Rob Base, known as part of the iconic 80s hip-hop duo DJ E-Z Rock, has passed away at the age of 59, just days after marking his birthday.
He was famously recognized as one half of the duo behind the 1988 classic hit “It Takes Two.”
Born as Robert Ginyard and hailing from Harlem, the rapper’s death was announced on Friday via a message on his official Instagram page.
‘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 caption began.
The message highlighted, “Rob’s music, vibrant energy, and enduring legacy shaped a generation, bringing happiness to millions worldwide. Offstage, he was a devoted father, family man, and creative spirit whose influence will remain unforgettable.”
It concluded with a heartfelt tribute: “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack of our lives. Rest in Paradise, Rob Base. May 18, 1967 – May 22, 2026.”
Rob Base of the late 80s hip-hop duo DJ E-Z Rock has died at age 59 – just four days after celebrating his birthday; seen in 2023
Born Robert Ginyard, the Harlem-bred rapper passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account
Just four days before his death, the music artist marked his birthday with a social media post and a caption reading, ‘Happy 59th Birthday to me. God, thank you for allowing me to see another year.’
In response to the announcement, rapper Fat Joe expressed his condolences, commenting, “Love Rob, I’m so sorry ❤️.”
Base met his musical partner E-Z Rock in fifth grade and they became a music group in their teenage years.
Their It Takes Two demo landed them a deal with Profile Records, per a report from Variety.
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 went on to release one solo album, The Incredible Base, which came out in November 1989.
He reunited with E-Z Rock in 1994, releasing 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.
Born Robert Ginyard, the Harlem-bred rapper passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account
Just four days before his death, the music artist marked his birthday with a social media post and a caption reading, ‘Happy 59th Birthday to me. God, thank you for allowing me to see another year’
Base was one half of the collective known for the hit 1988 song It Takes Two
Base (L) is pictured with friend Kyle Rifkin (R) in an Instagram photo from September 2025
He mentored burgeoning artists through his production company Funky Base, Inc.
And Base was the executive producer on the horror film Urban Flesh Eaters, released last year.
Fans and friends took to the comments of Friday’s Instagram to express their condolences.
Peter Gunz, rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: New York star, wrote, ‘Sad day. Rest well, my brother. See you on the other side.’
DJ and producer Kid Capri commented, ‘WTF?…This is terrible smh.’
He then wrote in an Instagram post, ‘Rest in peace @robbasemusic and Dj Eze Rock!! Spoke with [Rob] a few months ago about clearing a sample, he never said he was sick, always been a good dude! Eze too!’
And a fan shared, ‘RIP Rob Base, I’m lost for words. I just did a video singing “it takes two” on my wedding day(5/15) I will forever play this song until my last breath, that’s how much I loved this song.’
