WASHINGTON — Rob Base, half of the Harlem rap duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died following a cancer battle. He was 59.
Read more Actor Grizz Chapman, known for ’30 Rock,’ dies at 52
Base’s death comes just four days after her turned 59. His death was confirmed on Friday with a statement on his social media.
“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 shared on his official Instagram 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.”
“Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the statement continued. “Rest in Paradise, Rob Base.”
Base was best know for the 1980s hit “It Takes Two,” that became a cult classic song. It has been sampled by Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and used in films like “Iron Man 2” and “The Proposal.”
Read more Valley customers say they were still charged after Hawaiian Experience Spa abruptly closed
Base’s creative counterpart Rodney “Skip” Bryce, who went by the stage name DJ E-Z Rock, died in 2014 at age 46 of complications from diabetes.
Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, was born May 18, 1967.
The two met as fifth grade students in Harlem and said they were inspired to make music by the success of another Harlem-based group, Crash Crew. They signed in 1987 with Profile Records, one of the earliest hip-hop labels.
The following year, “It Takes Two” landed in the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. The duo’s next single, “Get on the Dance Floor,” saw similar success on the club songs chart.
Read more ‘Virgin River’ actor found dead as police treat investigation as a homicide
The Associated Press contributed to this report.