John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician and producer best known for his work with the Fugees, has died at the age of 50.
According to the Associated Press, Forté was found dead on Monday (January 12) in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts.
Local police said there were no signs of foul play or a “readily apparent cause of death.” The case is being investigated by the state medical examiner’s office.
Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and two young children.
As the Martha Vineyard Times pointed out, the Refugee Camp All-Stars member suffered a “serious health setback” last year when he was hospitalized following a seizure. Since then, he had reportedly been taking seizure medication.
A musical prodigy who grew up in New York City, John Forté got his start in the industry in the 1990s working as an A&R at Rawkus Records, soon after which he met Lauryn Hill.
At just 20 years old, he co-wrote and produced several songs on the Fugees’ Grammy-winning 1996 debut The Score — one of the best-selling rap albums of all time — and went on to contribute to Wyclef Jean‘s The Carnival.
Paying tribute to Forté on Instagram, Wyclef posted a video of them performing together and wrote: “This one hurts my brother @john_forte has joined the Angels legends never Die look at the smile R I P my Refugee brother.”
Forté also released a string of solo projects, most notably his 1998 debut Poly Sci which boasted appearances from DMX, Fat Joe and Pras.
“John was more than just a collaborator — he was family,” Pras wrote on his Instagram Story following news of Forté’s passing. “We came up together in an era when hip-hop was about pushing boundaries, telling real stories, and creating something that mattered. His talent as a writer, producer and artist was undeniable.
“Anyone who heard his work knew they were in the presence of someone special. I’m glad I got to share the star with him one last time. The hip-hop community has lost a real one. I’ve lost a brother. Rest in power, John. Your music and your spirit live on.”
In 2000, Forté’s promising career hit a roadblock when he was charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking following his arrest at at Newark International Airport.
The musician was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but the sentence was commuted after seven years by President George W. Bush thanks to pressure from high-profile figures like Carly Simon (who appeared on Forté’s second album I, John).
HipHopDX sends its condolences to John Forté’s family, friends and fans.
