Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock’s ‘It Takes Two’ rapper dies at 59 from cancer

Rob Base, the Harlem rapper who helped define golden-age hip-hop with the 1988 classic “It Takes Two” alongside DJ E-Z Rock, has died at age 59 following a private battle with cancer. The artist, born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family according to his official announcement. Rob Base rose to prominence during the mid-1980s when hip-hop was transitioning from underground movement to mainstream cultural force. Operating from Harlem, New York, Base and DJ E-Z Rock formed one of the era's most influential partnerships. The duo's approach was cerebral yet dancefloor-friendly, blending tight production with clever wordplay that appealed across demographics. When “It Takes Two” dropped in 1988, it immediately became a cultural touchstone. The song's infectious energy and clever sample selection demonstrated a deep understanding of music history. Base and DJ E-Z Rock recognized the power of Lyn Collins' funky bassline and vocal stabs, transforming them into the backbone of what would become a hip-hop staple. This choice proved pivotal, showing how 1980s hip-hop artists could honor soul and funk traditions while creating something entirely new. The track peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 during 1988, a commercial success that translated into cultural permanence. The track's sample architecture drew from James Brown and Lyn Collins' “Think (About It)”, a 1972 funk recording that provided the sonic foundation. The production choice reflected a key insight: the best hip-hop samples don't replace older music—they resurrect it, giving funk and soul their place in the contemporary moment. Base's vocal delivery balanced confidence with playfulness, matching DJ E-Z Rock's rhythmic scratching and turntable work. The partnership showcased the complementary skills that defined 1980s hip-hop success: the MC's storytelling meeting the DJ's technical mastery. This interplay proved so effective that “It Takes Two” has since been sampled over 200 times by subsequent artists, cementing its influence on genre evolution. The track's velocity extends far beyond the 1988 charts. Over the following decades, “It Takes Two” appeared in films including “Love & Basketball” (2000), “The Proposal” (2009), “Iron Man 2” (2010), “Spies in Disguise” (2019), and more recently “Bumblebee” (2018). Each placement introduced the track to new generations, proving its enduring accessibility and feel-good appeal. Beyond the single, Rob Base pursued solo projects following the duo's 1989 hiatus. He released “The Incredible Base” and collaborated with various producers, though none matched the commercial scale of his partnership with DJ E-Z Rock. The original duo remained culturally linked despite pursuing separate directions, united by the song that defined their careers. The song's staying power stems from several technical and artistic factors. First, the sample selection proved timeless—Lyn Collins' voice and the funk instrumentation remain sonically fresh even four decades later. Second, the track's structure offered both accessibility and complexity, appealing to casual listeners and hip-hop enthusiasts simultaneously. Third, Base's lyricism positioned him as thoughtful without sacrificing club energy. The platinum certification from the RIAA represented validation of what listeners already knew: this was major-label hip-hop that didn't condescend. Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock created aspirational but grounded music, addressing themes relevant to their Harlem roots while producing bona fide crossover records. This balance—authenticity meeting commercial appeal—remains rarer than many realize. After the initial momentum of “It Takes Two,” Rob Base's solo trajectory proved respectable if not meteoric. He recorded projects, collaborated with other producers, and made guest appearances throughout the 1990s and beyond. While he never replicated the massive success of his duo partnership, Base maintained a presence in hip-hop circles and earned respect for his foundational contributions to the genre. Base's private nature in later decades reflected a broader pattern among 1980s pioneers: many chose to step back from the spotlight rather than chase diminishing returns. This quieter phase meant his work remained embedded in memory and sample culture rather than headline-generating. The private cancer battle that ultimately claimed his life in 2026 suggested a similar preference for privacy over public documentation—a sharp contrast to modern celebrity expectations.