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'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base, who helped bring hip-hop mainstream, dies at 59

NPR News · May 23, 2026, 4:09 AM · Also reported by 2 other sources

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Rapper Rob Base has died after a battle with cancer. He was 59. His team shared the news of his death on his Instagram page. Base was one half of the Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.

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NY Times Rob Base, Rapper Known for ‘It Takes Two,’ Dies at 59 LA Times Rob Base, rapper known for 'It Takes Two,' dies at 59

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'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base, who helped bring hip-hop mainstream, dies at 59

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