Trugoy the Dove, of the group De La Soul, dies at 54 – Liberation

David Jolicoeur, a member of the US East Coast hip-hop trio, was also known by his stage name Trugoy the Dove. The causes of his death are not yet known.

David Jolicoeur, member of the hip-hop trio De La Soul, also known by his stage name “Trugoy the Dove”, died at the age of 54, several American media reported, including AllHipHop, Rolling Stone et Pitchfork. The cause of death remains unknown at this time. In recent years, Trugoy had spoken publicly about his problems with heart failure and said it had kept him from touring with fellow trio members Posdnuos and Maseo.

The news of the musician’s death caused the industry to react, including MC pundit Big Daddy Kane: “It was an honor to share so many scenes with you.” Rapper Busta Rhymes said on Twitter his “total disbelief” upon breaking the news. “It really hurts. Dave, aka Trugoy the Dove, fly, fly…Rest in peace, King”.

Complete Disbelief that I’m typing this right now. This one hurts Bad. Dave aka Trugoy the Dove Fly Beloved Fly.. Rest Easy King. ???????????????? https://t.co/HgGZkjS06L

— Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) February 13, 2023

Pharrell Williams meanwhile tweeted that he “sent love, light and positive vibes to his family, Soul and anyone whose life was touched by his existence”.

Trugoy Dave from De La Soul has gone up ⬆️ to be with the day of the stars with the Master.
Sending love, light and positive vibrations to his family, The Soul and everyone whose lives have been touched by his existence.
Oodles and Oodles and Oodles of O’s ✨????????????????????????❤️‍????????????

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) February 13, 2023

The hip-hop group, precursor in its genre, was formed in 1988 in Amityville on the island of Long Island. They are known for their eclectic sampling, their use of puns and especially for their influence within the alternative hip-hop scene, in particular on the rise of jazz rap. The trio, acquired from the East Coast rap scene in the United States, cultivated a positive and light image, unlike the gangsta rap style at work on the other side of the country, on the west coast.

The music videoEye Now by De La Soul

The group’s first six albums, De La Soul, released between 1989 and 2001, have long been inaccessible on streaming platforms because their Tommy Boy label has not taken on the enormous legal task of ensuring that the pieces in the samples had the right to be used.