"You Were the Heart of Our Group:" De La Soul Makes Public Statement On Trugoy's Passing

Surviving De La Soul members, Posdnuos and Maseo, gave a statement on Instagram nearly two weeks after Trugoy the Dove's death.

Posdnuos and Maseo made it a group effort to commemorate lateDe La Soul member, Trugoy the Dove. On Wednesday afternoon (February 22), the two went to Instagram with two separate posts for Trugoy, legal name David Jude Jolicoeur.

"Dear Dave," Posdnous' post began, under a black-and-white portrait of Trugoy. "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."

It continued, "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."

The message concluded Posdnuos sending gratitude to their late group member for his friendship, rhymes and production.

Days after making two Instagram posts for Trugoy, Maseo returned on De La Soul's main Instagram page, with three images, the first being the group's 1988 signing to Tommy Boy Records.

"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," Maseo's caption read.

At the beginning of March, De La Soul's back catalog will be released to streaming services for the first time.