David Jolicoeur, a member of the hip hop trio De La Soul, also known by his stage name “Trugoy the Dove”, has died at the age of 54, US media reported on Sunday. the specialized magazine AllHipHop was the first to publish the information, later confirmed by Rolling Stone AND Gallow. The cause of death remains unknown at this time.
In recent years, Trugoy had spoken publicly about his heart failure problems, saying that this had prevented him from touring with his trio mates Posdnuos and Maseo.
The hip hop group, a forerunner in its genre, was formed in 1988 in Amityville on Long Island. They are known for their eclectic sampling, their use of wordplay, and especially for their influence within the alternative hip hop scene, particularly the rise of jazz rap.
A precursor group in its genre
The trio, acquired from the US East Coast rap scene, cultivated a light and positive image, as opposed to the style of gangsta rap that works across the country on the West Coast.
De La Soul recently began releasing his exclusive tracks on streaming platforms, after a decades-long crusade for the rights to his samples.
The group’s first six albums, dating from 1989 to 2001, were long inaccessible on platforms because their Tommy Boy label hadn’t taken on the daunting legal task of ensuring the sample tracks had the right to be used.
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.”
Source: BFM TV
