Rob Base, the Harlem rapper who helped bring hip-hop to the mainstream with the 1988 hit "It Takes Two," has died at age 59.
He passed away in New York following a battle with cancer, according to an Associated Press report on May 23, 2026.
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Born Robert Ginyard, he rose to fame as part of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.
Their single "It Takes Two" became a platinum-certified crossover success, blending hip-hop with house music and expanding the audience for both genres.
The track has been sampled by artists such as Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas, cementing its lasting cultural impact.
An official statement on the artist's Instagram account confirmed his death and reflected on his contributions.
"Rob's music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world," the statement read.
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"Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten."
His longtime musical partner, Rodney "Skip" Bryce, known as DJ E-Z Rock, died in 2014 at age 46 due to complications from diabetes.
The childhood friends met as fifth-grade students in Harlem, drawing early inspiration from the local hip-hop group Crash Crew.
The duo signed with Profile Records in 1987 and released "It Takes Two" the following year.
The song reached the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart.
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Their subsequent single, "Get on the Dance Floor," also achieved club chart success.
