Rapper Rob Base, best known for “It Takes Two” with his partner, the late DJ E-Z Rock, died May 22, 2026, after a private battle with cancer. He was 59 years old. His family announced via Instagram:
“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.”
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How They Became Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
Robert Ginyard was born on May 18, 1967. He and E-Z Rock (née Rodney Bryce) met in grade school. “I had moved from the Bronx at that time, and I didn’t have any friends around the way,” Base told XXL in 2014, following E-Z Rock’s death due to complications from diabetes. “So when I went to school, him and me sat at the back of the class and we just clicked from there.”
The aspiring rappers were inspired by another local group releasing a record, and started their duo as teens in the 1980s. Base purchased a microphone, and E-Z Rock got turntables and a mixer. They released their first joint record in 1986, “DJ Interview.”
Their Breakout Hit
That first single got the duo signed to Profile Records in 1987. They released their first album, “It Takes Two,” the following year. The single was certified platinum by the RIAA after spending 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album landed at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
The song has been featured in movies and video games and sampled by The Black Eyed Peas. Other notable hits from that release included “Get on the Dance Floor” and “Joy and Pain.” Both made the Billboard Dance and Hot 100 charts.
A Solo Project and a Reunion
Base released a solo project, “The Incredible Base,” in 1989. It hit the Billboard Top R$B/Hip-Hop Album in the 20th spot. He reunited with DJ E-Z Rock in 1994 for “Break of Dawn.”
DJ E-Z Rock passed away in 2014 at age 46 due to complications from diabetes. But Base continued touring most recently with the “I Love the 90s” Tour with Vanilla Ice, Kid ‘n Play, Young MC, Tone LoC, and Color Me Badd.
Our sincere condolences go out to Rob Base’s family.
