John Forté, a Grammy-nominated recording artist renowned for his work with the Fugees, was found deceased at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on Monday at the age of 50. The cause of his death remains undetermined, although Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin confirmed that no signs of foul play were evident.
Forté’s sudden passing has profoundly affected the close-knit community of Martha’s Vineyard, where he resided for over a decade. “It is such a small community; this death hits close to home,” remarked Slavin, who knew Forté on a personal level.
Family and friends noted that Forté faced a serious health challenge about a year ago when he experienced a seizure that necessitated hospitalization. Following this incident, he had been on medication to manage the risk of another seizure. He was set to celebrate his 51st birthday on January 31.
The Brooklyn-born artist gained fame for his contributions to the Fugees’ critically acclaimed album, “The Score,” which won a Grammy for Best Rap Album after its release in 1996. In addition to collaborating with the Fugees, Forté also worked with the Refugee Camp All-Stars, a musical collective closely associated with the group.
Pras Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, posted a heartfelt tribute, describing Forté not just as a collaborator but as family. “His talent as a writer, producer, and artist was undeniable,” he stated. “I’m glad I got to share the stage with him one last time.” He expressed deep sorrow at the loss, proclaiming, “The hip-hop community has lost a real one. I’ve lost a brother.”
Forté’s journey to musical success began at a young age when he picked up the violin in elementary school, a decision he viewed as transformative. He later honed his talents as a multi-instrumentalist and rapper, ultimately graduating from the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in 1993.
Despite a significant setback in his life due to a drug trafficking conviction, which led to a 14-year prison sentence, Forté’s support from figures like Carly Simon and her son, Ben Taylor, aided in his release after seven years when his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush. Simon, who considered Forté her “spiritual godmother,” was instrumental in advocacy efforts for his freedom.
In the latter part of his career, Forté continued to engage in creative projects, including composing the score for the documentary “Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation” and contributing to the revitalization of the award-winning series “Eyes On the Prize,” which chronicles the Black experience in America during the Civil Rights era.
Forté’s legacy reflects not just his musical achievements but also an enduring spirit that resonated with those who knew and loved him. His contributions to music and his journey of resilience will be remembered fondly by the community and fans alike.