HIP-HOP legend Trugoy the Dove who cofounded trio De La Soul has passed away after suffering from congestive heart failure.
Dave Jolicoeur’s death was confirmed by the group’s publicist on Sunday. He was just 54.
De La Soul co-founder Dave Jolicoeur has passed away at 54, his publicist confirmedGetty
While his cause of death has yet to be confirmed, Joliecoeur was open about his struggle with congestive heart failure in recent years.
The rap legend, who went by Trugoy while performing, was a part of the musical trio De La Soul – a group known for their music and presence on hit MTV programs in the 80s and 90s.
Alongside other members Maseo and Posdnuos, the crew made some major hits together like Feel Good Inc with the group Gorillaz.
Their album 3 Feet High and Rising is celebrated as one of the most influential records of all time thanks to the group’s hippie vibe that greatly differed from their contemporaries.
In 1988, the three Long Island natives came together to form the group that immediately stood out in the hip-hop scene.
At the time, rap was deeply political and controversial with groups like Public Enemy being the voice for Black communities, the New York Times reports.
“Gangsta rap” was booming and hardcore lyrics with loud production were the norm.
Just high schoolers at the time, the three young rappers started to gain the attention of notable producers with demos for their hippie sound and fun-loving lyrics.
With the help of producer Prince Paul, Jolicoeur and his two buddies came together to release their first album 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989.
The record was a smash hit, and quickly rocketed up the charts.
Unfortunately, the group’s most successful project would go on to spark life-long controversy for the young artists.
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