United Kingdom, Feb. 14 -- David Jolicoeur's De La Soul bandmates were "shocked" by his death because he hid his health issues from them.

The rapper - known by his stage name Trugoy the Dove - passed away in February 2023 at the age of 54 just as the hip-hop trio was planning a major comeback and Kelvin 'Posdnuos' Mercer has revealed they knew David had suffered heart troubles but they had no idea he was having "serious" medical problems.

He told the Guardian newspaper: "Dave had been having issues with his heart for a few year. And it was a lot for him to go out and perform that song ['Feel Good Inc.' with Gorillaz].

"I told [bandmate] Mase [Vincent 'Maseo' Mason]: 'I don't know how we gonna put new music out or play De La shows where...