Rapper Rob Base — the voice behind the 1988 hit “It Takes Two” — has died. He was 59. “Today, we share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer,” reads a message on the Harlem performer’s Instagram page. Along with DJ E-Z Rock, he was responsible for popular dance tunes including “Joy and ...

Rob Base performs onstage at the Tailgate Party during IEBA 2017 Conference on Oct. 15, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rick Diamond/IEBA/Getty Images North America/TNS

Rapper Rob Base — the voice behind the 1988 hit “It Takes Two” — has died. He was 59.

“Today, we share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer,” reads a message on the Harlem performer’s Instagram page.

Along with DJ E-Z Rock, he was responsible for popular dance tunes including “Joy and Pain.”

“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,” his farewell message posting said. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”

Born Robert Ginyard, he teamed up with Rodney Bryce — better known as E-Z Rock — when the pair met in Harlem while attending the fifth grade, according to Variety. Bryce died in 2014. BET said that he was 46.

Singer Lisa Velez, better known as Lisa Lisa, was among the friends and fans who mourned Ginyard’s death.

“His legacy lives on in the music he brought to the world,” she posted on Instagram Friday. “We have toured together for many years! He was one of the most down to earth humans I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.”