Rapper Rob Base, best known for It Takes Two dies at 59, condolences pour in

Rapper Rob Base, best known for the 1988 hip-hop anthem It Takes Two, died at the age of 59 surrounded by his family. The news of his death just comes days after celebrating his birthday. A post on social media was shared announcing the passing of Base. The rapper's real name was Robert Ginyard.

What's the main cause of death of Rob Base?

His family announced the heartbreaking news on his official social media accounts, thanking fans for "the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives". Taking to Instagram, the official page of Rob Base music shared a poster of the rapper and wrote, "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 further read, “Rob's music, energy and legacy helped shape a generation and brought by to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family fan, friend and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”

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Fans flooded social media platforms mourning the passing away of rapper. One X user wrote, "We lost another music legend today. Rapper Rob Base, best known for the iconic “It Takes Two,” has sadly passed away at 59 years old after a private battle with cancer."

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Another user wrote, "The legendary rapper Rob Base best of the influential hiphop/dance duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, 1988 platinum certified hit "It Takes Two" one of the greatest looped drum break tracks in history, passed away peacefully May 22’26, at age of 59, following a private battle w/ cancer."

"Gutted by the Rob Base news. This has been another heavy week of death. Understand that it’s inevitable but still doesn’t make it any easier. Please uplift each other and savor every moment with loved ones while doing things that bring you joy.Love you all", wrote the third user.

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All about Rob Base

Rob Base was an influential American hip-hop artist from Harlem, New York. He and his childhood friend, DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce), formed a foundational hip-hop duo that pioneered the crossover success of rap and dance music in the mainstream. His long-time collaborator, DJ E-Z Rock, previously passed away in 2014 at the age of 47 due to complications from diabetes.

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The Harlem native had just celebrated his 59th birthday on May 18. His passing marks the loss of a music legend whose fusion of hip-hop and dance music defined an era, immortalising tracks like "It Takes Two," "Joy and Pain," and "Get on the Dance Floor" in the hip-hop canon.