Rob Base, acclaimed member of the 1980s hip-hop duo DJ E-Z Rock, has passed away at the age of 59, just days after marking his birthday.

Base, renowned for his contribution to the iconic 1988 track “It Takes Two,” was part of a duo that left a lasting imprint on the music scene.

Born as Robert Ginyard and hailing from Harlem, the rapper’s passing was announced via a heartfelt message on his official Instagram page on Friday.

‘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 caption began.

The post reflected on his influence, stating, “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy have inspired generations and brought joy to countless fans globally. Offstage, he was a devoted father, family man, friend, and a creative powerhouse whose influence remains indelible.”

The tribute concluded with gratitude, “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that defined 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

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 ❤️.’

Base met his musical partner E-Z Rock in fifth grade and they became a music group in their teenage years.

Their It Takes Two demo landed them a deal with Profile Records, per a report from Variety.

Their debut album It Takes Two peaked at number four on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The project also produced the hit songs Get on the Dance Floor and Joy and Pain.

Base went on to release one solo album, The Incredible Base, which came out in November 1989.

He reunited with E-Z Rock in 1994, releasing the album Break of Dawn.

Base recently joined Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, Young MC and others on the I Love the 90’s Tour.

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 was one half of the collective known for the hit 1988 song It Takes Two 

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.’ 

In a poignant gesture of love and remembrance, young racer Brexton Busch has honored his late father, Kyle Busch, following his unexpected passing. Brexton, who is only 11 years old but already making a name for himself on the racing circuit, updated his Instagram profile picture to one of the two embracing, capturing a moment of familial warmth and connection.

The racing community is still reeling from the loss of Kyle Busch, a revered figure and two-time Cup Series champion. Brexton’s tribute echoes the profound loss felt by both family and fans alike, as they come to terms with the absence of a beloved driver and father.

Despite his young age, Brexton has already achieved remarkable success on the track, boasting over 100 wins in various competitions. His talent has been nurtured within the racing world, much like his father’s was, promising a bright future ahead.

The tragedy strikes just days after Kyle Busch celebrated his son’s birthday in a heartfelt social media post. In it, he expressed his pride and admiration for Brexton, highlighting his son’s achievements both on and off the track. “Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day,” Kyle wrote. “Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”

“Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day,” Busch wrote on Instagram. “Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”

If Brexton is able to one day make it to NASCAR, his dad’s No. 8 will be there waiting for him. 

Busch’s race team, Richard Childress Racing, decided Friday to suspend the use of the legendary driver’s No. 8 until his son is ready to carry it forward.

“Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. No one can carry it forward to the level that he did,” the team wrote in a statement posted to social media Friday. 

Busch passed away on Thursday after becoming unresponsive while using a racing simulator at General Motors Charlotte Technical Center in Concord, N.C.

Dispatch audio obtained by the California Post revealed that Busch was coughing up blood while lying on the bathroom floor.

He was set to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend before the illness, and his last professional victory occurred last Friday in the 2026 Ecosave 200 as part of the Craftsman Truck Series.

The countdown is on in Chicago as the much-anticipated grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center is now just weeks away. The center, which includes a museum and library, is poised to become a major attraction, drawing tourists to the city and injecting fresh energy into the local economy.

Business owners near the center are optimistic about the influx of visitors and the economic opportunities this brings. Speaking with ABC7, several local entrepreneurs expressed enthusiasm about the potential rise in customer traffic, which they believe will translate into more jobs for Chicagoans.

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On the South Side, where the Obama Center is located, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation. Residents and business owners are hopeful for the economic uplift they have been promised. Among the beneficiaries is MGE Property Solutions, a company involved in a beautification project in the Woodlawn neighborhood. The firm’s owner, Malki Brown, shared with ABC7 that as development activity ramps up around the center, they are seeing an increase in clientele, prompting them to hire more workers.

“Creating jobs in the community is at the heart of our mission,” Brown remarked. “The Obama Center is providing us with a wonderful opportunity to share in the economic benefits.”

As part of the revitalization efforts, 71st Street is undergoing a transformation, with new businesses, including a restaurant, set to open soon. These developments aim to captivate the interest of tourists visiting the Obama Center and encourage local residents to support nearby enterprises, thereby keeping their spending within the community.

Tonya Trice, the executive director of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, describes money leaving neighborhood as leakage.

“There is a revenue leakage in the South Shore community of $845 million annually. This is an opportunity to close that revenue gap by offering service and amenities that tourists would like to see,” Trice said.

Choose Chicago reports tourists spend $20 billion annually. The Obama Center expects to have more than 700,000 visitors each year.

A mother-daughter duo opened a bookstore with other small business owners, sharing the storefront space on Stony Island and 69th. They call the space Pen & Paper: A Joint Creative. The business owners opened in 2024, knowing center was coming. They have been looking forward to the potential for new customers.

“There are now active tourists on the South Side. They aren’t just staying downtown. They aren’t staying in the Loop. They are actually able to experience the full city,” said Courtney Woods with Pen & Paper: A Joint Creative.

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