David Jude Jolicoeur, known professionally as Trugoy the Dove, a founding member of the hip-hop group De La Soul, has passed away at the age of 54. His representative Tony Ferguson confirmed the news on Sunday, but no further information was released. Trugoy had been open about his struggles with congestive heart failure in recent years and was often seen with a LifeVest machine attached to his person.
De La Soul was formed in the late 1980s by Jolicoeur, along with Vincent Mason (Pasemaster Mase) and Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos). The group’s debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, was released in 1989 and received widespread critical acclaim for its lighthearted and positive take on hip-hop. The album’s success helped to define the alternative hip-hop genre and introduced a new wave of hip-hop fans to the group.
Trugoy, who was also known as Dave, was known for his distinctive voice and witty lyrics. He was a crucial part of De La Soul’s creative process, and his contributions to the group’s music were invaluable. Despite struggling with health issues in recent years, Trugoy remained a beloved figure in the hip-hop community, and his passing has sent shockwaves through the music world.
David Jude Jolicoeur (Via David Jude Jolicoeur/Twitter)
De La Soul’s impact on hip-hop cannot be overstated. Their music has influenced generations of artists, and their unique sound and style have made them one of the most beloved and respected groups in the genre. Trugoy’s passing is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating the talents of those who have made a lasting impact on the world.
Rolling Stone critic Michael Azerrad called De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising the first “psychedelic hip-hop record.” The album’s innovative production and Trugoy’s engaging lyrics set it apart from other hip-hop albums of the time, and it has since been added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its historic significance.
