At a Glance
- John Forté, the Grammy-nominated Fugees collaborator, was found dead at his Martha’s Vineyard home Monday.
- Chilmark police report no foul play or obvious cause of death; the state medical examiner is investigating.
- Forté’s work spanned multi-platinum albums, a prison sentence commuted by President Bush, and solo releases featuring Carly Simon.
- Why it matters: The influential musician leaves behind a legacy that shaped 1990s hip-hop and influenced criminal-justice reform advocacy.
John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician celebrated for his contributions to the Fugees’ landmark album The Score and Wyclef Jean’s solo debut The Carnival, has died at age 50.
Chilmark police confirmed the artist was discovered unresponsive Monday afternoon in his Massachusetts residence on Martha’s Vineyard. Chief Sean Slavin said officers found no signs of foul play and no “readily apparent cause of death,” adding that the state medical examiner’s office has assumed the investigation.
Career Highlights
Forté emerged in the mid-1990s as a teenage prodigy from New York City. His multi-instrumental talents and writing credits helped propel The Score to multi-platinum status and earned him a Grammy nomination for his work on The Carnival. Key career milestones include:
- Co-writing tracks on the Fugees’ 1996 album, which sold over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone
- Releasing solo albums Poly Sci (1998) and I John (2002)
- Collaborating with Carly Simon, whose son Ben Taylor was a close friend
- Touring internationally as a rapper, singer, and guitarist
Legal Battle and Commutation
In 2000, Forté’s trajectory halted when he was arrested at Newark International Airport and charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. A federal court sentenced him to 14 years in prison. After serving seven years, his sentence was commuted in 2008 by President George W. Bush, following a sustained campaign by Simon and other public figures who argued the punishment was excessive for a first-time, non-violent offense.
Survivors and Legacy
Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children. Friends and collaborators recalled his intellect, musical versatility, and resilience. “He could score a string quartet, freestyle a verse, then pick up a guitar and sing you a folk song-all before breakfast,” a representative told Jonathan P. Miller.
While the medical examiner has not released findings, Chilmark police reiterated there is no indication of foul play. Funeral arrangements remain private, and the family has requested donations to music-education charities in lieu of flowers.
Key Takeaways
- John Forté’s death at 50 cuts short a career that bridged hip-hop, folk, and classical music.
- His Grammy-nominated work with the Fugees and Wyclef Jean helped define 1990s hip-hop.
- After a federal prison sentence commuted by President Bush, Forté rebuilt his life and continued recording.
- Authorities await the state medical examiner’s report; police have ruled out foul play.
