'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base dead at 59 after cancer fight he kept hidden from friends
Rob Base, the rapper behind iconic 1988 hit "It Takes Two," has died at age 59 following a private battle with cancer, according to a statement.
TL;DR
- Rob Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, died at age 59 on May 22, 2026.
- His death followed a private battle with cancer.
- He was famous for the 1988 hit song "It Takes Two" with DJ E-Z Rock.
- "It Takes Two" was a platinum-certified crossover success and is considered highly influential in hip-hop.
- DJ E-Z Rock passed away in 2014.
- Rob Base continued to perform on nostalgic tours and mentored artists.