Hip-hop fans are mourning the death of Rob Base, the Harlem-born rapper whose explosive 1988 anthem “It Takes Two” helped turn party rap into a mainstream force.
Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, died Friday, May 22, 2026. He was 59.
His death came just four days after his birthday.
“We share the heartbreaking news that hip-hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully, surrounded by family,” a statement posted to his Instagram account said.
The tribute remembered him not just as a performer, but as a father, family man, friend and creative force whose music became part of a generation’s soundtrack.
“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” the statement continued. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
People and the Associated Press reported that Base died after a private battle with cancer.
Born in Harlem, Base became one half of the influential duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock alongside Rodney “Skip” Bryce. The two were childhood friends who met in fifth grade before eventually making music history together.
Their breakout hit, “It Takes Two,” became one of the most recognizable songs of the late 1980s. With its booming beat, dance-floor energy and unforgettable hook, the track helped bring hip-hop and house music to a wider audience.
The song became a platinum-certified classic and reached the Billboard Hot 100, while also climbing to No. 3 on the Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, according to the AP.
Decades later, the song still lived everywhere from radio throwback hours to movie soundtracks, commercials, sporting events and party playlists.
Its influence stretched across generations. Snoop Dogg nodded to the classic in “I Wanna Rock,” while The Black Eyed Peas used its energy in “Rock That Body.” The track has also been widely sampled and referenced by other artists.
DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014, but Base kept performing and carrying the duo’s legacy forward.
In later years, he appeared on the I Love the ’90s Tour alongside other throwback favorites including Vanilla Ice and Young MC. He also remained active in the music world and was remembered by fans and fellow artists as a pioneer who brought joy, rhythm and swagger to hip-hop’s rise.
For millions, “It Takes Two” was more than a hit.
It was a party starter. A dance-floor command. A song that could instantly bring people back to a time when hip-hop was exploding into the mainstream and changing music forever.