Rapper Trugoy The Dove, member of the trio De La Soul, died at the age of 54

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 announced on Sunday. The specialist journal AllHipHop was the first to announce this untimely death, RollingStone and Pitchfork confirming the news, but the cause of death is not disclosed.

Unanimous tribute

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 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 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.

The news of the musician’s death had the industry reacting, 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” at the announcement of the news. “really hurt. Dave, aka Trugoy the Dove, fly, fly… Rest in peace the KingPharrell Williams meanwhile tweeted that he “sent love, light and positive vibes to his family, Soul and anyone whose life was touched by his existence”.