Rob Base has died at age 59 after a private battle with cancer. The news was publicly announced on May 22, 2026, via statements from his family on social media, just days after his 59th birthday. He is best known as one half of the duo Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock, with the 1988 hit "It Takes Two" helping define late-80s hip-hop.[1][3]
Key points
- Confirmed death: May 22, 2026, as per family statement.
- Cause of death: Private battle with cancer reported by the family.
- Age and legacy: Died at 59; creator of the influential track "It Takes Two" with DJ EZ Rock.
- Context: News outlets and social media posts from around May 2026 reported the passing, with follow-up coverage memorializing his impact on hip-hop.[4][6][1]
What to know next
- If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of reported tributes and notable reactions from artists and outlets, or compile a brief memorial-style summary with quotes from the family statement.[3][1]
- I can also provide brief background on Rob Base’s career and his collaboration with DJ EZ Rock, or help locate reputable tributes and memorial services updates as they become available.[9][1]
Sources
Rob Base, one of hip-hop's most enduring voices and the man behind one of the genre's defining anthems, has died at the age of 59.The rapper, real name Robert Ginyard, passed away on Friday following a private battle with...
www.geo.tvDays after celebrating his birthday, the hip-hop legend’s family shared heartbreaking news.
parade.comSadly, Hip Hop has lost one of its pioneers, as it's reported that Rob Base has died after a private cancer battle.
www.hotnewhiphop.comRob Base, the rapper known for his hit song "It Takes Two," has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 59.
abcnews.comRob Base cause of death: Hip-hop pioneer Rob Base, celebrated for the 1988 hit "It Takes Two," has died at 59 after a private battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed on May 22, 2026, just days after his birthday. Rob Base's music significantly influenced a generation, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
economictimes.indiatimes.comRob Base, best known for the 1988 hit "It Takes Two," died at age 59 after battling cancer.
abcnews.com