Trugoy The Dove Of De La Soul Has Passed Away at the Age of 54

Kimberly R. McClary

Trugoy The Dove of De La Soul, born David Jude Jolicoeur, has passed away at the age of 54. While details surrounding his death have yet to be disclosed, the Haitian-American rapper had seen his health impacted by congestive heart failure in recent years.

In 2020, Trugoy was much more open about his illness, appearing on IG live with groupmates Posdnuos and Maseo during a brief hospitalization, and posting a thank you message to fans once he was released.

All of the recent posts to the groups social media account had been dedicated to the pending return of their early music to streaming platforms.

The year kicked off on a celebratory note for De La Soul and their fans, as the group began counting down to the re-release of their first six albums — 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump and AOI: Bionix — in digital formats.

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On January 3, 2023, the legendary hip-hop group confirmed a March 3 release date with an announcement on their social media pages and official website. De La Soul had a tough time getting its catalog up on DSPs due to sample clearance issues and a contractual dispute with their former label, Tommy Boy Records. Things looked up, however, after Reservoir Media acquired their discography as part of its $100 million acquisition of Tommy Boy Records in 2021. Reservoir Media will distribute De La Soul’s catalog via Chrysalis Records.

Ahead of the re-release, the group’s legendary track “The Magic Number” landed on streaming platforms and YouTube on January 13, 2023. Fans were also anticipating the arrival of new music, as Prince Paul recently reunited with the group in the studio for the first time in 30 years.

We here at Parle Magazine would like to send our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, friends and fans of Trygoy the Dove of De La Soul. RIP.

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