De La Soul’s Trugoy dies at 54: US media

NEW YORK: David Jolicoeur, a member of the De La Soul trio nicknamed “Trugoy the Dove,” has died, US media reported Sunday. He is 54 years old.

The news was first reported by music outlet AllHipHop and confirmed by industry publications Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.

No cause of death was reported.

Trugoy has spoken publicly about his struggles with congestive heart failure in recent years and said his health issues have kept him from performing and touring with his De La Soul members.

Formed groundbreaking hip hop group in 1988 in Amityville, Long Island, New York, which also included Posdnuos and Maseo.

They’ve gained a following for their eclectic sampling, lighthearted wordplay, and influences on alternative hip-hop, including jazz rap.

In stark contrast to the image of West Coast gangsta rap, the group exudes a positive spirit.

After a decades-long sample battle, the New York trio recently started releasing their classic early hits on the streaming platform.

The New York trio’s first six albums, from 1989 to 2001, hadn’t previously appeared on the streaming platform because their label, Tommy Boy, never tackled the huge legal task of clearing all samples (“There are about 60 to 70 sheets of “3 feet…” alone).

News of Trugoy’s passing sparked swift reactions from industry peers, including influential MC Big Daddy Kane: “It’s an honor to share so much of the stage with you.”