Mourning in the hip hop world!
US rapper David Jolicoeur, aka Trugoy the Dove, of hip-hop trio De La Soul has died.
This was confirmed by the musician’s agent, Tony Ferguson, on Sunday. He did not name the cause of death. The US music magazine “Rolling Stone” and the websites AllHipHop and Pitchfork had previously announced the sad news. Jolicoeur was only 54 years old.
De La Soul at the “South by Southwest” festival 2017: Kelvin Mercer, David Jude Jolicoeur and Vincent Mason (from left)
Trugoy and his school friends Posdnuos and Maseo founded De La Soul in 1988 in Amityville, Long Island, New York. The trio is considered one of the most innovative acts in the history of hip hop. With eclectic samples, intelligent puns and a carefree attitude to life, De La Soul made a name for themselves, especially in the early 90s, and stood out from the gangsta rap scene.
Referring to De La Soul’s debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), Trugoy told industry magazine Billboard earlier this year, “It’s a hip-hop masterpiece for the time it was released.” Overall, the trio has released eight albums.
In recent years, Trugoy has spoken publicly about heart problems. In 2018, he openly shared how his ailing health kept him from performing in the De La Soul video “Royalty Capes.”
“I’m ready to get back on stage,” said the musician. “I miss that. I love to travel. I love being with my boys and I want that back.” De La Soul was part of the hip-hop tribute performance at the Grammys on Feb. 5. Trugoy was absent from the performance on stage.
Following Trugoy’s death, condolences were expressed by many of the hip-hop scene. Rapper Big Daddy Kane stated, “It’s been an honor to be on so many stages with you.”
Erick Sermon called De La Soul “one of the best rap groups” in hip-hop history in a tribute to Trugoy on Instagram.
