‘It Takes Two’ rapper Rob Base dies at 59
Rapper Rob Base has passed away at the age of 59 after a private battle with cancer. He was known for his influential role in the 80s hip-hop scene, particularly for the hit song 'It Takes Two.' His death was announced on social media, where he was remembered for his musical legacy and impact on the genre.
- ▪Rob Base died on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family.
- ▪He was best known for the 1988 hit 'It Takes Two,' which has been certified platinum.
- ▪Rob Base celebrated his 59th birthday just days before his passing.
13 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 18 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 4 lean left, 6 centre, 2 right.
- ▪ Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ rapper with DJ E-Z Rock, dies aged 59 — NME
- ▪ 'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base dead at 59 after cancer fight he kept hidden from friends — Fox News — Latest
- ▪ Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ rapper, dead at 59 — Page Six
- ▪ Rob Base, Rapper Known for ‘It Takes Two,’ Dies at 59 — NYT > Top Stories
- ▪ ‘It Takes Two’ rapper Rob Base dies at 59 — r/news
- ▪ Rapper Rob Base, known for 'It Takes Two,' dies at 59 — ABC News — Top
- ▪ Rob Base, “It Takes Two” Rapper, Dies at 59 — The Hollywood Reporter
- ▪ ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper Rob Base Dead at 59 — Billboard
- ▪ “It Takes Two” Rapper Rob Base Dead At 59 — Stereogum
- ▪ “It Takes Two” Rapper Rob Base Dead at 59 — Consequence (of Sound)
- ▪ Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59 — Reddit
- ▪ Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59 — Variety
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| Original publisher | NBC News — Tech |
| Canonical URL | https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/-takes-two-rapper-rob-base-dies-59-rcna346583 |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 22:10:10 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-22T22:17:03.012Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-22T22:17:04.300Z |
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| Summary source text | contentText |
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| Cluster | _bMkMFrAQW69 · 13 stories |
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BREAKING NEWSUpdated nowPop Culture NewsPop Culture News‘It Takes Two’ rapper Rob Base dies at 59He died peacefully on Friday surrounded by family after “a private battle with cancer,” according to a statement shared on his social media. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 22, 2026, 6:10 PM EDT / Updated May 22, 2026, 6:17 PM EDTBy Marlene LenthangRapper Rob Base died Friday at the age of 59 after a cancer diagnosis, according to a post on his social media.
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