Rapper Rob Base has died at 59 following a private fight with cancer, according to a statement released by his family on Friday, May 22.
“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 reads. “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.”
Born Robert Ginyard in Harlem, New York, Rob Base became a major figure in late-1980s hip-hop as one-half of the influential duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock alongside childhood friend DJ E-Z Rock (who died in 2014 due to diabetes-related complications.)
The pair broke through nationally in 1988 with “It Takes Two,” a high-energy crossover hit released through Profile Records. Built around a sample of Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It),” the track blended rap and dance influences, helping introduce hip-hop to a wider pop audience. The song became a platinum-selling classic, reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40, and later appeared in films including Love & Basketball, Iron Man 2 and The Proposal, as well as the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The influence of “It Takes Two” continued for decades, including being sampled by Black Eyed Peas on their hit “Rock That Body.”
After the duo’s success, Rob Base launched a solo career with the 1989 album The Incredible Base, which earned gold certification and featured the club favorite “Turn It Out (Go Base).” He later released Break of Dawn in 1994 and continued performing in recent years as part of the I Love the ’90s Tour alongside artists such as Vanilla Ice.
Just days before his death, Base marked his 59th birthday with a final Instagram message that read, “Happy 59th Birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year.”
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