Rob Base of the late 80s hip-hop duo DJ E-Z Rock has died at age 59 - just four days after celebrating his birthday.
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Hip-Hop Pioneer Rob Base Dies at 59
Rob Base of the late 80s hip-hop duo DJ E-Z Rock has died at age 59 - just four days after celebrating his birthday.Base was one half of the collective known fo...
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Base was one half of the collective known for the hit 1988 song .
Born Robert Ginyard, the Harlem-bred rapper passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account.
'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 ,' the caption began.
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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 moments that became the soundtrack to our lives. Rest in Paradise, Rob Base. May 18, 1967 – May 22, 2026.'
Rob Base of the late 80s hip-hop duo DJ E-Z Rock has died at age 59 - just four days after celebrating his birthday; seen in 2023
Born Robert Ginyard, the Harlem-bred rapper passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account
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Just four days before his death, the music artist marked his birthday with a social media post and a caption reading, 'Happy 59th Birthday to me. God, thank you for allowing me to see another year.'
Rapper fat Joe commented on Friday's post announcing the sad news, writing, 'Love Rob I’m so sorry ❤️.'
Born Robert Ginyard, the Harlem-bred rapper passed away on Friday, according to a post shared on his official Instagram account
Just four days before his death, the music artist marked his birthday with a social media post and a caption reading, 'Happy 59th Birthday to me. God, thank you for allowing me to see another year'
Base (L) is pictured with friend Kyle Rifkin (R) in an Instagram photo from September 2025
He mentored burgeoning artists through his production company Funky Base, Inc.
And Base was the executive producer on the horror film Urban Flesh Eaters, released last year.
Fans and friends took to the comments of Friday's Instagram to express their condolences.
Peter Gunz, rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: New York star, wrote, 'Sad day. Rest well, my brother. See you on the other side.'
DJ and producer Kid Capri commented, 'WTF?...This is terrible smh.'
He then wrote in an Instagram post, 'Rest in peace @robbasemusic and Dj Eze Rock!! Spoke with [Rob] a few months ago about clearing a sample, he never said he was sick, always been a good dude! Eze too!'
And a fan shared, 'RIP Rob Base, I’m lost for words. I just did a video singing “it takes two” on my wedding day(5/15) I will forever play this song until my last breath, that’s how much I loved this song.'
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