Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, best known for his work with the Fugees, has passed away at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. He was 50 years old, and authorities say there was no sign of foul play. A full investigation into the cause of death is underway.
Oh, the music world just lost a quiet giant—John Forté, the multi-talented rapper, producer, and Fugees collaborator, was found dead in his Chilmark, Massachusetts home on Monday. According to Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin, Forté died suddenly with no apparent cause at the time, and cops are ruling out anything suspicious. A neighbor spotted him unresponsive on his kitchen floor and called authorities, who confirmed he was alone at the time (per The Martha’s Vineyard Times).
Forté's legacy? Iconic. He burst onto the scene in the '90s, introduced to the Fugees by Lauryn Hill herself. Impressed by his beats, Wyclef Jean and Pras tapped him for their groundbreaking 1996 album The Score, which snagged a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Forté lent vocals to 'Family Business' and 'Cowboys,' plus co-wrote and produced several tracks. He kept the vibe going on Wyclef's 1997 solo debut The Carnival, featuring on 'We Trying to Stay Alive' and 'Street Jeopardy.' Wyclef even produced Forté's own 1998 album Poly Sci.
Life threw a curveball in 2000 when Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport in a liquid cocaine conspiracy bust—valued at up to $1.4 million. Convicted, he got the mandatory 14-year sentence but served seven in a Pennsylvania prison before President George W. Bush commuted it in November 2008. Bouncing back, Forté dove into production, scoring for Sundance films, the Brooklyn Nets' hype track 'Something to Lean On' in 2012-13, and even the CBS series Brooklyn DA.
He'd been a Chilmark resident for a decade, where he met photographer wife Lara Fuller in 2015. Together, they welcomed daughter Wren and son Haile. Our hearts go out to his family during this heartbreaking time. So, what unfinished tracks are we missing out on now? 🔥
