| Trugoy | |
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Birth name |
David Jude Jolicoeur |
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Also known as |
Trugoy the Dove, Dave |
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Born |
21 September 1968 |
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Genre |
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Occupation(s) |
Rapper, record producer |
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Associated acts |
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Died |
12 February 2023 (aged 54) |
David Jude Jolicoeur (21 September 1968 - 12 February 2023), better known by his stage names Trugoy, Trugoy the Dove and more recently Dave, was an American rapper, record producer and one third of the hip hop trio De La Soul. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up In East Massapequa, New York.
Jolicoeur, Vincent Mason and Kelvin Mercer were friends who attended the same high school in the Amityville area of Long Island during the 1980s. After they decided to form De La Soul, each member re-christened themselves with an unusual stage name (Trugoy the Dove, P.A. Pasemaster Mase and Posdnuos, respectively). Early in the group's career, Jolicoeur sported a unique style of African medallions, peace signs and uneven dreadlocks known as the "De La Do".
Trugoy has had few collaborations outside of the group, with his most notable appearance being on the song "Award Tour" by fellow Native Tongues members A Tribe Called Quest.
On February 12, 2023, it was announced that Trugoy had passed away at age 54.