‘It Takes Two’ rapper Rob Base dies at 59

Rapper Rob Base, best known for the 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” died at age 59 on May 22, 2026, after a private battle with cancer, as announced on his Instagram. Born Robert Ginyard, the Harlem native was a prominent figure in 1980s hip-hop and, as part of a duo with DJ E-Z Rock, produced the platinum-certified single that has been sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg. His social media statement remembered him as a loving father and creative force whose musical legacy helped shape a generation.

Rapper Rob Base died Friday at age 59 after a cancer diagnosis, according to a post on his social media. The artist, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, was a prominent figure in the ‘80s hip-hop scene and is best known for the 1988 hit “It Takes Two.” His death was announced on his Instagram. “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 said. He was credited in the statement for a musical legacy that “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,” the statement said. He had celebrated his 59th birthday on Monday. The rapper, who hailed from Harlem, was part of a hip-hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock. Their major hit, “It Takes Two,” which blends hip-hop and house music, rose to No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been sampled by other artists, including Snoop Dogg’s “I Wanna Rock” and The Black Eyed Peas’ “Rock That Body.” It has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name is Rodney “Skip” Bryce, died in 2014. Base was still performing onstage and was part of the “I Love the ‘90s Tour,” which featured fellow rap icons Vanilla Ice and Young MC. He was also the executive producer of the 2025 independent film “Urban Flesh Eaters,” according to his IMDb profile.