De La Soul co-founder David Jolicouer has died.
The news was confirmed by official sources overnight, with the musician passing away on February 12th. He was 54 years old. Also known as Plug Two – part of De La Soul’s internal mythology – he had discussed his experiences with congenital heart failure in recent years, seemingly a key part in his decision to step back from live performances.
Trugoy The Dove helped co-found the group, and took an active role in steering De La Soul’s initial Daisy Age sound. As the trio evolved, his skills and technical abilities came to the forefront, with subsequent albums taking on a darker tone while retaining their sample-delic leanings.
David Jolicouer’s passing is all the more poignant due to a generation missing out on De La Soul’s artistry – licensing dilemmas have kept their work from streaming services, an issue that will be fixed this coming year.
Confirmation of the hip-hop great’s ascension brought a glittering array of tributes. Pharrell Williams wrote: “Sending love, light and positive vibrations to his family, The Soul and everyone whose lives have been touched by his existence.”
Trugoy Dave from De La Soul has gone up ⬆️ to be with the day of the stars with the Master.
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) February 13, 2023
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 ✨🔥💛🎢🙌🏾🍯❤️🩹🙏🏾
Public Enemy’s Chuck D was close to Trugoy, and posted a video of the two together:
#RestInBeats my Bro #Dave #Trugoy #DeLaSoul forever @hiphopgods pic.twitter.com/bS5thhyOA1
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) February 12, 2023
“You have no idea how much pain in this last year,” wrote Prince Paul. “A blessing we got a chance to unite again…”
You have no idea how much pain in this last year . Dave love you bro ❤️ a blessing we got a chance to unite again .Divine power . Literally no words anymore 😪. De la soul forever 🙏🏽
— DJ Prince Paul (@DJPrincePaul) February 12, 2023
Nightmares on Wax labelled Trugoy “the John Coltrane of hip-hop…”
Wow , truly heartbreaking to lose such a shining light. Rest in power Trugoy of @wearedelasoul .Circa 97 an eye opening and nervy( for me) recording session at Firehouse studios NY. He truly was the John Coltrane of hip hop to me. The way he flowed 🎉Much love 💗 to your family x pic.twitter.com/BwgD7szRhq
— nightmaresonwax (@nightmaresonwax) February 13, 2023
Open Mike Eagle said he was “shattered” by the news:
shattered at the news that Trugoy passed away. as many times as I've said it there's still no way to adequately describe how much De La Soul's music and existence means to me. my heart goes out to Posdnous, Mase and all of their families. what a fucking enormous loss.
— open michael eagle (@Mike_Eagle) February 12, 2023