David Jolicoeur, member of hip-hop trio De La Soul, also known by his stage name “Trugoy the Dove”, has died at the age of 54. The specialized magazine AllHipHop was the first to publish the information, Sunday February 12, later confirmed by Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. The cause of death remains unknown at this time.

In recent years, Trugoy has spoken publicly about his issues with heart failure — most notably in this 2016 video, Royalty Capes — and said it kept him from touring with fellow trio members Posdnuos and Masseo. De La Soul had taken part in the hip-hop tribute performance at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 5, but Trugoy was not on stage with his bandmates.

The hip-hop group, precursor in its genre, was formed in 1988 in Amityville, on the island of Long Island, in the State of New York. After catching the attention of local producer Prince Paul, De La Soul released their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, in 1989, which remained their biggest commercial success. Considered a classic, the record has influenced a large number of musicians, including Mos Def, Jurassic 5, Tyler the Creator, Pharrell or Damon Albarn, who enlisted Trugoy for one of Gorillaz’s first hits, Feel Good Inc.

A positive, light and funny image

Stylistically, the band is known for its eclectic sampling that crosses jazz and funk, its extensive use of puns, and its pivotal role in the alternative hip-hop scene. The trio was thus part of the Native Tongues Posse, a collective of artists, which also included A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep or Queen Latifah.

Acquired in the East Coast rap scene, De La Soul cultivated a positive, light and funny image, unlike the gangsta rap style that was deployed simultaneously on both American coasts. This inventiveness and luminous energy can be found in their most famous songs, such as Breakadawn, Stakes Is High or even Me Myself and I.

The group’s first six albums, dating from 1989 to 2001, have long been inaccessible on streaming platforms because their label, Tommy Boy Records, failed to clear the rights to the samples used in their tracks. The group however recently announced that this part of their catalog will be available online on March 3rd.

The news of Trugoy’s death had the industry, including MC pundit Big Daddy Kane, reacting: “It was an honor to share so many scenes with you. »