'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base dead at 59 after cancer fight he kept hidden from friends

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Rob Base, member of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died just days after his 59th birthday. A joint Instagram post was shared on Friday announcing that Base, whose real name is Robert Ginyard, died after a private battle with cancer. "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," the statement began. Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock perform on "Soul Train" in 1989. (Soul Train via Getty Images) It continued, "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. "Thank you for the music, the memories, and the mom