Hip-Hop Legend Rob Base Passes Away at 59 After Battle with Cancer
Rob Base, known for the hit 'It Takes Two' as one half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer. His music and legacy have left an indelible mark on hip-hop.
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Rob Base, who passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the age of 59. The news was shared on his official Instagram account, revealing that the Harlem native had been privately battling cancer.
The statement on Rob Base's Instagram read: “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 family further acknowledged his profound impact: “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.”
Rob Base (born Robert Ginyard) and DJ E-Z Rock became a prominent force in hip-hop in the late 1980s. Their iconic track “It Takes Two,” released in 1988 via Profile Records, became a crossover hit, reaching No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving platinum certification by the RIAA.
“It Takes Two” has remained a cultural touchstone, sampled by The Black Eyed Peas for their hit “Rock That Body” and featured in films such as Love & Basketball, The Proposal, Iron Man 2, The Disaster Artist, and Hey Arnold! The Movie, as well as the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The duo followed up with “Get on the Dance Floor,” which sampled The Jacksons and topped Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. They also reached the Hot 100 with “Joy and Pain,” peaking at No. 58 in 1989.
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock released two albums together: 1988’s It Takes Two and 1994’s Break of Dawn. Base also released a solo album, The Incredible Base, in 1989.
DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce) passed away in 2014 due to complications from diabetes. Base continued to perform, including as part of the I Love the 90’s Tour with Vanilla Ice and other artists.
Beyond music, Base executive produced the horror film Urban Flesh Eaters in 2025.
His final public message was a celebration of his 59th birthday on Instagram, where he wrote, “Happy 59th Birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year.”
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Listen to Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
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