Rob Base’s death hits more than hip-hop nostalgia; it closes the book on one of the genre’s most recognizable crossover records, the kind of catalog asset that keeps generating value long after release. For rights holders, publishers and labels, “It Takes Two” remains the kind of song that never leaves the conversation.
The ‘It Takes Two’ era loses one of its key voices
Rob Base, best known for the hip-hop classic “It Takes Two,” has died at the age of 59. His death was confirmed in a statement shared via his Instagram account, which said he passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.
The statement called him a hip hop legend and said his music, energy and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. It also described him as a loving father, family man, friend and creative force.
Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, rose to prominence as one half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.
A crossover record that kept hip-hop in the mix
Base and DJ E-Z Rock found major success in the late ’80s with their breakthrough 1988 anthem “It Takes Two.” Built around a sample of Lyn Collins’ 1972 track “Think (About It),” the record blended rap, house and pop and became a crossover hit.
The song reached Number Three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earned platinum status in the U.S. It was also sampled by Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and Gang Starr.
Born in Harlem on May 18, 1967, Base met DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney “Skip” Bryce, while they were still in school. They began recording together and signed with Profile Records in 1987. Their debut album, It Takes Two, also included “DJ Interview,” “Joy and Pain” and “Get On The Dance Floor.”
Later releases, touring and tributes
Base released a solo album, The Incredible Base, in 1989 before reuniting with DJ E-Z Rock for 1994’s Break Of Dawn. In later years, he continued to tour regularly as part of hip-hop package tours and had been scheduled to appear on the Rock The Bells cruise later this year.
DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014 following complications from diabetes.
Tributes began arriving after the news broke. DJ Jazzy Jeff wrote, “Rest Well My Brother,” and Fat Joe added, “Love Rob I’m so sorry.”
Base is survived by his children, De’Jene Ginyard and Robert Ginyard Jr. What to watch next is how his catalog and signature record continue to circulate, especially as “It Takes Two” remains one of the defining records of his career.
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