What Happened to Vincent Lamont Mason Jr.?
Vincent Mason, widely known as Maseo and Plug Three of the legendary hip-hop group De La Soul, has navigated significant changes in recent years, including the long-awaited release of the group's back catalog to streaming services in 2023 and the profound loss of fellow member Trugoy the Dove. Despite the grief, Mason, alongside Posdnuos, has continued De La Soul's legacy with a new album, 'Cabin in the Sky' in 2025, and ongoing performances and initiatives into 2026.
Quick Answer
Vincent Mason, or Maseo from De La Soul, has remained highly active in the hip-hop scene. After decades of legal battles, De La Soul's classic catalog finally hit streaming services in March 2023. Tragically, this was shortly after the passing of his bandmate, David 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur. Mason, alongside Posdnuos, has continued De La Soul's work, releasing their tenth studio album, 'Cabin in the Sky,' in November 2025, which features contributions from the late Trugoy. As of April 2026, he is actively touring with De La Soul, performing DJ sets, and engaging in health awareness initiatives.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
De La Soul Forms
Vincent Mason (Maseo), Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos), and David Jolicoeur (Trugoy the Dove) form De La Soul in Amityville, Long Island, New York.
Debut Album '3 Feet High and Rising' Released
De La Soul releases their critically acclaimed debut album, '3 Feet High and Rising,' which reshapes hip-hop with its eclectic sampling and positive lyrics.
Album 'and the Anonymous Nobody...' Released
De La Soul releases 'and the Anonymous Nobody...,' their first album in over a decade, which was crowdfunded and earned a Grammy nomination.
Trugoy the Dove Passes Away
David 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur, Maseo's bandmate, passes away at 54 from congestive heart failure, just weeks before the group's catalog was set to hit streaming services.
Maseo Publicly Mourns Trugoy
Maseo makes his first public statement since Trugoy's death, sharing nostalgic photos on Instagram and honoring their shared legacy.
Catalog Released to Streaming Services
After decades of legal battles, De La Soul's first six albums become available on all major streaming platforms. Maseo stated, 'It's been 20 plus years overdue, but finally, we are here.'
Maseo Discusses Future of De La Soul
Maseo confirms that De La Soul will continue as a duo and that 'AOI 3' (Art Official Intelligence Vol. 3) will be their next project, fulfilling a responsibility to fans and Trugoy's legacy.
Discussions of New Music Emerge
Posdnuos and Maseo confirm in an interview that new De La Soul music will be released, with 'strong discussions' about reuniting with Prince Paul and releasing material recorded before Trugoy's death.
New Album 'Cabin in the Sky' Announced
At New York Comic Con, Posdnuos and Maseo announce their 10th studio album, 'Cabin in the Sky,' as part of Mass Appeal's 'Legend Has It' series.
Single 'The Package' Released
De La Soul releases 'The Package,' the lead single from 'Cabin in the Sky,' produced by Pete Rock.
Album 'Cabin in the Sky' Released
De La Soul releases their tenth studio album, 'Cabin in the Sky,' featuring contributions from the late Trugoy the Dove.
Good Health Summit at Morehouse College
De La Soul (Posdnuos and Maseo) host their inaugural 'Good Health: Mind, Body and Soul Summit' at Morehouse College, focusing on men's health in hip-hop.
Australian 'Droppin' Science' Tour Begins
De La Soul kicks off their 'Droppin' Science' tour in Australia, with a performance at Melbourne's Palace Foreshore.
NPR Tiny Desk Concert
De La Soul performs a Tiny Desk Concert, honoring Trugoy the Dove and showcasing new music from 'Cabin in the Sky' alongside classics.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Vincent Lamont Mason Jr., known globally as Maseo, is a founding member and DJ of the iconic hip-hop trio De La Soul. The period leading up to and including 2026 has been marked by both long-awaited triumphs and profound personal loss for Mason and the group. For decades, De La Soul's early albums were largely unavailable on digital streaming platforms due to complex sample clearance issues and disputes with their former label, Tommy Boy Records. This changed dramatically on March 3, 2023, when their first six albums, including their seminal debut '3 Feet High and Rising,' were finally released to streaming services. Mason expressed the group's relief, stating, “It's been 20 plus years overdue, but finally, we are here.”
However, this momentous occasion was overshadowed by tragedy. Just weeks before the catalog's digital release, David 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur, Maseo's bandmate and friend, passed away on February 12, 2023, at the age of 54 due to congestive heart failure. Maseo publicly mourned Trugoy on Instagram, sharing nostalgic photos and emphasizing the group's 35 years of existence. The loss deeply impacted Mason and Kelvin 'Posdnuos' Mercer, the remaining members, but at the urging of Trugoy's sister, they decided to continue De La Soul to honor his legacy.
This commitment to Trugoy's legacy culminated in the release of De La Soul's tenth studio album, 'Cabin in the Sky,' on November 21, 2025. The album, their first since 2016, features vocals and production recorded by Trugoy before his passing, making his presence deeply embedded in the project. The lead single, 'The Package,' produced by Pete Rock, was released on November 6, 2025. Posdnuos described the album as living 'in that space between loss and light,' serving as both therapy and celebration.
Beyond new music, Maseo has been actively involved in various initiatives. In February 2026, De La Soul hosted their inaugural 'Good Health: Mind, Body and Soul Summit' at Morehouse College, aiming to foster dialogue about men's health within the hip-hop community, a cause made more poignant by Trugoy's passing. The group also embarked on an 'Droppin' Science' tour in Australia in February and March 2026, performing in cities like Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney.
Most recently, on March 3, 2026, known as 'De La Soul Day,' Maseo and Posdnuos performed a highly anticipated NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The performance honored Trugoy, with a placard simply reading 'Dave' placed prominently, and featured a mix of classics and tracks from 'Cabin in the Sky.' Maseo continues to perform as a DJ, with various tour dates and appearances scheduled throughout 2026, both as part of De La Soul and in solo capacities, demonstrating his enduring presence and influence in music.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Vincent Lamont Mason Jr. made different choices?