Who is Rob Base: Biography, Born, Died: Rob Base, the legendary Harlem-born rapper who helped shape the golden era of hip-hop with the iconic 1988 anthem It Takes Two, has passed away at the age of 59.
Who is Rob Base
Born Robert Ginyard, Rob Base died peacefully on May 22, 2026, just days after celebrating his 59th birthday. According to reports, he had been privately battling lung cancer and was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his official social media accounts, his family honored his lasting influence on music and culture:
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“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
Born on May 18, 1967, in Harlem, Rob Base grew up during the rise of hip-hop culture in New York. He met his future music partner, DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce), while they were in fifth grade. Inspired by local rap acts, the two formed a duo that would later become one of the most influential names in old-school hip-hop.
Their early demo tracks gained attention in the mid-1980s, but everything changed with the release of It Takes Two in 1988. Produced by Teddy Riley, the song blended hip-hop and dance music using a famous sample from Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It).” The track became a nationwide hit and remains one of the most celebrated party songs in music history.
The duo’s debut album:
- It Takes Two
achieved platinum success and included additional hit songs such as:
- Joy and Pain
- Get on the Dance Floor
Rob Base later launched a solo career with the album:
- The Incredible Base
and reunited with DJ E-Z Rock for the 1994 project:
- Break of Dawn
Following the death of DJ E-Z Rock in 2014 due to diabetes-related complications, Rob Base continued performing their classic hits as a solo artist, keeping their legacy alive for fans around the world.
In recent years, he remained active on nostalgia tours, including the popular “I Love the ’90s Tour,” alongside artists such as Vanilla Ice and Young MC.
Rob Base is survived by his children, including daughter De’JenĂ© Ginyard and son Robert Ginyard Jr. He also shared a family life with his late wife April, who passed away in 2013.
His music, influence, and unforgettable energy helped bring hip-hop into mainstream culture and inspired generations of artists and fans. Through timeless classics like It Takes Two, Rob Base leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in music history.