Rapper Trugoy The Dove Dies At 54; Tributes Pour In

Rapper David Jude Jolicoeur, popularly known as Trugoy the Dove, has died at the age of 54. He was one of the founding members of the hip-hop trio De La Soul.

The rapper died at a Maryland hospital on Sunday, reported TMZ. The exact cause of death was not disclosed. The rapper had been battling congestive heart failure.

In his 2016 music video "Royalty Capes," Trugoy explained that he was diagnosed with "congestive heart failure." He also showed a life vest that he was wearing following the diagnosis.

"Right now, I'm wearing this, which is called a life vest," he said in the video. "It'll shock me and, uh, hopefully, bring me back from the matrix. I'm ready just to get back to the stage. I miss it. I love traveling, I love being around my guys, and I, I want that back."

The music track was a part of De La Soul's album "And the Anonymous Nobody." The trio consists of Kelvin Mercer (known as Posdnuos), Jolicoeur and Vincent Mason (known as Maseo).

The band was originally formed in 1988 in New York and their first album, "3 Feet High and Rising," came out in 1989.

Rapper Erick Sermon took to his Instagram page Sunday to mourn his fellow rapper's death.

"This one hurts. From Long Island from one of the best rap groups in Hiphop," he wrote. "Dave has passed away you will be missed... RIP."

DJ Premier a.k.a Christopher Edward Martin, who produced one of De La Soul's albums, offered condolences to the late rapper's family and colleagues.

"So sad to hear of our icons of HIP HOP Culture Pass On," he tweeted. "We will miss you Trugoy The Dove (Plug 2) Dave Jolicoeur of DE LA SOUL...Our memories together are endless. Condolences to your family and salute Pos, Maseo and Smiles."

"We lost another legend of hip hop music and culture in my brother Trugoy aka Dave of De La Soul. His music will allow him to live in our hearts and minds as he is gone. But not only was he a great musician but he was a great human being. He meant a lot to us," rapper B-Real tweeted.

Chuck D shared an old video with the late rapped and wrote, "RestInBeats my Bro #Dave #Trugoy #DeLaSoul forever."

De La Soul was scheduled to perform at Royal Albert Hall in London on April 8 and at 02 Academy Glasgow in Scotland on April 9. It is not clear if the band's shows will be canceled.