Hip-hop pioneer Rob Base of DJ E-Z Rock duo dies at 59 after private cancer battle
Rob Base of late ’80s hip-hop duo DJ EZ Rock has died at the age of 59, just four days after celebrating his birthday.
Base was one half of the band known for the 1988 hit song It Takes Two.
Harlem-born rapper Robert Ginyard passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account.
The headline began: “Today we share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a private battle with cancer, on May 22, 2026.”
He continued: ‘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 a creative force whose influence will never be forgotten.
‘Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that become the soundtrack to our lives. Rest in peace Rob Base. 18 May 1967 – 22 May 2026.’
Rob Base of late ’80s hip-hop duo DJ EZ Rock has died at the age of 59, just four days after celebrating his birthday; seen in 2023
Harlem-born rapper Robert Ginyard passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account.
Just four days before his death, the music artist celebrated his birthday with a social media post and the caption, “Happy 59th Birthday.” Thank you, God, for letting me see another year.’
Rapper Fat Joe commented on Friday’s post announcing the sad news, writing: ‘I love Rob, I’m so sorry ❤️.’
Base met his musical partner EZ Rock in fifth grade and they became a band in their teenage years.
According to one report, the It Takes Two demo landed them a deal with Profile Records. Diversity.
Their debut album, It Takes Two, peaked at number four on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The project also produced the hit songs Get on the Dance Floor and Joy and Pain.
Base released a solo album, The Incredible Base, in November 1989.
In 1994, he reunited with EZ Rock and released the album Break of Dawn.
Base recently joined Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, Young MC and others on the I Love the 90’s Tour.
Harlem-born rapper Robert Ginyard passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account.
Just four days before his death, the music artist celebrated his birthday with a social media post and the caption, “Happy 59th Birthday.” ‘God, thank you for letting me see another year’
Base was one half of the band known for the 1988 hit song It Takes Two.
Base (L) is seen with friend Kyle Rifkin (R) in a September 2025 Instagram photo.
Production company Funky Base, Inc. He advised emerging artists through.
Base was the executive producer of the horror film Urban Flesh Eaters, which was released last year.
Fans and friends took to Instagram comments on Friday to express their condolences.
Rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: New York star Peter Gunz wrote, ‘Sad day.’ Rest well, brother. See you on the other side.’
DJ and producer Kid Capri said: “WTF?…This sucks.” he commented.
He later wrote in an Instagram post: ‘Rest in peace @robbasemusic and Dj Eze Rock!! I talked to [Rob] A few months ago about cleaning a sample he never called in sick, always a nice guy! Say Eze!’
And one fan shared: ‘RIP Rob Base I’m lost for words. I shot a video singing “it takes two” on my wedding day (5/15) I will play this song forever until my last breath, that’s how much I loved this song.’
