The pair began their musical journey together as children, performing in a local group called the Sureshot Seven.
Relationship
After moving from the Bronx in the fourth grade, Robert Ginyard met Rodney 'Skip' Bryce in the fifth grade while attending public school in Harlem. This meeting established a lifelong friendship and musical partnership that would eventually define the hip-house genre. The pair began their musical journey together as children, performing in a local group called the Sureshot Seven.
Career Milestone
Ginyard and Bryce released their first professional single, DJ Interview, on the World to World label. This release marked their official entry into the New York music scene and caught the attention of major industry players. The success of the single led to the duo signing a significant recording contract with Profile Records the following year.
Career Milestone
Ginyard and Bryce released their first professional single, DJ Interview, on the World to World label. This release marked their official entry into the New York music scene and caught the attention of major industry players. The success of the single led to the duo signing a significant recording contract with Profile Records the following year.
Award/Honor
The duo released their landmark single It Takes Two, which became a multi-platinum hit and a staple of global pop culture. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and was later named the greatest single of all time by Spin magazine. Its innovative use of funk samples helped pioneer the hip-house movement.
Award/Honor
The duo released their landmark single It Takes Two, which became a multi-platinum hit and a staple of global pop culture. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and was later named the greatest single of all time by Spin magazine. Its innovative use of funk samples helped pioneer the hip-house movement.
Career Milestone
Ginyard launched his solo career with the release of the album The Incredible Base in November. This period also saw the release of the hit single Joy and Pain, which further solidified his status as a leading voice in hip-hop. His debut album with DJ E-Z Rock was officially certified platinum by the RIAA during this same year.
Career Milestone
Ginyard launched his solo career with the release of the album The Incredible Base in November. This period also saw the release of the hit single Joy and Pain, which further solidified his status as a leading voice in hip-hop. His debut album with DJ E-Z Rock was officially certified platinum by the RIAA during this same year.
Family
Ginyard's wife, April, passed away in September after more than 20 years of marriage. The loss was a significant turning point for Ginyard, who had relied on her support throughout his rise to fame and his transition to a solo artist. He showed great resilience in the years following her death, focusing on his role as a father to their two children.
Family
Ginyard's wife, April, passed away in September after more than 20 years of marriage. The loss was a significant turning point for Ginyard, who had relied on her support throughout his rise to fame and his transition to a solo artist. He showed great resilience in the years following her death, focusing on his role as a father to their two children.
Career Milestone
Ginyard served as the guest DJ at the MSNBC White House Correspondents' Dinner, a high-profile event that showcased his enduring cultural relevance. This appearance highlighted his ability to bridge the gap between the hip-hop community and mainstream political and media circles. It served as a testament to the longevity of his career and his broad appeal across different generations.
Career Milestone
Ginyard served as the guest DJ at the MSNBC White House Correspondents' Dinner, a high-profile event that showcased his enduring cultural relevance. This appearance highlighted his ability to bridge the gap between the hip-hop community and mainstream political and media circles. It served as a testament to the longevity of his career and his broad appeal across different generations.
Death
Robert Ginyard celebrated his 59th birthday on May 18, sharing a final message of gratitude and faith with his followers. He passed away four days later on May 22, 2026, while surrounded by his family. His death marked the end of a career defined by humility, passion, and a deep love for the Harlem community where he first found his voice.
Death
Robert Ginyard celebrated his 59th birthday on May 18, sharing a final message of gratitude and faith with his followers. He passed away four days later on May 22, 2026, while surrounded by his family. His death marked the end of a career defined by humility, passion, and a deep love for the Harlem community where he first found his voice.
Robert Ginyard passed away
