Rob Base, the Voice Behind “It Takes Two,” Dies at 59 After Cancer Battle

The death of “It Takes Two” rapper, Rob Base, is hitting a lot of people with an unexpected wave of nostalgia this week.

For decades, “It Takes Two” has been one of those songs that instantly changed the mood of a room. The second we hear that beat, we smile, point at the speaker, turn the volume up, and somehow remember every word.

Now, fans across the music world are mourning the loss of the legendary rapper, who has died at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer.

Rob Base Dies at 59 Following Private Health Battle

According to statements shared by family and representatives, Rob Base died at 59 after battling cancer privately in recent years. Reports say he passed away peacefully on May 22 while surrounded by his family.

Born Robert Ginyard in Harlem, New York, Rob rose to fame in the late 1980s alongside his longtime collaborator, DJ E-Z Rock. 

The two met while attending school together in Harlem before eventually helping shape one of the most recognizable hip-hop songs ever recorded. His family described him as a loving father, family man, friend and creative force, in a statement after his passing.

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock Helped Define an Era

For many music fans, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock were permanently linked to the late-1980s party culture after their breakout hit “It Takes Two.”

It was released in 1988, and the track blended hip-hop and house influences in a way that felt energetic, playful, and instantly recognizable. The song eventually reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earned platinum certification.

Over the years, “It Takes Two” became one of the most sampled and reused songs in pop culture, appearing in films, commercials, sports arenas, playlists, and countless throwback parties.

The duo also released other tracks, including “Joy and Pain” and “Get on the Dance Floor,” which helped further cement their place in early mainstream hip-hop. Unfortunately, DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014 due to complications from diabetes.

Rob Base Songs Continued Living Far Beyond the 1980s

Part of what kept Rob Base's songs alive for so long was how joyful and approachable they sounded.

“It Takes Two” never really disappeared. It kept resurfacing in samples, remixes, movies, sports events, commercials, and nostalgia playlists across generations.

Artists like The Black Eyed Peas and Snoop Dogg also sampled the track, helping to introduce it to entirely new audiences.

The Rob Base Cancer Battle Stayed Largely Private

One reason this news has hit many fans so hard is because Rob Base's cancer battle wasn’t widely publicized. In fact, most people online expressed shock after learning he had been ill at all.

Just days before his passing, Rob had celebrated his 59th birthday on social media.

He also continued performing in recent years in nostalgia tours and live appearances that celebrated classic hip-hop artists from the 80s and 90s.

A Song That Never Really Left the Culture

Some artists create hit songs that belong to a very specific moment in time. Others create songs that keep following the culture forward, decade after decade.

“It Takes Two” is definitely one of those songs. It’s the kind of song that survives changing trends, generations, playlists, and formats because the energy behind it never really fades.

For fans, that beat will always sound like movement, celebration, summer, and a room full of people who sing along the moment they hear that familiar beat.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.