'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base, who helped bring hip-hop mainstream, dies at 59
Rob Base, a prominent figure in hip-hop, has passed away at the age of 59 after battling cancer. He was best known for the hit song 'It Takes Two,' which played a significant role in bringing hip-hop and house music into the mainstream. His legacy is remembered for its impact on music and culture, as well as his role as a loving father and friend.
- ▪Rob Base was one half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.
- ▪He gained fame with the 1988 hit 'It Takes Two,' which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- ▪Rob Base's music has been sampled by various artists and has appeared in multiple films.
3 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 12 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 1 right.
- ▪ Rob Base, 'It Takes Two' rapper who helped popularize crossover hip-hop, dies at 59 — The Washington Times
- ▪ Rob Base, rapper on classic hip-hop track "It Takes Two," dies at 59 — CBS News — Top
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| Original publisher | NPR Topics: News |
| Canonical URL | https://www.npr.org/2026/05/23/nx-s1-5832030/it-takes-two-rapper-rob-base-who-helped-bring-hip-hop-mainstream-dies-at-59 |
| Publication time | Sat, 23 May 2026 00:09:33 -0400 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-23T04:22:24.418Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-23T07:23:41.107Z |
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| Cluster | Ildjd_nzflO6 · 3 stories |
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Obituaries 'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base, who helped bring hip-hop mainstream, dies at 59 May 23, 202612:09 AM ET By The Associated Press Rob Base performs during the "I Love The 90's" tour on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Ill. Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP hide caption toggle caption Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP Rob Base, a rapper and one half of the Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 59. Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, was best known for the 1988 chart-topper "It Takes Two," a blend of hip-hop and house music that helped bring both genres into the mainstream.
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