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Rob Base, member of Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock, died just days after his 59th birthday.
A joint post was shared on Instagram on Friday announcing that Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, died after 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 his family after a private battle with cancer,” the statement begins.
Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock perform on “Soul Train” in 1989. (Soul Train via Getty Images)
He continued: “Rob's music, energy and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions of people around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.
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“Thank you for the music, the memories and the moments that became the soundtrack of our lives,” the statement concludes.
“Rob's music, energy and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions of people around the world.”
Many celebrities flooded the “It Takes Two” hitmaker's comments section.
Kid Capri, DJ and record producer, commented: “WTF? I was on the phone with him a couple of months ago to get a sample, he didn't say anything about him being sick!!! This is terrible smh.”
Rob Base appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in Los Angeles on February 22, 2022. (RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Easy Mo Bee wrote: “RIP ROB BASE 🙏❤️🕊 Much love and condolences to his family and loved ones. God bless and keep them.”
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Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock rose to fame with their 1988 smash hit “It Takes Two,” a song that blended rap, dance, and funk samples into a high-energy party anthem.
Rapper Rob Base, also known as Robert Ginyard, posed for a portrait wearing a sweatshirt with his image in New York City on January 9, 1989. (Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
The track became a major crossover hit, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually being certified platinum. It remains one of the most influential hip-hop songs ever created and has been sampled and featured in films, commercials, sporting events and television shows for decades.
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Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock knew each other since childhood and began performing together in Harlem before signing record contracts. DJ EZ Rock died in 2014 due to complications from diabetes.
Rob Base records vocals for the remix of “It Takes Two” at Greene Street Studios in New York City on January 18, 1989. (Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Even after the height of his commercial success, Base continued to tour and perform on nostalgic hip-hop tours such as the “I Love the '90s Tour.” He also mentored younger artists through his company, Funky Base Inc., according to Page Six.
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