Rap star Rob Base, known for hip-hop classic It Takes Two, dies aged 59
The artist is best known for the 1988 Billboard hit It Takes Two, produced with DJ E-Z Rock
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"He WAS internationally known and he DID rock the microphone."
— Dane Cook , Celebrity
"Prayers to Rob Base entire family and loved ones. He was a legend to me."
— Deion Sanders , Athlete
"Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world."
— Rob Base , Celebrity
"People outside rap don’t understand it. There’s all sorts of subtle things — key things — happening over and above the beat in rap songs. The fans want new stuff all the time."
— Robert Ginyard , Celebrity
"a loving father, friend and 'creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.'"
— Rob Base , Celebrity
"Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."
— Rob Base , Celebrity
"He was a good DJ, but everybody just loved him for who he was; just a funny guy."
— Rob Base , Celebrity
"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 Base , Celebrity
Key People
Dane Cook is a comedian known for his stand-up performances and film roles.
Deion Sanders is a NFL Hall-of-Fame football star recognized for his accomplishments in professional football.
DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney Bryce, was Rob Base's musical partner and co-creator of 'It Takes Two'.
Rob Base was a renowned rap artist known for the 1988 hit song 'It Takes Two'.
Robert Ginyard, better known as Rob Base, was a prominent figure in hip-hop music.
Rodney Bryce, known by his stage name DJ E-Z Rock, was Rob Base's musical partner.
Tags
All Coverage
The artist is best known for the 1988 Billboard hit It Takes Two, produced with DJ E-Z Rock
Rob Base, influential rapper and half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died at 59 after a battle with cancer. He was best known for the 1988 hit 'It Takes Two,' which blended hip-hop and house music, bringing both genres into the mainstream.
Rob Base, one-half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died on Friday after a battle with cancer. He was 59. The duo's 1988 hit 'It Takes Two' was a significant contribution to hip-hop's mainstream success.
Rob Base, the rapper known for his hit 1988 song 'It Takes Two' with DJ E-Z Rock, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 59. The duo's song was a significant contribution to hip-hop's mainstream success.
Rob Base, the rapper best known for the 1988 party anthem 'It Takes Two,' has died at the age of 59. Base was part of a duo with DJ E-Z Rock, who died in 2014.
Rob Base, a rapper and one half of the Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base ... died Friday after a battle with cancer. ... . Base was best known for the ... 'It Takes Two,' a blend of hip-hop and ... .
Rob Base, one-half of the duo behind the classic hit 'It Takes Two,' has died at 59. The rapper passed away peacefully after a private battle with cancer, just four days after celebrating his birthday.
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