Trugoy The Dove
Biography
David Jude Jolicoeur, widely known by his stage name Trugoy the Dove, was an American rapper, producer, and a founding member of the iconic hip-hop trio De La Soul. He was born on September 21, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian-American parents and was raised in the East Massapequa and Amityville areas of Long Island. It was in high school where he met his future bandmates, Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer and Vincent "Maseo" Mason.
The Formation of De La Soul
In 1988, Jolicoeur, Mercer, and Mason formed De La Soul. Adopting the stage names Trugoy the Dove, Posdnuos, and Maseo, respectively, the trio caught the attention of producer Prince Paul with a demo of their song "Plug Tunin'". Trugoy's moniker was a backwards spelling of "yogurt," a food he enjoyed. De La Soul's unique style, characterized by their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and positive messages, set them apart from the harder-edged rap that was prevalent at the time.
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul's debut album, "3 Feet High and Rising," was released in 1989 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album is considered a landmark in hip-hop, praised for its innovative use of samples from a wide range of artists, including Johnny Cash and Steely Dan, and its playful, witty skits. This album introduced the "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" (Da Inner Sound, Y'all) concept, which, along with their unique fashion sense, led to them being labeled as "the hippies of hip hop". The single "Me, Myself and I" became a massive hit, solidifying their place in the music industry.
Later Career and Musical Evolution
The group's sophomore album, "De La Soul Is Dead" (1991), took a darker and more serious tone, addressing issues like the pressures of fame and the state of the music industry. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, De La Soul continued to release influential albums, including "Buhloone Mindstate" (1993) and "Stakes Is High" (1996). In 2006, Trugoy, along with De La Soul, won a Grammy Award for their collaboration with Gorillaz on the hit single "Feel Good Inc.". The group's extensive catalog was unavailable on streaming services for many years due to complex sample clearance issues and disputes with their former label, Tommy Boy Records, finally becoming available in 2023.
Legacy and Passing
Trugoy the Dove's laid-back vocal delivery and introspective lyrics were integral to De La Soul's signature sound. He was a key creative force within the group, contributing to their unique and influential style that expanded the boundaries of hip-hop. In his later years, Trugoy had been open about his struggles with congestive heart failure. David Jude Jolicoeur passed away on February 12, 2023, at the age of 54. His death was a significant loss to the hip-hop community, with many artists paying tribute to his innovative artistry and lasting legacy.