Rob Base has sadly passed away.
The rapper, who was one half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died on Friday (May 22) surrounded by his family following a private battle with cancer. He was 59-years-old.
“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,” reads a statement on his Instagram. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
Rob had just celebrated his 59th birthday on May 18, four days before his death.
Alongside E-Z Rock, who died in 2014 of diabetes complications, Rob was instrumental in bringing hip-hop and house music to the mainstreams in the 1980s. Their smash hit “It Takes Two” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988 followed by “Get on the Dance Floor,” which topped the same chart.
In the decades that followed, “It Takes Two” still remains popular and has been sampled by artists included Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and has been featured in multiple films including 2009’s The Proposal and 2010’s Iron Man 2.
Our thoughts are with Rob Base‘s loved ones during this difficult time. We’ve tragically lost many other celebrities already in 2026.
