Rapper Rob Base dies days after celebrating his 59th birthday; ‘It Takes Two’ hitmaker’s cause of death and legacy explored

Rapper and hip-hop pioneer Rob Base, best known as one-half of the iconic duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock behind the 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” has died at the age of 59. The news of Rob Base’s death was confirmed on Friday, May 22, through a statement shared on the rapper’s official Instagram account. His passing came just four days after he celebrated his 59th birthday.

“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,” the statement read.

“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,” it continued. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”

How did Rob Base die?

Rob Base’s cause of death was cancer, according to the statement the rapper, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, died following a ‘private battle with cancer.' No additional details about his illness were immediately disclosed.

The announcement shocked fans across the hip-hop community, especially as Rob Base had posted a celebratory birthday message only days earlier on May 18.

“Happy 59th Birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year,” he captioned an Instagram post.

His son Rob Ginyard Jr. also shared news of the death, writing on his Instagram Stories Friday, "Sleep in peace dad. I love you."

Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two,’ and hip-hop legacy

It Takes Two remains one of the most recognizable hip-hop songs of the late 1980s and helped cement Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock as rap icons. Base, who was born on May 18, 1967 met E-Z Rock in Harlem when he was in the fifth grade, and the pair formed a musical duo as teenagers.

The duo first released music together in 1986 with “DJ Interview,” before breaking into the mainstream with “It Takes Two” in 1988. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and was later certified platinum by the RIAA.

Over the years, the song has been sampled and referenced by several artists, including Snoop Dogg, while also becoming a staple in pop culture. The track notably appeared in the 2009 romantic comedy ‘The Proposal,’ starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

Rob Base wife and children

Beyond his music career, Rob Base was also a father and family man. Base welcomed his first child, daughter De'Jené Ginyard, in 1989 with his then-girlfriend Rhonda Dunbar. The pair were together from 1986 until 1991, as per the independent.

After the relationship ended, the rapper met his future wife, April, in 1991. The couple welcomed a son, Robert Ginyard Jr., the following year and later got married. They remained together until April’s death in September 2013.

DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014

Rob Base’s longtime collaborator DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney Bryce, died on April 27, 2014, from complications related to diabetes, according to a report by Rolling Stone at the time. He was 46.