(Photo by Rick Diamond\/Getty Images for IEBA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNews of Base\u2019s death was confirmed by a statement shared to his official Instagram page. <\/p>\n
\u201cToday, 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,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cRob\u2019s 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,\u201d the post continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.<\/p>\n
Base, born Robert Ginyard, rose to fame as one-half of the groundbreaking duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, helping bring hip hop into the mainstream with the release of their legendary 1988 hit \u201cIt Takes Two.\u201d <\/p>\n
The track became an instant cultural phenomenon, and it remains a radio staple nearly four decades later.<\/p>\n
\nJust days before his death, Base had celebrated his 59th birthday.<\/p>\n
His biggest hit, released in 1988, \u201cIt Takes Two,\u201d blended hip hop and dance music in wildly innovative fashion. <\/p>\n
The single climbed the charts and eventually became one of the most sampled tracks of its era.<\/p>\n
Base\u2019s longtime musical partner, DJ E-Z Rock, died in 2014 <\/a>from complications related to diabetes. <\/p>\nThe pair had met as children growing up in Harlem and built a friendship that eventually turned into one of rap\u2019s most memorable collaborations.<\/p>\n
Rob never fully stepped away from the spotlight, continuing to perform on nostalgia tours and make appearances for longtime fans.<\/p>\n
Our thoughts go out to Rob Base\u2019s loved ones during this enormously difficult time.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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