Member of the trio “De La Soul”, David Jolicoeur or “Trugoy the Dove” was known with Posdnuos and Maseo for their influence within the alternative hip hop scene, in particular on the rise of jazz rap.
David Jolicoeur, member of hip hop trio De La Soul, also known by his stage name “Trugoy the Dove”, died at the age of 54, American media reported on Sunday. The specialist journal AllHipHop was the first to publish the information, later confirmed by RollingStone And 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 that these had kept him from touring with fellow trio members Posdnuos and Maseo.
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.
A precursor group in its genre
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.
De La Soul only recently started releasing their signature tracks on streaming platforms, after a decades-long crusade over the rights to their samples.
The group’s first six albums, dating from 1989 to 2001, were long inaccessible on the platforms because their Tommy Boy label had not taken on the enormous legal task of ensuring that the tracks in the samples had the right to be used.
The news of Trugoy’s death had the industry, including MC pundit Big Daddy Kane, reacting: “It was an honor to share so many scenes with you.”
