Rob Base, 'It Takes Two' Rapper, Dead at 59 After Cancer Illness

Rob Base has died at 59, his family confirmed on Friday, May 22. The hip-hop pioneer passed away surrounded by loved ones after privately battling cancer.

As one half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, the artist played a pivotal role in merging hip-hop with house music during the 1980s, helping both genres reach mainstream audiences. His most celebrated collaboration, "It Takes Two," climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988, followed by another chart-topper, "Get on the Dance Floor."

A statement shared on Instagram honored his contributions: "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. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."

The timing proved particularly poignant, as Base had just turned 59 on May 18—merely four days before his passing.

The enduring appeal of "It Takes Two" speaks to its cultural resonance. The track has been sampled by major artists including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and appeared in films such as The Proposal (2009) and Iron Man 2 (2010). Base's longtime collaborator, DJ E-Z Rock, died in 2014 from diabetes complications.