Rob Base Dies at 59 After Battle With Cancer

Rob Base, the hip-hop artist known for the 1988 hit song It Takes Two, has died at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer.

According to a statement shared on his Instagram page, the artist, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026.

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.

Statement from Rob Base’s Instagram page

The announcement noted that Base passed away peacefully while surrounded by family.

Career and Musical Legacy

Base rose to international prominence in the late 1980s alongside DJ E-Z Rock. Their most famous track, It Takes Two, featured an infectious beat that sampled Lyn Collins’ song Think (About It) and became one of the most recognized party anthems in hip-hop history.

The song was part of a debut studio album of the same name, which achieved platinum certification. According to Billboard, the single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988.

Other notable tracks from the debut album included Joy and Pain and Get on the Dance Floor.

The influence of Base’s work extended to subsequent generations of artists. It Takes Two was later sampled in various tracks, including the 1991 song Suckas Need Bodyguards by Gang Starr, the 2009 single I Wanna Rock by Snoop Dogg, and Overtime by Girl Time.

Collaborations and Personal History

Base and DJ E-Z Rock first met in grade school in Harlem. While the duo eventually parted ways after their initial success, they reunited in 1994 to release their second and final studio album, Break of Dawn.

DJ E-Z Rock died on April 27, 2014, from complications related to diabetes.

The statement regarding Base’s death concluded by thanking the artist for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.