On February 12th, David Jude Jolicoeur - the rapper Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul - passed away at 54.

De La Soul was a hip hop and rapping group composed of the trio Trugoy the Dove, Maseo, and Posdnuos. They've been making music since the late 80s, when they produced their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, just out of high school.

It was well-known the artist struggles with congestive heart failures. Jolicoeur was open about the issue, disclosing it in the music group's 2017 music video for 'Royalty Capes.' In 2020, he was briefly hospitalised because of the condition.

Maseo and Posdnuos have just broken their media silence, posting tributes to their friend online honouring his memory. As a final goodbye to their band mate, both the letters were written to David Jolicoeur directly.

Posdnuos, who signed his letter with his given name, Merce, wrote "You were the heart of our group. You brought so much creativity, energy, and passion to our music, and your influence will be felt for years to come."

"Your passing is a great loss not only to us, but also to the entire hip-hop community. You were a true artist who used music to inspire and uplift others, and you will be deeply missed by all who knew you."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by De La Soul (@wearedelasoul)

"This is heavy on our hearts and minds but we are smiling and even laughing at all the great times we shared with you. As we attempt to navigate this world without you, we stand grateful and proud of all you accomplished on this earth."

Posdnuos ended the letter thanking Jolicoeur for his contributions to the band and to their lives, including a light but emotional joke.

"We would like to say thank you Dave for being a big brother. Thank you for being a friend. Thank you for the wise words placed in your verses. Thank you for the music you produced that is loved by so many. Thank you for never wanting to compromise the quality of our brand."

"Thank you for helping us become a group that will remain etched in the timeline of hip hop culture as well as the fabric of music and for now on when we perform 'Ring Ring Ring Ha Ha Hey' we will say '2-2-2-2-222 we got an angel in heaven who can talk to you.'"

Maseo followed up Posdnuo's post with his own. Both were posted to the group's Instagram page.

"Dave - thank you so much for being in my life," Maseo begins.

"Although you and I would argue like hell, we would both admit when we were wrong and totally come full circle and say, 'I Love You.' I want to truly thank you for having the birds eye view of our collective vision to be a group."

"Before Trugoy The Dove, I met J.D. Dove aside being called Dave in 1985. I remember your mom calling you Dove, so you've always had wings, so go on and fly into the light, Merce and I will make sure your legacy is well preserved."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by De La Soul (@wearedelasoul)

Maseo continued to lament his Jolicouer's passing, hyping up Trugoy's talents and the loss he poses not just to his loved ones, but the artistic community.

"'We Are De La Soul' for life and after life, but obviously, it will never be the same. On one end I'm happy you no longer have to suffer the pain of your condition but on the other hand I'm extremely upset at the fact that you're not here to celebrate and enjoy what we worked and fought so hard to achieve."

"Unfortunately, emcees that are in groups very rarely get mentioned, you and Merce are top tier, your contribution as emcees and song writers have inspired many to step up there game."

"DAMMIT DAVE! to be writing about you in past tense is CRAZY, but at least I got to tell you a lot of this and more except for the part about being named Dove. Let me just end off by saying I am very content and more than reassured about our relationship as brothers because we discussed it thoroughly and solidified what is necessary just in case something happened to any of us, but who would've thought so soon when there was so much to live for."

Directing the letter away from David Jolicouer for a moment, Maseo then directed his heartfelt words to their supporters.

"To all the De La Fans, our peers, constituents and family, thank you for all of your support through this troubling time."

Maseo ended the letter calling "all of Long Island and hip hop culture" to "stand up and salute the legendary icon." Like Posdnuos, he concluded the letter expressing his love for Jolicoeur.

Family and fans alike will miss the hip hop artist dearly.

Last month, six of the trio's albums became available on streaming platforms after complex licensing issues.

Fans will soon be able to also stream 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, and AOI:Bionix starting March 3rd.

Before Jolicouer's passing, De La Soul had plans to tour the UK in April. At the moment there remains no update on whether the tour will be put on hold.