David Jolicoeur, known by his stage name Trugoy the Dove, was a rapper, singer, and member of the iconic hip-hop trio De La Soul. 

Sadly, he died suddenly on February 12, 2023, and his cause of death has yet to be made public. Despite his struggle with congestive heart failure, which he discussed in 2017, the reason for his death remains undisclosed.

Trugoy was born in Brooklyn but raised in Long Island, where he met Vincent Mason (Pasemaster Mase) and Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos) and formed De La Soul in 1988.

The group was known for its alternative hip-hop sound and gained massive success in the rap industry. In the Grammy Awards last week, De La Soul’s bandmate Posdnuos performed a tribute song in honor of hip-hop, but Trugoy was noticeably absent.

Despite his health issues, Trugoy never let it stop him from pursuing his passion for music. He was a co-founder of De La Soul, and at the time of his death, he was 54 years old.

His death was confirmed by his representative Tony Ferguson, who provided no further information.

Just a month before De La Soul’s music was set to become available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, Jolicoeur’s untimely passing has left fans in mourning.

The band had long fought with their former record company, Tommy Boy Records, over legal and publishing issues, keeping their music off streaming sites.

In conclusion, the sudden death of Trugoy the Dove has left a profound impact on the hip-hop community, as well as his fans and loved ones. 

Despite his health struggles, he remained dedicated to his craft and will always be remembered for his contributions to the music industry.

Tributes of Trugoy 

The sudden passing of Trugoy has left his co-workers, bandmates, family, and friends heartbroken. They have been sending their condolences and prayers to his loved ones, and social media has been flooded with tributes in his honor.

RIP Trugoy the Dove, Plug Two, Dave. Can’t say enough about how much De La mean to me and meant to me back in 89, 91, 93, 96… the years just go on. I’m not OK. This is all sorts of fucked up. Damn. A Hip Hop legend and 1/3 of one of the greatest groups of all time. What a loss.

— aka Jimbo Jones (@jimbojonestown) February 12, 2023

Rest In Peace to the legendary Trugoy The Dove aka Plug 2 of De La Soul🙏🕊

— madlib fan acct (@TheRealAntonioA) February 12, 2023

FUCK!!!! I can't believe Dove is gone.

— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) February 12, 2023

In conclusion, Trugoy’s passing has profoundly impacted those who knew and loved him and the hip-hop community. Many have deeply felt his death and will not soon be forgotten.