Grammy-Nominated Producer and Fugees Collaborator John Forté, John Forté Obituary

John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician, producer, and influential collaborator with The Fugees, has been found dead at the age of 50. Authorities confirmed that Forté was discovered unresponsive at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon.

Police and Investigation:
Chilmark police responded to a call around 2:25 p.m. and pronounced Forté dead at the scene. Police Chief Sean Slavin stated there were no immediate signs of foul play, and the case has been referred to the state medical examiner’s office for investigation.

Career & Legacy:
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Forté rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a key contributor to The Fugees’ critically acclaimed 1996 album The Score, which won multiple Grammy Awards and remains a landmark in hip-hop history. He received his own Grammy nomination for that work.

Beyond his collaborations with the Fugees, Forté also worked closely with fellow Refugee Camp All-Stars and artist Wyclef Jean, contributing to Jean’s The Carnival, another Grammy-nominated project. He showcased his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, rapper, and songwriter, and released several solo albums including Poly Sci and I John.

Personal Life and Challenges:
Forté’s life included both artistic triumphs and personal struggles. In 2000, he was arrested on drug trafficking charges and later sentenced to 14 years in prison. After widespread advocacy, including support from artists such as Carly Simon, his sentence was commuted after seven years by President George W. Bush.

He is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children.

Community Impact:
Forté was a respected figure within music and cultural communities, known for his creative spirit and influence across hip-hop and beyond. Tributes from fans and fellow artists have begun pouring in, mourning a life and career that helped shape a generation.