De La Soul's Maseo breaks silence over Trugoy the Dove's death

Maseo of Long Island hip-hop trio De La Soul has opened up about the death of Trugoy The Dove – real name David Jude Jolicoeur – who died aged 54 on February 12th, 2023. Breaking his silence over the passing of his long-time bandmate, Maseo took to Instagram to pay tribute to the lyricist.

In the post, Maseo shared a photo of De La Soul singing their first record deal with Tommy Boy Records in the late 1980s. The photograph also features producer Prince Paul, who produced the group’s first three albums, Tommy Boy founder Tom Silverman and label president Monica Lynch.

The caption below the photo reads: “This is the day we signed our contract with Tommy Boy… Much Love And Respect To Monica Lynch. In the comments section, DJ Premier wrote ““SUPER CLASSIC HISTORY”, while A-Trak responded with “Wowww”. Genre-defining rappers Busta Rhymes and Diamond D have also offered their condolences.

Maseo then posted a follow-up photo of a black medallion commemorating De La Soul’s 1989 debut, 3 Feet and Rising. “Since 1988,” he wrote, highlighting the years he, Trugoy and Posdnuos spent in the rap game. “i wore mine around the bx back then,” Diamond D wrote in the comment section.

While Posdnous is yet to address Trugoy The Dove’s death, countless hip-hop icons have paid tribute to the lyricist. “Trugoy The Dove[.] You showed us it’s ok to have fun not sad or too too deep or fight the power tho it was very much fight the power what u did so genuis,” Nas wrote on Instagram. “The group made me wish I was them. Thank You.”

In a tweet, Pharrell Williams wrote: “Trugoy Dave from De La Soul has gone up to be with the day of the stars with the Master. 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.”

Meanwhile, Chicago MC Busta Rhymes expressed his “disbelief” via Instagram, writing:“The truth is he has been one of the greatest influences and inspirations in my life. I will miss you brother. You are loved beyond words and I am praying for all your family which is our family.”

Trugoy passed away just weeks before the March 3rd release of De La Soul’s back catalogue on streaming services. The group announced the news back in January following a long legal battle with Reservoir Media and their former label Tommy Boy. “We can’t believe this day is finally here, and we are excited to be able to share our music with fans, old and new,” De La wrote in a recent statement.