Hip hop legend Rob Base of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock has passed away at 59 after a battle with cancer

Rob Base

Hip hop icon Rob Base of 'Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock' has reportedly died at 59 after a battle with cancer.

His Instagram account said the Harlem rapper, whose legal name was Robert Ginyard, passed away after being diagnosed with cancer. He reportedly died only days after his birthday, which was May 18th. On his birthday, he thanked God for another year, stating, "Happy 59th Birthday to me🎂. God, thank you for allowing me to see another year🙏🏾."

His account's statement reads, "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."

"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," it continued. "Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."

His most famous track with D.J. E-Z Rock remains a popular hip-hop anthem, decades after its 1988 release. The song has been sampled several times and resurged as the soundtrack for the movies Ant-Man and the Wasp and The Proposal, as well as in television commercials, such as the Citi Double Cash Card advertisement spot.

Rest in peace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phOW-CZJWT0

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