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Rob Base Dies at 59, Leaves “It Takes Two” Legacy

5/24/2026

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Summary

Rob Base Dies

Rob Base (real name Robert Ginyard) died on May 22, 2026 at age 59 after a private battle with cancer, surrounded by family.
His 1988 single “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce) hit No. 3 on Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs, went platinum, and was sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas.
He toured on the “I Love the 90’s” circuit and was scheduled for the Rock the Bells cruise later in 2026.

Summary

Rob Base Expands

Rob Base founded Funky Base, Inc., a venture that nurtures emerging artists.
He executive-produced the 2025 horror film Urban Flesh Eaters, expanding his creative portfolio.
He served as guest DJ for the 2014 MSNBC White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
He performed at the Jeremy Renner Heroes For Kids Las Vegas All-Star Concert in October 2024.
Base and his late partner DJ E-Z Rock share the same birthdate, May 18 1967.

History

Historical Context

In 1979 Sylvia Robinson released the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” which reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1980, becoming the first rap single to break the top 40 and exposing hip-hop to mainstream listeners. Its chart success demonstrated rap could reach national audiences, encouraging later releases such as Rob Base’s 1988 “It Takes Two.”

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Rob Base Dies

Rob Base (real name Robert Ginyard) died on May 22, 2026 at age 59 after a private battle with cancer, surrounded by family.
His 1988 single “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce) hit No. 3 on Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs, went platinum, and was sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas.
He toured on the “I Love the 90’s” circuit and was scheduled for the Rock the Bells cruise later in 2026.

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