Rob Base died on Friday (May 22) just days after turning 59 years old. The “It Takes Two” rapper’s family announced on his Instagram account that the Harlem native, who made up one-half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died following a private battle with cancer.
“Today, we share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer,” the statement began.
The rapper’s family 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. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives. Rest in Paradise, Rob Base. May 18, 1967 – May 22, 2026.”
Childhood friends Rob Base (born Robert Ginyard) and DJ E-Z Rock rose to prominence in the late 1980s, and the duo’s breakout came in 1988 with “It Takes Two” via Profile Records, which hit the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 36 and spending 16 weeks on the chart. The crossover hit is certified platinum by the RIAA.
Black Eyed Peas sampled “It Takes Two” for their top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Rock That Boy,” and the single was also played in plenty of movies like Love & Basketball, The Proposal, Iron Man 2, The Disaster Artist, Hey Arnold! The Movie and was part of a radio station in 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
“It Takes Two” was followed up by The Jacksons-sampling “Get on the Dance Floor,” which topped Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart. Rob and E-Z Rock returned to the Hot 100 for a second and final time with “Joy and Pain,” which peaked at No. 58 in July 1989.
The Harlem duo released a pair of albums together with 1988’s It Takes Two (No. 31 Billboard 200 peak, No. 4 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums peak), and Break of Dawn in 1994. Base dropped one solo album in his career, which came in 1989 with The Incredible Base (No. 50 Billboard 200 peak, No. 20 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums peak).
DJ E-Z Rock (born Rodney Bryce) died in 2014 due to complications related to diabetes, while Base continued their musical legacy in the years since, as he performed as part of the I Love the 90’s Tour with Vanilla Ice and other acts.
Base even extended his reach into Hollywood, where he executive produced the horror movie Urban Flesh Eaters in 2025.
Rob Base’s final public statement came earlier this week when celebrating his 59th birthday with a post to Instagram on May 18. “Happy 59th Birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year,” he wrote.
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