Rob Base of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock dies at 59 after cancer battle
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Rob Base, member of Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock, passed away a few days after his 59th birthday.
a partner Instagram post On Friday, a post was made announcing that Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, passed away after a private battle with cancer.
“Today, we share the heartbreaking news that hip-hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 22, 2026, after a private battle with cancer,” the statement said.
Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock performing at “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 around the world. Beyond the stage he was a loving father, family man, friend and a creative force whose influence 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 said.
“Rob’s music, energy and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.”
A number of successful actors flooded the “It Takes Two” hitmaker’s comments section.
DJ and record producer Kid Capri commented: “WTF? I was on the phone with him a few months ago to clear a sample, he didn’t say anything about being sick!!! This sucks.”
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. May God bless and protect them.”
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Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock rose to fame with the 1988 smash hit “It Takes Two”, which blended rap, dance and funk beats into a high-energy party anthem.
Rapper Rob Base, also known as Robert Ginyard, posed for a portrait wearing a sweatshirt in his likeness in New York City on January 9, 1989. (Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
The track became a major crossover success, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually earning platinum certification. It remains one of the most influential hip-hop songs ever made, and has been sampled and featured in movies, commercials, sporting events, and TV shows for decades.
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Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock had known each other since childhood and began performing together in Harlem before signing their record deals. 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 peak of his commercial success, Base continued to tour and perform on nostalgic hip-hop tours such as the “I Love the ’90s Tour”. According to Page Six, his company is Funky Base Inc. He also mentored young artists through.
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