Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59
Rob Base, the rapper known for the hit song 'It Takes Two,' has passed away at the age of 59. He died on May 22 after a private battle with cancer, just days after celebrating his birthday. His music and legacy have left a lasting impact on the hip-hop and dance music scenes.
- ▪Rob Base was one-half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, famous for their hit 'It Takes Two.'
- ▪He died surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.
- ▪Base's music helped shape a generation and has been sampled by numerous artists over the years.
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 dies at 59 — NBC News — Tech
- ▪ “It Takes Two” Rapper Rob Base Dead at 59 — Consequence (of Sound)
- ▪ Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59 — r/Music
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| Original publisher | Variety |
| Canonical URL | https://variety.com/2026/music/news/rob-base-dead-rapper-it-takes-two-dj-ez-rock-1236757432/ |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 21:21:37 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-22T21:32:03.027Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-22T21:32:03.027Z |
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| Cluster | _bMkMFrAQW69 · 13 stories |
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Home Music News May 22, 2026 2:21pm PT Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59 By Steven J. Horowitz Plus Icon Steven J. Horowitz Senior Music Writer speriod Latest Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59 10 minutes ago Phil Collins Says He Would ‘Contemplate’ Performing Live Again as Condition Improves: ‘I’m Healthier Now Than I’ve Been for Quite a While’ 1 hour ago Charli xcx Serves High Fashion on the Runway in ‘SS26’ Music Video 22 hours ago See All Getty Images for IEBA Rob Base, one-half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, who was best known for the hit “It Takes Two,” has died. He was 59. The rapper, who celebrated his 59th birthday just four days ago, died on May 22 while surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.
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