Rob Base of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock dies at 59 after cancer battle

Rob Base, member of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died just days after his 59th birthday.

A joint Instagram post was shared on Friday announcing that Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, died after a private battle with cancer.

“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 began.

It continued, “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.

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“Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the statement concluded.

“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.”

— Rob Base family statement

Lots of A-listers flooded the “It Takes Two” hitmaker’s comment section.

Kid Capri, a DJ and record producer, commented: “WTF? I was just on the phone with him a couple of months ago to clear a sample, he didn’t say anything about him being sick!!! This is terrible smh.”

Easy Mo Bee wrote, “RIP ROB BASE 🙏❤️🕊 Major love and condolences to his family and loved ones. God bless and keep them.”

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Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock rose to fame with their 1988 smash hit “It Takes Two,” a song that blended rap, dance, and sampled funk grooves into a high-energy party anthem.

The track became a major crossover success, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually earning platinum certification. It remains one of the most influential hip-hop songs ever made and has been sampled and featured in movies, commercials, sports events, and TV shows for decades.

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock had known each other since childhood and started performing together in Harlem before signing record deals. DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014 due to complications from diabetes.

Even after the height of his commercial success, Base continued touring and performing on nostalgic hip-hop tours such as the “I Love the ’90s Tour.” He also mentored younger artists through his company, Funky Base Inc., according to Page Six.

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