One-third of the legendary rap group De La Soul, David Jude Jolicoeur, also known as Trugoy the Dove, has died.
A cause of death has yet to be given for the Long Island MC, but he previously spoke about having congestive heart failure, as People reported.
This past week, De La Soul was part of the Grammys’ Hip-Hop tribute performance, but Trugoy wasn’t onstage with his group mates.
Trugoy formed De La Soul in 1988 alongside groupmates Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer) and Maseo (Vincent Lamont Mason Jr.). De La Soul is considered to be one of the pioneering forces in early rap and their first album, 3 Feet High and Rising, is considered by many to be one of the greatest albums in hip-hop.
They were also part of the Native Tongues Posse rap collective along with A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, Queen Latifah Black Sheep, Chi-Ali and Jungle Brothers.
His death comes just as the group’s music was finally set to hit streaming services next month following years of legal issues with Tommy Boy Records.
“We can’t believe this day is finally here, and we are excited to be able to share our music with fans, old and new. Golnar, Rell, Faith and the Reservoir team have been great partners in this entire process,” the group said in a statement back in January. “We’re grateful that our relationship with them all has enabled this to happen.”