NEW YORK CITY — Harlem rapper Rob Base, one half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died on May 22, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He was 59.

His team shared the news on his Instagram page. "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," the post read.

Born Robert Ginyard, Rob Base was best known for the 1988 chart-topper "It Takes Two," a blend of hip-hop and house music that helped bring both genres into the mainstream. The track landed in the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 3 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, and it has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song has been featured in movies, commercials, sports events, and television shows for decades and has been sampled by other artists including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas. The duo's next single, "Get on the Dance Floor," saw similar success on the club songs chart.

Rob Base and his musical partner Rodney "Skip" Bryce, who performed as DJ E-Z Rock, met as fifth grade students in Harlem. They were inspired to make music by the success of the Harlem-based group Crash Crew and signed in 1987 with Profile Records, one of the earliest hip-hop labels. In later years, Rob Base performed during the "I Love the '90s Tour" and mentored younger artists through his company Funky Base Inc. Bryce died in 2014 at age 46 of complications from diabetes.

Tributes from fellow artists followed the announcement. DJ and record producer Kid Capri wrote on social media: "WTF? I was just on the phone with him a couple of months ago to clear a sample, he didn't say anything about him being sick!!! This is terrible smh."

Producer Easy Mo Bee also paid tribute online. "RIP ROB BASE 🙏❤️🕊 Major love and condolences to his family and loved ones. God bless and keep them," he posted.