Kaytranada, JPEGMAFIA and Public Enemy's Chuck D lead tributes to De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove

13 February 2023, 10:27 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(De La Soul)

De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove, real name David Jude Jolicoeur, has died aged 54, and musicians including Kaytranada, JPEGMAFIA and Public Enemy's Chuck D have been leading the tributes online.

Yesterday (12 February) it was revealed that David Jude Jolicoeur, who performed in De La Soul as Trugoy the Dove, died aged 54. Pitchfork reports that a representative confirmed the news, and a cause of death is yet to be revealed.

News of Jolicoeur's passing comes just over a month after De La Soul announced that their first six album will be arriving on digital streaming platforms for the first time ever next month to coincide with the 34th anniversary of their 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising. The trio were due to play London's Royal Albert Hall on 8 April, but it's currently unknown if it'll still be going ahead.

Trugoy the Dove formed De La Soul in 1988 with Posdnuos and Maseo, and their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising - a hip-hop classic - landed in March 1989.

Kaytranada, JPEGMAFIA, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Pharrell, Cadence Weapon, Tim Burgess, Open Mike Eagle, DJ Premier and many more have paid tribute to the late rapper online.

RIP TRUGOY THE DOVE, PLUG TWO
— kaytra-NADA (@KAYTRANADA) February 12, 2023

RIP TRUGOY of DE LA SOUL. A PIONEER!
— JPEGMAFIA (@jpegmafia) February 12, 2023

#RestInBeats my Bro #Dave #Trugoy #DeLaSoul forever ⁦@hiphopgods⁩ pic.twitter.com/bS5thhyOA1
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) February 12, 2023

Trugoy Dave from De La Soul has gone up to be with the day of the stars with the Master.
Sending love, light and positive vibrations to his family, The Soul and everyone whose lives have been touched by his existence.
Oodles and Oodles and Oodles of O’s
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) February 13, 2023

De La Soul forever pic.twitter.com/oUQqZB6LwM
— Cadence Weapon (@cadenceweapon) February 12, 2023

The Charlatans and De La Soul played at the same festival and I got some time to spend with Dave as our fellow band members took off to do other things. He was a sweet guy and it was an honour to be in the presence of such coolness
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) February 13, 2023

https://t.co/s9PAcwcSJz
— open michael eagle (@Mike_Eagle) February 12, 2023

So sad to hear of our icons of HIP HOP Culture Pass On...
We will miss you Trugoy The Dove (Plug 2) Dave Jolicoeur of DE LA SOUL...Our memories together are endless.
Condolences to your family and salute Pos, Maseo and Smiles. @WeAreDeLaSoul
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) February 13, 2023

De La Soul's first six albums will be available on streaming from 3 March.