De La Soul rapper David Jolicoeur, also known as Trugoy the Dove, passes away at 54.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Trugoy the Dove, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group De La Soul. Trugoy, whose real name was Dave Jolicoeur, was a trailblazer in the rap community and played a pivotal role in the development of alternative hip-hop.

De La Soul was formed in 1987 in the Amityville neighborhood of Long Island, New York, and consisted of Trugoy, Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer), and Maseo (Vincent Mason). The trio was known for their innovative style, incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and soul into their music, and for their positive and socially conscious lyrics.

Trugoy’s unique delivery and signature style were key to De La Soul’s success, and his contributions to the group’s music and overall sound were widely praised by fans and critics alike. He was featured prominently on many of the group’s classic tracks, including “Me Myself and I,” “Eye Know,” and “The Magic Number.”

De La Soul’s debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising,” is considered by many to be a landmark in the history of hip-hop, and helped to usher in a new era of alternative rap music. The group’s subsequent albums, including “De La Soul Is Dead” and “Buhloone Mindstate,” also received critical acclaim and solidified the trio’s place in hip-hop history.

Trugoy’s impact on hip-hop and the music industry as a whole cannot be overstated. He was a true innovator and a pioneer in the genre, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

The passing of Trugoy the Dove is a great loss to the music world and to the millions of fans who have been touched by his music. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who have been impacted by this tragedy.

May he rest in peace and his music live on forever.