John Forté, the Grammy-nominated artist and producer best known for his work with Fugees, has died at the age of 50. According to the Associated Press, Forté was found dead on Monday, January 12, at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts.
Local police said there were no signs of foul play or a readily apparent cause of death. The Massachusetts state medical examiner’s office is investigating. Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two young children.
As noted by the Martha’s Vineyard Times, Forté experienced a serious health setback last year after being hospitalized following a seizure and had since been taking seizure medication.
A musical prodigy raised in New York City, Forté entered the industry in the 1990s as an A&R at Rawkus Records, where he soon connected with Lauryn Hill. At just 20 years old, he co-wrote and produced several tracks on the Fugees’ 1996 debut The Score, one of the best-selling rap albums of all time, and later contributed to Wyclef Jean’s The Carnival.
Wyclef Jean paid tribute on Instagram, sharing performance footage and writing, “This one hurts. My brother has joined the angels. Legends never die. R.I.P. my Refugee brother.” Fellow Fugees member Pras also honored Forté, calling him family and praising his undeniable talent as a writer, producer, and artist.
Beyond his group work, Forté released a run of solo projects, highlighted by his 1998 debut Poly Sci, which featured appearances from DMX, Fat Joe, and Pras.
Forté’s career faced a major interruption in 2000 after he was charged with drug-related offenses following an arrest at Newark International Airport. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but after serving seven years, his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush, following advocacy from prominent supporters including Carly Simon, who appeared on Forté’s album I, John.
John Forté leaves behind a legacy defined by creativity, resilience, and an indelible imprint on hip-hop history. His music—and his spirit—continue to resonate.
