Rob Base, “It Takes Two” rapper, dies at 59 after private battle with cancer
The hip-hop legend passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, just four days after celebrating his 59th birthday.
Rob Base, the hip-hop artist best known for the 1988 platinum hit “It Takes Two,” died this afternoon, at the age of 59. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a private battle with cancer.
The announcement was made on his official Instagram account (@robbasemusic) today.
His death occurred just four days after he celebrated his 59th birthday on May 18. His final public Instagram post before the announcement was a birthday message. No details about the specific type or stage of cancer were publicly disclosed. Rob Base’s death comes a month after fellow hip-hop legend, Afrika Bambaataa also died of cancer.
“It Takes Two” Became a Generational Anthem
Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, in Harlem, New York, formed the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock with Rodney “Skip” Bryce, who performed as DJ E-Z Rock. The two shared the same birthdate and grew up together in Harlem. Their 1988 debut album, It Takes Two, achieved platinum certification, driven almost entirely by the title track.
The song drew its signature sound from a sample of Lyn Collins’ 1972 funk track “Think (About It),” produced by James Brown. The instantly recognizable looped “Yeah! Woo!” vocal, paired with a driving beat, made the record stand out immediately. “It Takes Two” reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 16 weeks on the chart. It emerged as a major crossover success that helped bring hip-hop to much wider mainstream audiences in the late 1980s.
The track quickly became a staple at parties, weddings, school dances, sporting events, and arenas. It later appeared in prominent films such as Iron Man 2 and Love & Basketball. While other songs from the album, including “Joy and Pain,” also received notable airplay, “It Takes Two” remained the duo’s signature achievement and defining legacy.
The Duo Helped Hip-Hop Cross Over to Mainstream Audiences
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock emerged during one of the most pivotal eras in hip-hop history. The late 1980s marked a transformative period for the genre, as it evolved from block parties and underground radio broadcasts into a commercial force with major label support and regular rotation on MTV. “It Takes Two” exemplified this shift by skillfully blending rap vocals with danceable, sample-driven production that appealed not only to core hip-hop fans but also to listeners who had not previously embraced the genre.
The duo’s breakthrough success helped open doors for other artists who adopted a similar accessible, party-oriented approach. This crossover appeal played a significant role in expanding hip-hop’s commercial viability and cultural reach during the golden era.
DJ E-Z Rock died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 46 from complications related to diabetes. Following his partner’s passing, Rob Base continued to perform as a solo artist for more than a decade. He appeared on major nostalgia tours such as the I Love the ’90s Tour, delivered a memorable performance at the 2017 NBA Finals halftime show, and played venues including Maryland as recently as several months before his death.
Despite never replicating the massive commercial success of “It Takes Two,” Base remained a beloved figure in hip-hop. His live performances consistently drew enthusiastic crowds eager to relive the song that had served as the soundtrack to their youth.
Rob Base’s Personal Losses Before His Own Death
Rob Base experienced significant personal losses long before his own passing. His wife, April, died in 2013 after 14 years of marriage. The couple shared a son, Robert Jr., and Base also had a daughter, De’Jene. His longtime musical partner, DJ E-Z Rock, passed away in 2014 at the age of 46 from complications related to diabetes.
The family’s official statement highlighted Base’s role as a devoted father and family man beyond his musical achievements. “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten,” the statement read. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
Rob’s death came just four days after he celebrated his 59th birthday on May 18. In his final public Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for another year of life, with no hint of illness. The private nature of his battle with cancer meant that even his most dedicated fans had no idea he was sick until the sudden announcement of his passing.
Hip-Hop Mourns the Loss of a Legend on X
The announcement of Rob Base’s death caused widespread mourning across social media platforms including X, Instagram, and Facebook. Fans shared personal memories of “It Takes Two” playing at block parties, cookouts, school dances, family gatherings, and other milestone celebrations. Many comments prominently featured the song’s iconic hook: “It takes two to make a thing go right.”
One fan wrote, “RIP Rob Base. That song was the soundtrack to every cookout, every wedding, every party. A true legend.” Another posted, “He made one of the most sampled, most played, most loved hip-hop songs of all time. Rest in paradise.” A third commenter noted, “Just celebrated his birthday four days ago. Life is cruel. Prayers to his family.”
Public figures also paid tribute. Flavor Flav, Deion Sanders, and R.A. the Rugged Man were among those who shared heartfelt messages. DJs, musicians, and longtime fans highlighted Base’s role in shaping parties, radio playlists, and cultural moments that spanned multiple decades. Many users pointed out the song’s enduring dominance on dance floors from the 1980s all the way into the 2020s, emphasizing how it continued to bring people together long after its original release.
The Legacy of “It Takes Two” Will Outlast Generations
“It Takes Two” has been sampled, covered, and referenced countless times since its 1988 release. The song’s iconic “Yeah! Woo!” vocal sample has appeared in commercials, movies, television shows, and numerous other artists’ recordings. Nearly four decades later, the track remains in regular rotation at sporting events, weddings, and nostalgia-themed parties.
The song’s structure — a repeating loop, a simple yet infectious hook, and an energetic delivery — made it a perennial DJ favorite. It was easy to mix, effortless to dance to, and nearly impossible to forget once heard. For many listeners, “It Takes Two” is still the first song that comes to mind when they think of 1980s hip-hop.
Rob Base did not enjoy a long career filled with multiple hit records. He had one major hit. Yet that single record outlasted trends, outlived its era, and became a permanent fixture in the cultural landscape. Few artists can claim such lasting impact from a single song. Rob Base can.
No Funeral Arrangements Have Been Announced
As of press time, the family has not released any details regarding funeral arrangements, public memorial services, or burial plans.
The family’s complete statement, posted on Rob Base’s official Instagram account, read:
“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. 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. Rest in Paradise, Rob Base. May 18, 1967 – May 22, 2026.”
Rob Base is survived by his son, Robert Jr., and his daughter, De’Jene. His wife, April, and musical partner DJ E-Z Rock preceded him in death.
The family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning.