The music world is mourning the loss of John Forté, the acclaimed rapper and producer best known for his pivotal work with the legendary hip-hop group Fugees. He was 50 years old.
A Sudden and Unexplained Death
According to the Associated Press, Forté was found dead on Monday at his home in Chilmark, on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin confirmed the discovery, stating that the cause of death is not yet known. He added there was no apparent evidence of foul play at the scene. The investigation has now been taken over by the state medical examiner’s office.
A Career Defined by Collaboration and Controversy
Forté's musical legacy is inextricably linked to Fugees, the iconic trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel. He was a key member of the affiliated collective Refugee Camp All-Stars, contributing to the group's production and creative output.
His most significant contribution came on Fugees' seminal 1996 album, The Score. Forté co-wrote and co-produced two tracks, Family Business and Cowboys, and performed on the former. The album was a global phenomenon, topping the Billboard 200 chart and eventually being certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA. This work earned Forté a shared Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
He further collaborated with Wyclef Jean on the single We Trying To Stay Alive and performed on the 1997 Fugees track Rumble In The Jungle. Forté launched his solo career with the 1998 album Poly Sci.
A Prison Sentence Commuted by Presidential Pardon
In 2000, Forté's career was violently interrupted when he was arrested at Newark International Airport on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy. He was accused of accepting a briefcase containing liquid cocaine valued at $1.4 million.
Convicted and handed the mandatory minimum 14-year prison sentence, he recorded his second album, I, John, while awaiting sentencing. The album featured a notable duet with singer Carly Simon, who became a fierce advocate for his release. In a remarkable turn of events, President George W. Bush commuted Forté's sentence in November 2008, following lobbying efforts by Simon and former Senator Orrin Hatch.
After regaining his freedom, Forté resumed his music career, releasing several albums including his most recent, Vessels, Angels & Ancestors in 2021. He also wrote the 2012 anthem Brooklyn: Something To Lean On for the Brooklyn Nets basketball team.
In his personal life, Forté married photographer Lara Fuller in 2015 after meeting her on Martha's Vineyard. He is survived by her and their two children, a daughter named Wren and a son named Haile.
