John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician celebrated for his work with Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, has died at the age of 50. He was found dead Monday afternoon in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, according to authorities, who reported no signs of foul play as a state medical examiner investigates.
Forté rose to fame in his early 20s on some of the most influential hip-hop records of the 1990s, contributing to the Fugees’ multi-platinum, critically acclaimed album The Score and to Wyclef Jean’s Grammy-nominated The Carnival.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Forté showed musical talent from a young age and developed into a skilled rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Alongside his work with the Fugees and Refugee Camp All-Stars, he released solo projects including Poly Sci and I, John, collaborating with artists such as Carly Simon along the way.
In 2000, Forté was arrested on drug trafficking charges and eventually sentenced to 14 years in prison. While incarcerated, he continued to write and record music, even completing an album behind bars. His sentence was commuted after seven years by George W. Bush, following widespread advocacy by supporters who believed his punishment was excessive.
The Score, released in 1996 with the Fugees, remains a cornerstone of hip-hop history, an album whose influence is still felt across genres today.
Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children.
Rest in power, John!
