Rob Base—half of the 1988 hip-hop duo behind “It Takes Two”—died May 22 at age 59 after a private battle with cancer, according to a post on his official Instagram page. The musician, born Robert Ginyard, was remembered as a hip-hop legend and a devoted family
The news landed quietly, but it still hit hard: Rob Base died May 22 at age 59, after what his family described as a private battle with cancer.
In a post on his official Instagram page, the rapper—born Robert Ginyard—was said to have passed away “peacefully” on May 22. The announcement described him as a “hip hop legend” and said his final moments were “surrounded by family.”
The message credited his music and energy with shaping “a generation. ” adding that his work brought joy to “millions around the world.” Beyond the stage. the post called him “a loving father. family man. friend. and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.” It closed with gratitude for “the music. the memories. and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives. ” and offered: “Rest in Paradise. Rob Base. May 18, 1967 – May 22, 2026.”.
Rob Base was best known as half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. The pair’s 1988 hit “It Takes Two” was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. becoming an enduring crossover anthem that was later sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas. The track also appeared in films, including “The Proposal” and “Iron Man 2.”.
The duo’s other popular songs included “Joy and Pain” and “Get on the Dance Floor.” In 1989, Base released his only solo album, “The Incredible Base.” He later reunited with DJ E-Z Rock for their “Break of Dawn” album in 1994.
DJ E-Z Rock—born Rodney “Skip” Bryce—died in 2014 at age 46 from complications of diabetes.
In recent years, Base continued to perform, appearing on the “I Love the 90s Tour” with a rotating group that included Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, and Young MC. He also owned production company Funky Base, Inc., and served as executive producer on the 2025 horror film “Urban Flesh Eaters.”
The sequence of facts around Base’s death doesn’t just place a date on a loss—it ties that date to a career that kept moving. His final public chapter includes touring in recent years. ownership and production work through Funky Base. Inc. and a 2025 film credit. all before the Instagram post described his passing “peacefully” on May 22 after a private cancer battle.
For fans who grew up with “It Takes Two. ” the tribute read like more than a statement—it echoed what the song itself became: a shared soundtrack. For others. the news also landed with a different kind of immediacy: the stark reminder that serious illness can stay out of the spotlight until the last day.
Rob Base is survived by the legacy his family and music left behind—one credited in the message as something that will not be forgotten.
Rob Base Robert Ginyard DJ E-Z Rock It Takes Two hip hop cancer battle Instagram tribute platinum RIAA Snoop Dogg Black Eyed Peas Urban Flesh Eaters
Wait so it says May 22, 2026? That’s crazy.
Cancer is just so brutal. I didn’t even know he was sick, honestly. “It Takes Two” literally played everywhere back in the day.
Isn’t Rob Base the one who got into beef with Snoop or something? Like I’m mixing stories up but it feels like all the old school guys get taken out after a “private battle.” Also 59 seems too young, I thought he was like 70??
So it was private cancer but the post said peaceful… makes me sad though. I still got “It Takes Two” stuck in my head for no reason, like that song never dies. Sounds like he was a family man and all, but I just wish they gave more details so people would stop guessing. RIP Rob Base.