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AC repair inMidway, GA

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As a homeowner, you know that your HVAC unit is one of the most important components in your house. It keeps you cool during hot summer days and warm on chilly winter nights. When it's working properly, it's easy to forget its important role in your everyday life. But when it malfunctions, you quickly remember how crucial heating and AC repair in Midway, GA, is for your family.

At Liberty Heating & Air, our mission is to ensure your cooling and heating systems remain effective throughout the year at the lowest prices available. Unlike some of our competitors, we prefer to put our customers first before anything else. We believe in doing right by the folks who choose our business. Cutting corners to save a few bucks? Annoying sales pitches to try and sell you new parts or equipment? That's just not the way we do business.

When you choose Liberty Heating & Air, you can rest easy knowing you won't have to pay outlandish fees for our services. As a licensed, bonded heating and air conditioning company, we know how important trust is when it comes to the nature of our business. We go above and beyond other HVAC companies and treat your home like it was our own. That way, you have peace of mind knowing you and your family are in capable, responsible hands.

We take pride in providing our customers with the highest quality service. Our highly trained technicians have experience handling all aspects of HVAC repair, from routine maintenance problems to advanced A/C unit installation projects in Midway, GA.

Through hard work, honesty, and integrity, we have built a loyal customer base that continues to grow each month. It would be our honor to call you our customer too. Whether you need a routine maintenance check or emergency heater repair in Midway, we are here for you every step of the way, 24-hours a day.

Air Conditioning Repair Services Midway, GA

Service Areas

Why Choose Liberty Heating & Air?

We get it - there are a lot of A/C companies out there to sift through. You want to be sure you choose the best company for your needs and budget.

 AC Repair Services Midway, GA

Here are just a few reasons why our customers choose Liberty Heating & Air over other HVAC companies in South Georgia:

Authorized Carrier and Goodman Dealer:

Authorized Carrier and Goodman Dealer:

We're authorized to service and sell two of the most respected brands in the heating and A/C industry. No matter what size home you own, our technicians are fully equipped to handle any HVAC issue with your Goodman, Carrier, or other air conditioning units.

Insured, Bonded, and Licensed:

Insured, Bonded, and Licensed:

We go the extra mile to ensure that our customers feel safe and protected when they hire our team. We treat your home like it was our own, from the moment we step foot on your property to the time we pull out of your driveway.

Fair Pricing

Fair Pricing

We understand that money doesn't just grow on trees. You work hard to make an honest living and need reasonable pricing on A/C repair and other HVAC services. At Liberty Heating & Air, you'll never have to worry about us charging you outrageous prices.

Flexible Financing

Flexible Financing

Has your heater gone out in the middle of a freezing January night? A/C unit quit working in the middle of summer? Despite some common red flags that you can keep an eye out for, you can never really plan for an HVAC malfunction. That's why we offer emergency HVAC services in Midway, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Year-Round Discounts

Year-Round Discounts

With Ft. Stewart just a few minutes away, Midway has one of Georgia's largest active military populations. It is our honor to offer current and retired military members and their families discounted prices on their next service appointment. We also offer up to 10% off for Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Members. It's our small way of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our liberty.

Free Estimates

Free Estimates

From new unit installations to air conditioning repair, it would be our pleasure to provide you with a free estimate on our services.

Emergency Service

Emergency Service

Has your heater gone out in the middle of a freezing January night? A/C unit quit working in the middle of summer? Despite some common red flags that you can keep an eye out for, you can never really plan for an HVAC malfunction. That's why we offer emergency HVAC services in Midway, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Flexible Financing

Flexible Financing:

When your A/C unit or heater breaks suddenly, it can be hard to squeeze repairs into your budget. To make sure all of our customers are comfortable in their homes, we offer financing options to make your life easier.

Air Conditioning Repair in Midway, GA

Here in southern Georgia, our summers can be extremely hot and humid. Trying to live in a home without A/C a South Georgia summer isn't just a bad idea; it can be downright deadly. Fortunately, Liberty Heating & Air is here to help with all of your A/C needs. There's no A/C issue that our highly trained HVAC technicians haven't seen before, and no job too small or large for us to tackle. Whether your A/C system needs a basic issue resolved, or you need a new AC unit installed at your house, our team will be at your door in no time.

We have the experience and training to service all major air conditioning systems, from ductless systems to central air setups. We're authorized to service Goodman to Carrier brands, but the truth is it doesn't matter what A/C unit brand you have - our team can fix it all. If your unit is beyond repair, we can walk you through the process of installing a new A/C system and suggest appropriate units that will work well for your home.

Here are just a few of the most common A/C repair services we offer in Midway and the surrounding area:

  • Electrical repair
  • Compressor Repair
  • Refrigerant Leaks
  • Refrigerant Recharges
  • Replace Blower Motor
 AC Repair Midway, GA

Common Signs That
You Need AC Repair in
Midway, GA

Once springtime rolls around, it's very important that you keep your eyes and ears open for any potential warning signs that your A/C unit needs to be repaired. The last thing you need is to be caught off guard when June, July, and August are in full swing. Knowledge is power, and at Liberty Heating & Air, committed to keeping our customers in the loop about potential A/C repair warning signs. That way, you can take preventative steps rather than reactive ones.

 Heater Repair Services Midway, GA
Loud-Unusual-Noises
Loud, Unusual Noises

Don't be alarmed if your A/C unit makes low-level noises throughout the day and night - these sounds are completely normal. However, if you hear loud, unusually abrupt noises coming from your unit, it may be time to have it repaired. Buzzing or rattling noises can mean a part is loose, while grinding or whistling can signal a more serious problem. Because these types of issues won't work themselves out on their own, a professional is needed to diagnose and correct the problem.

Strong-Odors
Strong Odors

If you notice strange, smelly odors permeating throughout your home, your first instinct may be to grab the air freshener. However, unpleasant odors can be a sign that your A/C unit needs attention. Our A/C repair techs will let you know what's going on and how a potential issue can be remediated with a quick diagnostic test.

Refrigerant or Water Leaks
Refrigerant or Water Leaks

Your A/C unit needs refrigerant to keep your home cool and comfortable when it's hot outside. It's common for condensation to accumulate as your system cools your home. With that said, if you notice pooling water or an active leak coming from your A/C system, it's time to call an A/C repair tech ASAP. Leaks can cause extensive damage to your home, and the problem needs to be addressed quickly.

Heater Repair in
Midway, GA

South Georgia isn't known for its freezing temperatures, but one thing is for sure - wintertime in Midway can get very cold. When the temps begin to drop, your home's furnace works properly. Modern homes have come a long way since the days of wood and coal. Your home's heater is complicated, and when one component fails, the entire system can be affected. In situations like these, it's important not to panic. Instead, give Liberty Heating & Air a call. Our trustworthy team of heating repair experts have the knowledge and training to repair your furnace fast, so you can get back to enjoying your home.

Here are just a few of the most common issues that we can help repair:

  • No Heat
  • Thermostat Malfunction
  • Heat Pump Replacement
  • Ignition and Pilot Problems
  • Noisy Heater
  • Emergency Services
  • Much More!
 Heating And AC Services Midway, GA

Common Signs That You Need Furnace Repair in Midway, GA

 Heating And Cooling Repair Midway, GA

Today's heating systems are complex. At Liberty Heating & Air, our heating repair technicians receive ongoing training in all aspects of heating technology. That way, their skills stay sharp, and their techniques remain up to date. However, you don't need to be an expert to spot common signs that your heater may need to be repaired.

As colder months approach in Georgia, try to be aware of the following red flags:

Expensive Heating Bill

You're probably used to a more expensive electricity bill when winter hits Midway. However, if you notice a huge price jump over last year's bill, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your heating system. Utility companies are known for raising prices gradually, but a dramatic leap is a cause for concern.

Uneven Heating
Uneven-Heating

Does your heater seem to work perfectly in some areas of your house but not others? Are some rooms too hot while others are drafty and cold? If so, your heater may need repairing. This is a common issue in older homes and requires an expert to inspect your heater and ducts for airflow problems.

Unhealthy Air Quality
Unhealthy Air Quality

If the air in your house is hazy no matter how much you dust, your heater may be the problem. A furnace that circulates mildew, dust, and other harmful particles isn't working correctly. This issue is particularly bad for people with asthma or respiratory illnesses. If you haven't changed your home's air filter recently, be sure to do so. If the problem persists, it's time to call Liberty Heating & Air.

New AC Installation
in Midway, GA

You and your family depend on your home's A/C system to keep you cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year. Unfortunately, breakdowns happen at the worst possible times - like in the middle of July when temperatures are over 90 degrees. If you have had to repair your A/C system more and more often, investing in a new cooling system will save you time and money in the long run.

As an Authorized Carrier and Goodman dealer - two of the most recognized and respected brands in our industry - we have the highest quality units available. We handle every aspect of your new A/C installation from start to finish. That way, you can focus on living your life rather than worrying about the next time your A/C goes out.

Curious when it might be time for a new A/C system?

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

Dusty Furniture

 HVAC Midway, GA

If you have kept your unit well-maintained and changed your air filter regularly, you shouldn't experience this problem. If you do, and your system is old, it can be more cost-effective to replace it and have your duct system analyzed to fix the root cause of your dust issue.

High Humidity

 HVAC Repair Services Midway, GA

If it feels unusually sticky in your home, like you just spent a few hours outside in the summertime, there's a good chance that something is seriously wrong with your air conditioning. Your air conditioner's job is to pull moisture out of the air to keep your feeling cool inside. When that process fails, it can increase your risk of mold and mildew growth - and that's just the start.

Frequent Repairs

 HVAC Services Midway, GA

When your repair bills end up costing more than a down payment on a new A/C system, it might make more financial sense to invest in a more modern unit. Compare how much it costs to have our maintenance technicians perform regular service vs. the cost of a new air conditioning installation. The results may surprise you.

Liberty Heating & Air

We Are Your Trusted Local Source For Heating And Air Conditioning Services

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Latest News in Midway, GA

Eagles 10th Midway Through Second Round of VyStar Credit Union Gator Invitational

Player leaderboard | Team leaderboardGAINESVILLE, Fla. – The FGCU men's golf team is in 10th place midway through the second round of the VyStar Credit Union Gators Invitational at the University of Florida. Play was suspended late Saturday due to inclement...

Player leaderboard | Team leaderboard

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The FGCU men's golf team is in 10th place midway through the second round of the VyStar Credit Union Gators Invitational at the University of Florida. Play was suspended late Saturday due to inclement weather, with all 14 competing teams still on the course.

The Eagles posted a 7-over 287 in Saturday's first round, and were on the 12th hole in the second round when play was called for the evening. The Green & Blue will conclude the second round Sunday morning starting at 9 a.m., with the 18-hole final round set for later in the day.

"I'm really proud of our team. It was a challenging day out there on the course," said FGCU head men's golf coach Andrew Danna. "We are looking forward to another opportunity to compete (Sunday)."

Senior Pierre Viallaneix (Apopka, Fla./Winter Park HS/Western Carolina) and junior Austin Cherichella (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona HS) each carded even-par rounds of 70 on Saturday morning to tie for 18th. Cherichella made three birdies and three bogeys in his first round, and Viallaneix made two birdies and two bogeys.

Fifth-year Jon Hopkins (Bishop's Stortford, England/Hockerill Anglo-European College/Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) recorded an opening-round 1-over 71 to tie for 26th. Freshman Sam Baker (Cloquet, Minn./Cloquet HS) began with a 6-over 76 and was in 76th, and junior Thomas Salanito (Palm Harbor, Fla./Clearwater Central Catholic) opened with a 9-over 79 and 79th.

The Eagles were collectively 2-over par when play was suspended. Viallaneix was 2-under through 12 holes and climbed to a tie for 11th, while Salanito was 1-under during his round. Florida leads the field at 13-under and is through 15 holes in the second round. Florida's 'B' team is in second at 12-under, followed by Liberty (-9), Georgia Southern (-8) and North Florida (-4).

For complete coverage of FGCU men's golf, follow the Eagles on Twitter and Instagram (@FGCU_MGolf), Facebook (@FGCUAthletics), and online at www.FGCUAthletics.com. You can also sign-up to have news on FGCU men's golf and all 15 sport programs delivered directly to your inbox by visiting www.fgcuathletics.com/email.

TEAMS: FAU #51 FGCU #8 Florida Florida "B" #25 Georgia Southern Jacksonville Kennesaw State #37 Liberty #35 North Florida North Texas Penn State #59 Stetson USF West Virginia

HEAD COACH ANDREW DANNA Danna is in his fourth year at the helm of the men's golf program with the Eagles earning FGCU's first-ever NCAA Tournament at-large berth in department history during the 2022 season. He has led the Eagles to second-place finishes at the 2021 and 2022 ASUN Championships and was named the program's first-ever ASUN Coach of the Year (2021) and repeated in 2022. One of the best turnarounds in NCAA history saw the Green and Blue, led by Van Holmgren who became the first player to earn PING All-Region honors, jump from No. 257 in the final 2019-20 GolfStat.com rankings to a then program-best 65 to close out 2020-21. The Eagles set a new program-best during the 2022 season at No. 47 in the GolfStat.com rankings. Holmgren won the ASUN Championship individual title to qualify for the NCAA Regionals. Before taking over in Fort Myers, he served the 2018-19 season as the assistant at LSU. Prior to that he was the ultra-successful head coach for six years at Lynn University where he led them to the 2018 NCAA Division II national championship and was, subsequently, chosen the David Williams National Coach of the Year. He also led the Fighting Knights to three national runner-up placements, with a third and eighth place finish in his other two seasons.

E.A.G.L.E. CAMPAIGN IT TAKES A TEAM to achieve our newest goal - a $10 million campaign to address student-athlete needs in continued academic success, life skills, mental health, nutrition, and strength and conditioning as well as departmental needs in facility expansion and improvement as well as mentoring and leadership training for coaches and staff. The name embodies our mission and the purpose of the E.A.G.L.E. Campaign - Eagle Athletics Generating Lifetime Excellence. Join Our Team and pledge your gift today to help the Eagles of tomorrow!

#FEEDFGCU FGCU Athletics sponsors events in November and April to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.

ABOUT FGCU FGCU teams have combined to win an incredible 94 conference regular season and tournament titles in just 15-plus seasons at the Division I level. Additionally, in just 11-plus seasons of D-I postseason eligibility, the Eagles have had a combined 47 teams or individuals compete in NCAA championships. In 2022, the men's golf team became the first program to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. Eight FGCU programs have earned a top-25 national ranking in their respective sport - including women's basketball (No. 20, 2021-22 and No. 25 in 2022-23) beach volleyball (No. 20, 2022) and both men's soccer (2018, 2019) and women's soccer (2018) as four of the most recent. In 2016-17, the Green & Blue posted a department-best sixth-place finish in the DI-AAA Learfield Directors' Cup and top-100 showing nationally, ahead of several Power-5 and FBS institutions. In 2018-19, the Eagles had an ASUN and state of Florida best seven teams earn the NCAA's Public Recognition Award for their Academic Progress Rate in their sport. FGCU also collectively earned a record 3.66 GPA in the classroom in the fall 2022 semester and has outperformed the general University undergraduate population for 27 consecutive semesters. The past seven semesters (Fall 2019 – Fall 2022) saw another milestone reached as all 15 programs achieved a 3.0-or-higher cumulative team GPA. The Eagles also served an all-time high 7,200 volunteer hours in 2017 - being recognized as one of two runners-up for the inaugural NACDA Community Service Award presented by the Fiesta Bowl.

---FGCUATHLETICS.COM---

Mountaineers Drop Contest against Georgia Southern, 84-73

BOONE, N.C. – The App State women's basketball team fell to Georgia Southern, 84-73, in its Play4Kay Pink Game on Saturday."I thought the start of the fourth quarter is really where Georgia Southern took control of the game," said head coach Angel Elderkin. "They went 5-for-7 and we went 16 percent, 1-for-6, and probably after they went two shots I should have calle...

BOONE, N.C. – The App State women's basketball team fell to Georgia Southern, 84-73, in its Play4Kay Pink Game on Saturday.

"I thought the start of the fourth quarter is really where Georgia Southern took control of the game," said head coach Angel Elderkin. "They went 5-for-7 and we went 16 percent, 1-for-6, and probably after they went two shots I should have called a timeout. I was hoping we were going to score and call a timeout, but I thought that stretch hurt us. I thought our kids came back and pressed, had a little bit more urgency. We were able to make a run late, but I just think it comes down to the little things.

"You guys ask me every week 'what are you going to do about your rebounding?' We are who we are, and so, if we're going to give up some rebounds, we can't shoot 50 percent from the free throw line."

Junior Faith Alston led the team with a season-high 21 points, draining 3-of-4 from beyond the arc while dishing out a team-high four assists. In her 13 minutes on court, sophomore Zada Porter contributed 12 points and three rebounds. Senior Taylor Lewis and graduate student Brooke Bigott netted eight points apiece. Sophomore Mariah Frazier pulled down a team-high seven rebounds while being a pillar in the Mountaineers' defense.

App State scored 26 points off the bench, 24 points in the paint and 15 fast-break points. The Black and Gold held the Eagles to a total of four treys over the course of the game.

Alston netted eight of the Mountaineers' 15 points in the first quarter, opening the game with a pair of treys as App State took a 6-4 lead. Bigott sunk a 3-point bucket of her own, freshman Alexis Black contributed a pair of free throws and Porter made a layup as App State trailed 18-15 at the end of the quarter.

Redshirt junior A'Lea Gilbert made back-to-back layups to bring App State within two of Georgia Southern's lead (22-20). Midway through the quarter, the Mountaineers went on an 8-0 scoring run with Alston and Lewis making layups and Porter drilling a 3-point basket as well as a free throw. Georgia Southern fought back, and despite a jumper from Bigott, took a 37-31 lead at the half.

Sophomore Emily Carver opened the third quarter with a second-chance trey, which was followed up by a jumper from redshirt senior Janay Sanders and 3-point bucket from Bigott, cutting into the Eagles' 46-39 lead. Lewis drained back-to-back 3-point buckets to bring the Black and Gold within four of Georgia Southern's 50-46 lead. Despite a jumper from Alston, free throws from Sanders and Gilbert, and a late layup from Frazier, App State trailed Georgia Southern, 59-53, at the close of the period.

Early in the final quarter, Alston landed a trey and Sanders tallied another free throw before the Mountaineers faced a scoring drought. With 3:55 left to play, Porter broke the drought with a trey. Porter later posted back-to-back field goals.

COACH ELDERKIN ON PLAY4KAY "I think it's been special to join with High Country Breast Cancer Foundation because growing up in the profession I was really close with Kay Yow and have done so much with Kay Yow. So when I started on my journey at App, it was Play4Kay and then we crossed paths with Irene Sawyer and her foundation and we have a bond, being survivors. To be able to join forces and have Kay Yow and our community, I think makes for a really special day. And Georgia Southern, I love Anita, I think she does a great job. We always match up with them and she's like 'I hate playing you on Play4Kay day.' I think it's awesome, we wear these Power of One shirts and it really represents one team, one vision, one goal. It's a special day, but it's even more special when you have a community behind you."

UP NEXT The Mountaineers will go on their final regular season road trip, making stops at Norfolk, Va. and Troy, Ala. App State will take on Old Dominion at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 and Troy at 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 18. Both games will be available to stream on ESPN+.

No. 4 Duke Holds Off Huskies, 4-1

SEATTLE – Playing their third top-10 opponent in three days, the Husky women's tennis team again showed it can hang with some of the nation's best teams, but UW could not create quite enough chances tonight against 4th-ranked Duke, as the Blue Devils earned the 4-1 win.Washington ended its play at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships with a 1-2 record, getting a win over 9th-ranked Vanderbilt, and falling to No. 1 Texas and No. 4 Duke. Monday, North Carolina and Georgia will compete for the championship at...

SEATTLE – Playing their third top-10 opponent in three days, the Husky women's tennis team again showed it can hang with some of the nation's best teams, but UW could not create quite enough chances tonight against 4th-ranked Duke, as the Blue Devils earned the 4-1 win.

Washington ended its play at the ITA National Team Indoor Championships with a 1-2 record, getting a win over 9th-ranked Vanderbilt, and falling to No. 1 Texas and No. 4 Duke. Monday, North Carolina and Georgia will compete for the championship at 12 noon at the Nordstrom Tennis Center.

Washington played its best doubles of the season to earn the early lead. At the three spot, Sarah-Maude Fortin and Jennifer Kerr lost the first game to Jackson/Bryzgalova, but then reeled off six games in a row for the 6-1 win. On court number two, Hikaru Sato and Zehra Suko broke serve to take a 5-3 lead over the 25th-ranked tandem of Coleman/Berankova. Sato then held serve to finish it, 6-3, and clinch the point. The No. 1 match went unfinished with Erika Matsuda and Astrid Olsen down 3-5 to Duke's 14th-ranked top pair.

In singles, the Huskies were in it early, but Duke had a surge midway through the first sets to take the momentum. The Blue Devils have three singles players ranked in the top-28 nationally, and the visitors grabbed all six first sets in singles by either 6-4 or 6-3 scores.

The Huskies wouldn't give in, and were doing all they could to force their way into third sets and extend the match. But Duke put away two matches on courts three and five, as Astrid Olsen fell to Georgia Drummy at three, 6-3, 6-4, and Melissa Sakar lost, 6-3, 6-3, on five to Ellie Coleman.

At No. 2 singles, Sarah-Maude Fortin was down 3-6, 0-3 to 28th-ranked Cameron Morra, but Fortin rallied back and broke serve to get even at 5-5 in the second set. Next to Fortin, on court four, Jennifer Kerr had gone from 4-5 down to up 6-5 in her second set against 21st-ranked Emma Jackson. And Hikaru Sato was also looking to force a third, at 5-5 in her second set against 5th-ranked Chloe Beck.

Meanwhile, Erika Matsuda was the first Husky to get a set, as she went to a third against Iulia Bryzgalova on No. 6.

But Duke proved too tough tonight. Fortin's comeback was ended, 6-3, 7-5, against Morra, for the third point. Kerr was in a tiebreak and leading 4-2 in the breaker on court four, but Sato fell short, 6-4, 7-5, against Beck to bring the match to a close. Matsuda was at 2-3 in her third set at the conclusion.

Washington will look to grow from what it learned this weekend, as several more top-25 matches will be coming right up. After a week off, the Huskies go to Waco, Texas on Feb. 24-25 to play at Baylor, the first team in the receiving votes category of the top-25, and then a neutral site match with 17th-ranked San Diego, which also competed in Seattle this weekend but not against the Dawgs.

Washington Women's Tennis ITA National Team Indoor Championships – Back Draw February 12, 2023 Seattle, Wash. | Nordstrom Tennis Center

Washington – 1 #4 Duke – 4

Singles 1. (#5) Chloe Beck (Duke) def. Hikaru Sato (UW) – 6-4, 7-5 2. (#28) Cameron Morra (Duke) def. Sarah-Maude Fortin (UW) – 6-3, 7-5 3. Georgia Drummy (Duke) def. Astrid Olsen (UW) – 6-3, 6-4 4. Jennifer Kerr (UW) vs. (#21) Emma Jackson (Duke) – 3-6, 6-6 (4-2), DNF 5. Ellie Coleman (Duke) def. Melissa Sakar (UW) – 6-3, 6-3 6. Erika Matsuda (UW) vs. Iuliia Bryzgalova (Duke) – 4-6, 6-3, 2-3, DNF Order of finish: 5, 3, 2, 1

Doubles 1. Matsuda/Olsen (UW) vs. (#14) Beck/Morra (Duke) – 3-5, DNF 2. Sato/Suko (UW) def. (#25) Coleman/Berankova (Duke) – 6-3 3. Fortin/Kerr (UW) def. Jackson/Bryzgalova (Duke) – 6-1 Order of finish: 3, 2

David Jolicoeur, De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove, dies at 54

Primary ContentThe most formative musical memory of my youth occurred 30,000 feet over central California in the summer of 1989. I was almost 17, flying on a school trip from L.A. to the Bay Area, and popped into my Walkman was an album I had just picked up from my local record store, Moby Disc: De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising. When the cassette reached "Eye Know," about midway through Side A, I sat transfixed in my seat. I had never heard anything like this before: an earnest rap song about love that wasn't a...

Primary Content

The most formative musical memory of my youth occurred 30,000 feet over central California in the summer of 1989. I was almost 17, flying on a school trip from L.A. to the Bay Area, and popped into my Walkman was an album I had just picked up from my local record store, Moby Disc: De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising. When the cassette reached "Eye Know," about midway through Side A, I sat transfixed in my seat. I had never heard anything like this before: an earnest rap song about love that wasn't a sappy radio ballad (no offense, LL Cool J), set to a delicious groove that merged '60s soul and '70s art pop. Part of me wanted to take my headphones off and share the song with one of my classmates but the part that was selfish won out. When the track ended, I rewound and played it again. And again. And again. "Eye Know" wasn't the first rap song I ever heard but it was the first that sparked an interest to explore the music and culture behind it. As with many others who discovered hip-hop in that same era, that private epiphany changed my life's trajectory.

We learned yesterday that one of the group's core members — David Jolicoeur, aka Trugoy the Dove, aka Plug Two — has come to the end of his own journey at the age of 54. As of this time, no cause of death has been announced, but in 2017, Jolicoeur revealed that he was suffering from congestive heart problems. On February 5, when De La Soul was feted as part of this year's Grammy Awards' celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, Trugoy was conspicuously absent from the proceedings.

Like the rest of the group, including Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer, Vincent "P.A. Mase" Mason and their mentor "Prince Paul" Houston, Jolicoeur grew up in the Long Island village of Amityville; all four men met while attending Amityville Memorial High School. Their middle class, suburban roots were an important part of their difference from most of the hip-hop landscape of the mid- and late-1980s when rap music was still associated with gritty, urban 'hoods like Compton in Los Angeles or New York's South Bronx and Queensbridge Projects.

The leading MCs who hailed from those areas were mostly brash braggarts with super-sized personalities: Think Big Daddy Kane, Run DMC, LL Cool J or Ice Cube. By comparison, Trugoy and his group-mates looked downright bookish, wearing "black medallions, no gold," and possessed of irreverent wit and cutting humor that became the group's calling card. Dante Ross, who helped manage them after they signed to Tommy Boy Records in 1987, told Check the Technique author Brian Coleman in 2007, "when De La Soul came in the game, there was just a changing of the guard. The gold chains and the macho s*** just wasn't all that anymore."

Trugoy, in particular, felt like the group's irrepressible id, the embodiment of De La's D.A.I.S.Y. (Da Inner Soul Ya'll) Age ethos of the time with his floppy dreads and gap-tooth smile. Both he and Posdnuos were skillful MCs, but while his rhyming partner possessed a sharp, precise flow and more topical songwriting, there was a care-free charisma to how Trugoy carried himself on mic. Chris "Thes One" Portugal, of the L.A. rap duo People Under the Stairs, grew up on De La's music too, and he described Trugoy to me as possessing a "leader of the outsiders vibe," observing that the "effortless cool of his verses magnified our assumptions of [the group's] character: laid back and loose."

Over the course of their early albums, beginning with Three Feet High and Rising and continuing with De La Soul Is Dead in 1991, Buhloone Mindstate in 1993 and Stakes Is High in 1996, De La became avatars for future generations of hip-hop nerds and geeks inspired by the group's commitment to creativity and cleverness. Brooklyn's Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), who also idolized De La Soul as a teenager, explained to me in 1999: "They weren't just arbitrarily creative. They were really intense with mad thought and focus. [No one] thought hip hop could be like that."

The group recorded steadily from 1989 through 2001, when they released AOI: Bionix, the last of their six albums for Tommy Boy. They shifted to an independent model after that and their output slowed considerably, releasing just two albums after 2004, most recently the crowd-funded "And the Anonymous Nobody..." in 2016. For all their humor, the group spent decades waging serious battles with the music industry, partly around their sampling practices, and mostly with Tommy Boy. One legacy of those disagreements with the label has been the absence of most of their albums from legal streaming services, an unfathomable void in the age of the infinite jukebox. This travesty is finally being rectified on March 3rd, but it's a sad, cruel irony that Trugoy should pass away mere days before the indefensibly delayed return of his and De La's music to the masses. Normally, the death of a beloved musical artist leads people to dive back into their catalogs, sharing favorite songs with others. The basic gestures we normally take for granted are impossible right now because of De La's absence from common of streaming sites.

On the other hand, it also means that the next couple of weeks can serve as a celebration of Trugoy's life and legacy, culminating on March 3 when so much of De La's best work will finally be available again. I've had the benefit of having their old tapes, CDs and vinyl recordings on hand to revisit all these years but it's the potential new fans who will benefit the most from De La's long-delayed digital debut. It's hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to Trugoy than for a next generation of listeners to sit with his music and potentially have their own life's trajectories set anew.

Oliver Wang is a Los Angeles-based culture writer and professor of sociology at CSU Long Beach.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Grand View men and Life women are No. 1 in newest NAIA National Rankings

.KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Grand View (Iowa) now leads the NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Top 20 Poll for the seventh straight rankings period this year. With the rest of the Top Five remaining the same, the biggest movement comes from Morningside (Iowa) and Cumberlands (Ky.) each leaping four spots. The Cascade and Mid-South Conferences lead the way with five institutions each represented.NAIA Men's Wrestling Final Rankings Rank/Last/Team/Conference/Points 1 1 Grand V...

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Grand View (Iowa) now leads the NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Top 20 Poll for the seventh straight rankings period this year. With the rest of the Top Five remaining the same, the biggest movement comes from Morningside (Iowa) and Cumberlands (Ky.) each leaping four spots. The Cascade and Mid-South Conferences lead the way with five institutions each represented.

NAIA Men's Wrestling Final Rankings Rank/Last/Team/Conference/Points 1 1 Grand View (Iowa) Heart 300 2 2 Life University (Ga.) Appalachian 276 3 3 Southeastern (Fla.) Appalachian 242 4 4 Doane (Neb.) Great Plains 181 5 5 Indiana Tech Wolverine-Hoosier 173 6 7 Marian University ((Ind.) Wolverine-Hoosier 164 7 6 Menlo (Calif.) Cascade 157 8 8 Eastern Oregon Cascade 147 9 9 Providence (Mont.) Cascade 126 10 14 Morningside (Iowa) Great Plains 123 11 10 Reinhardt (Ga.) Appalachian 120 12 11 Ottawa (Kan.) Kansas Collegiate 117 13 12 Campbellsville (Ky.) Mid-South 98 14 13 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) Mid-South 86 15 15 Cumberland (Tenn.) Mid-South 82 16 20 Cumberlands (Ky.) Mid-South 77 17 18 Thomas More (Ky.) Mid-South 74 18 16 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) Cascade 73 19 17 Baker (Kan.) Heart 72 20 18 Missouri Valley Heart 70 20 RV Montana State-Northern Cascade 70 Dropped From Poll: None Receiving Votes: Southern Oregon 66; Oklahoma City 57; Central Methodist (Mo.) 48; Lourdes (Ohio) 46; Vanguard (Calif.) 46; Keiser (Fla.) 36; Saint Mary (Kan.) 36; Briar Cliff (Iowa) 33; Graceland (Iowa) 32; Corban (Ore.) 30; Cornerstone (Mich.) 26; Avila (Mo.) 23; Brewton-Parker (Ga.) 22; Midway (Ky.) 20; Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) 19; Oklahoma Wesleyan 16; William Penn (Iowa) 16; Rochester (Mich.) 14; Concordia (Neb.) 13; Montreat (N.C.) 13; Wayland Baptist (Texas) 13; Benedictine (Kan.) 7; St. Thomas (Fla.) 6; St. Ambrose (Iowa) 5; Pikeville (Ky.) 4; Waldorf (Iowa) 4; Missouri Baptist 3; Texas esleyan 3; York (Neb.) 3; Dickinson State (N.D.) 2

Individual Rankings

Top-Ranked Individuals 125 – Esco Walker, Grand View (Iowa) 133 – Carson Taylor, Grand View (Iowa) 141 – Baterdene Boldmaa, Doane (Neb.) 149 – Ryan Moore, Thomas More (Ky.) 157 – Giovanni Bonilla, Grand View (Iowa) 165 – Jack Bass, Life (Ga.) 174 – Isaiah Luellen, Grand View (Iowa) 184 – Eric Vermillion, Indiana Tech 197 – Zane Lanham, Life (Ga.) 285 – Greg Hagan, Grand View (Iowa)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Life (Ga.) overtakes the number one ranking in the newest Yes! Athletics NAIA Women's Wrestling Coaches' Top 20 Poll. Grand View (Iowa) falls to second place, Southern Oregon remains in third, with Menlo (Calif.) and Cumberlands (Ky.) switch spots at fourth and fifth. Hastings (Neb.) is back in the poll after a one cycle hiatus replacing Waldorf (Iowa).

NAIA Women's Rankings No. 5 Rank/Last/Team/Conference/Points 1 2 Life (Ga.) Mid-South 197 2 1 Grand View (Iowa) Heart 193 3 3 Southern Oregon Cascade 178 4 5 Menlo (Calif.) Cascade 157 5 4 Cumberlands (Ky.) Mid-South 139 6 6 Texas Wesleyan Sooner 129 7 11 Central Methodist (Mo.) Heart 123 8 7 Providence (Mont.) Cascade 121 9 10 Indiana Tech Mid-South 110 10 9 Iowa Wesleyan Heart 98 11 13 Missouri Baptist Sooner 95 12 12 Missouri Valley Heart 88 13 8 Campbellsville (Ky.) Mid-South 86 14 15 Eastern Oregon Cascade 75 15 14 Brewton-Parker (Ga.) Mid-South 64 16 RV Hastings (Neb.) Kansas Collegiate 48 17 17 Midland (Neb.) Kansas Collegiate 46 18 20 Baker (Kan.) Heart 44 19 16 Oklahoma City Sooner 39 20 18 Doane (Neb.) Kansas Collegiate 37 Dropped From Poll: Waldorf (Iowa) Receiving Votes: Saint Mary (Kan.) 31; Ottawa (Kan.) 28; Siena Heights (Mich.) 26; Jamestown (N.D.) 26; Wayland Baptist (Texas) 24; Waldorf (Iowa) 23; Friends (Kan.) 21; Lourdes (Ohio) 20; Jarvis Christian (Texas) 11; St. Andrews (N.C.) 11; Montreat (N.C.) 9; Avila (Mo.) 8; William Penn (Iowa) 5; Vanguard (Calif.) 3

Individual Rankings

Top-Ranked Individuals 101 – Ira Navarro, Providence (Mont.) 109 – Peyton Prussin, Life (Ga.) 116 – Ashley Gooman, Providence (Mont.) 123 – Carolina Moreno, Southern Oregon 130 – Lexie Basham, Texas Wesleyan 136 – Adaugo Nwachukwu, Iowa Wesleyan 143 – Alexis Gomez, Grand View (Iowa) 155 – Latifah McBryde, Life (Ga.) 170 – Dymond Guilford, Cumberlands (Ky.) 191 – Kelani Corbett, Missouri Valley

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