‘It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base dies at 59
He died peacefully Friday surrounded by family after 'a private battle with cancer,' according to a statement shared on his social media.
www.nbcnews.comI don’t currently have real-time access to live updates, but here’s what’s widely reported about Rob Base as of this week:
- Rob Base, one-half of the iconic duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock and the artist behind the 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” has been reported deceased at age 59. Several outlets quoted a statement from his family confirming his passing after a private battle with cancer.
- The announcements indicate he died on or around May 22, 2026, and that he passed away peacefully while surrounded by family.
- The news has been covered by multiple major outlets, including NBC News, People, Billboard, and CBS News, reinforcing that this is being reported as a confirmed death rather than a rumor.
Key context:
- Rob Base’s real name was Robert Ginyard. He and DJ E-Z Rock achieved lasting fame with “It Takes Two,” a track that helped define early hip-hop/house crossover energy.
- Public reactions have been pouring in from fans and fellow artists, emphasizing his influence on hip-hop and the enduring popularity of his classic track.
If you’d like, I can pull more details on:
- Confirmed sources with direct excerpts from the statements
- A brief obituary summary highlighting his career milestones
- How “It Takes Two” shaped late-80s hip-hop and its lasting impact
Would you like me to compile a concise obituary or a timeline of his career highlights?