Rob Base, the Harlem-born rapper best known for the 1988 hit 'It Takes Two,' died at age 59, multiple outlets confirmed on May 23, 2026. The song, a collaboration with DJ E-Z Rock, became one of the most recognizable and frequently sampled tracks in hip-hop history, helping to popularize the genre with mainstream American audiences.

According to reports, Rob Base had been battling a serious illness in the period leading up to his death. Fox News reported that his cancer fight had been kept hidden from friends, suggesting the artist chose to face his illness privately. Full details surrounding his final illness and the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed by family representatives.

Born Robert Ginyard in Harlem, New York, Rob Base rose to prominence in the late 1980s as part of hip-hop's rapid expansion beyond its New York origins. 'It Takes Two' built on a sample from Lyn Collins' 'Think (About It)' and became a cultural touchstone, appearing in films, television shows, and sporting events for decades after its release.

NPR noted that Rob Base played a significant role in bringing hip-hop to mainstream audiences at a pivotal moment in the genre's history. His work alongside DJ E-Z Rock exemplified the collaborative, DJ-driven style of the era and left a lasting imprint on popular music. The track remains a staple at events and in popular culture nearly four decades after its debut.

Tributes began emerging across social media and in music communities following the announcement of his death. Rob Base is remembered as a foundational figure in hip-hop whose influence extended well beyond his chart success, contributing to the cultural legitimacy and broad appeal of the genre during a formative period.