John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician who helped shape the Fugees’ iconic sound, has died at age 50.
At a Glance
- Forté was found dead Monday afternoon in his Martha’s Vineyard home
- Chilmark police report no foul play or obvious cause; state medical examiner is investigating
- He co-wrote and produced on the Fugees’ multi-platinum The Score and Wyclef Jean’s The Carnival
- Why it matters: A pivotal voice in 1990s hip-hop and neo-soul leaves behind a legacy cut short at 50
The multi-instrumentalist and rapper was discovered in his Massachusetts residence, according to a statement from Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin. Authorities noted no signs of foul play and no “readily apparent cause of death.” The case has been turned over to the state medical examiner’s office for further investigation.
Rise from NYC Prodigy to Fugees Collaborator
Born and raised in New York City, Forté demonstrated musical talent early. By his early 20s he had broken into the industry as a key contributor to two landmark albums:
- Co-writer and producer on the Fugees’ 1996 Grammy-winning The Score
- Co-writer and producer on Wyclef Jean’s 1997 Grammy-nominated solo debut The Carnival
His genre-blending skills-rapping, singing, and playing multiple instruments-earned him a solo deal. He released Poly Sci in 1998 and I John in 2002, featuring collaborations with Carly Simon, whose son Ben Taylor was a close friend.
Prison Sentence Commuted After Seven Years
In 2000 Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport and charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. He received a mandatory 14-year federal sentence. Public figures including Carly Simon lobbied for clemency, and in November 2008 President George W. Bush commuted the sentence after Forté had served seven years.
Survivors and Ongoing Investigation
Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children. The state medical examiner continues to investigate the exact cause of death, according to Chief Slavin. Cameron R. Hayes first reported the story, and News Of Fort Worth circulated it to local audiences Monday evening.
