RIP David Jude Joliecoeur! Founding member of De La Soul, Trugoy the Dove, dead at 54

RIP David Jude Joliecoeur! Founding member of De La Soul, Trugoy the Dove, dead at 54
Source: FOX NEWS
  • David Jude Jolicoeur was an American rapper, producer, and musician
  • He was better known by his stage name, Trugoy the Dove, and Dave
  • His death was confirmed by his representatives on Sunday, February 12.

David Jude Joliecoeur passed away at age 54

David Hude Joliecoeur, known widely as Trugoy the Dove, is no longer alive among us! The founding member of the Long Island hip-hop trio De La Soul has died at the age of 54.

His death was confirmed by his representatives on Sunday, February 12. However, there is not much detail available on his untimely demise. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.

In past years, Jolicoeur had been open about his health problems, battling congestive heart failure. In 2017, he spoke about his struggle with congestive heart failure in a music video for the De La Soul song Royalty Capes.

David Jude Jolicoeur - A founding member of the Long Island hip-hop trio De La Soul
David Jude Jolicoeur – A founding member of the Long Island hip-hop trio De La Soul (source: The New York Times)

He said at the time,

“I’m ready just tp get back to the stage, I miss it.”

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De La Soul received an honor at an all-star hip-hop tribute spanning five decades of the genre at the 2023 Grammy Award last week. Unfortunately, David didn’t attend the star-event show.

The music world is mourning the loss of beloved performer David Jude Jolicoeur

Upon confirmation of his death, many expressed their tributes to David Jude Jolicoeur on social media.

Rapper Big Daddy Kane expressed his condolence on Instagram, writing,

“Dave! It was a honor to share so many stages with you,”

Rapper Erik Sermon added,

“This one hurts. From Long Island from one of the best rap groups in Hiphop # Delasoul #plug2 Dave has passed away you will be missed… RIP.”

David ounded the group in 1988 alongside his school friends Vincent Mason and Kelvin Mercer
David founded the group in 1988 alongside his school friends Vincent Mason and Kelvin Mercer (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)

Similarly, Young Guru went on to pen down,

“Rest in peace my brother. You were loved. @plugwondelasoul I love you brother we are here for you. Smiles I love you bro. This is crazy”

“Luke Cage” showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, on the other hand, tweeted,

“You don’t understand what De La Soul means to me. Their existence said to me, a black geek from Connecticut that yes, hip-hop belongs to you too, and Trugoy was the balance, McCartney to Pos Lennon, Keith to his Mick. This is a huge loss.”

What David Jude Jolicoeur was best known for?

David Jude Jolicoeur was an American rapper, producer, and musician. His stage name, Trugoy the Dove and Dave, was more popular.

Jude Jolicoeur was one of the members of the hip-hop group De La Soul. He founded the group in 1988 alongside his school friends Vincent Mason and Kelvin Mercer. The group released their debut alum titled 3 Feet High and Rising, in 1989.

After that, they released seven more albums that included De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, AOI: Bionix, The Grind Date, and And the Anonymous Nobody. 

He also earned fame for his rap in Gorillaz’s song, “Feel Good Inc” second verse.

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