Rob Base, the rapper best known for the hip-hop classic ‘It Takes Two’, has died at the age of 59.
The news was confirmed in a statement shared via his Instagram account, which said: “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.”
“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” it added. “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.”
Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, rose to prominence as one half of New York duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, with his longtime collaborator having died in 2014 following complications from diabetes.
The pair found major success in the late ‘80s, helping to push hip-hop further into the mainstream with their breakthrough 1988 anthem ‘It Takes Two’.
Based around a sample of Lyn Collins’ 1972 track ‘Think (About It)’, it blended rap, house and pop to become a crossover hit, reaching Number Three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earning platinum status in the US. It would go on to be sampled by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and Gang Starr.
Born in Harlem on May 18, 1967, Base met DJ E-Z Rock – real name Rodney ‘Skip’ Bryce – in while the pair were still in school and they quickly began recording together, signing with Profile Records in 1987. Their debut album ‘It Takes Two’ also featured ‘DJ Interview’, ‘Joy and Pain’ and ‘Get On The Dance Floor’, establishing them as a major new name in hip-hop.
Base released a solo album ‘The Incredible Base’ in 1989 before reuniting with DJ E-Z Rock for 1994’s ‘Break Of Dawn’.
In later years, he continued to tour regularly as part of hip-hop package tours, and had been scheduled to appear on the Rock The Bells cruise later this year.
DJ Jazzy Jeff was one of those to pay tribute to Base after the news was shared, writing: “Rest Well My Brother”. Fat Joe added: “Love Rob I’m so sorry.”
Base is survived by his children, De’Jene Ginyard and Robert Ginyard Jr.