Rapper Rob Base, real name Robert Ginyard, died at 59 after a private battle with cancer, his official Instagram confirmed. Fans remember the ’80s Harlem hitmaker who formed one half of the legendary duo with DJ E-Z Rock.
Rob Base’s final post was gratitude—and on Friday, May 22, the world learned why so many people felt compelled to hit play and share memories all at once. The official Instagram account of the Harlem-born rapper confirmed he passed away at 59 after a private battle with cancer.
Rob Base—whose real name was Robert Ginyard—was known for building his legacy on the 1988 hip-hop classic “It Takes Two.” Just days earlier, he marked his 59th birthday on May 18, posting a message on Instagram and sharing a photo of himself.
In the statement released through his official account. the message emphasized what fans already felt in the music: Rob Base’s impact lasted beyond the stage. “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. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the statement read.
Rob Base wasn’t the only half of their story to be mourned in recent years. He made up one half of a hip-hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock. E-Z Rock, born Rodney Bryce, passed away at 56 on April 27, 2014, from complications with diabetes.
On social media. the comments rolled in quickly. mixing grief with the kind of public celebration that’s hard to fake when a song helped define a generation. In The Shade Room’s comment section. Instagram user @amazing_amy797 wrote. “I’m bout to blast It Takes Two ALL day. Rest up 🙏🏾🕊️😢” Instagram user @jaylapage101 added, “Aww man RIP.”.
Others leaned into the cultural weight of the record. Instagram user @kimmymar wrote, “Damnnnn.. it takes two is ICONIC 🔥. RIP 🙏🏽” Instagram user @onlyonesephora said. “Classic. Classic Classic ‼️‼️ Rest Well Rob 🙏🏽” And Instagram user @roycer__ recalled. “Yo MTV Raps era is goated. he was at the top of it. RIP :(”.
Some memories weren’t just about history—they were about the way the song still moves people in real time. Instagram user @lilngb wrote. “This song still turn block parties up🔥🔥🔥” while @teethespacehoochie said. “I don’t care how old you are when IT TAKES TWO comes on you hit them dance moves!. Rest in peace to him!”.
Rob Base’s career is often framed around “It Takes Two,” but the story stretches back further than the hit. PEOPLE reports that Rob and DJ E-Z Rock met in Harlem when they were in grade school before forming their group. Fans may know them best for their breakthrough. but Rob and E-Z Rock dropped their first track as a duo in 1986 with “DJ Interview.”.
And the reach of “It Takes Two” kept expanding long after its ’80s release. The record appeared in the 2009 rom-com “The Proposal,” starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earned a platinum certification from the RIAA. Since its release, artists like Snoop Dogg and others have sampled it.
Rob Base’s death leaves a clear mark on hip-hop history—and the outpouring online makes one thing unmistakable: when “It Takes Two” plays, it doesn’t feel like nostalgia. It feels like a tradition being carried forward.
Rob Base Robert Ginyard It Takes Two DJ E-Z Rock Rodney Bryce hip hop duo Harlem rapper cancer May 22 2026 Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs RIAA platinum The Proposal