Grammy-Nominated Fugees Collaborator John Forté Found Dead at 50
We are following breaking and deeply sad news tonight from Massachusetts.
Grammy-nominated musician John Forté, best known for his work with the Fugees, has been found dead at his home on Martha’s Vineyard. He was just 50 years old.
Police in the small town of Chilmark say Forté was discovered unresponsive Monday afternoon. Authorities have been clear so far. There are no signs of foul play and there is no obvious cause of death at this time. The state medical examiner is now working to determine what happened and answers may take time.
For fans of hip-hop and music history, John Forté’s name carries real weight.
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He was a key creative force behind the Fugees’ landmark 1996 album “The Score,” one of the most influential hip-hop records of all time. That album did not just dominate charts, it helped define a generation and won the Grammy for Best Rap Album. Forté was not just in the background. He co-wrote, produced and appeared on tracks that helped shape the group’s sound alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill.
Forté was a rare kind of artist. A classically trained violinist who fell in love with hip-hop, he blended genres naturally. He went on to release solo albums, collaborate with artists like Carly Simon and DMX and later score documentary films and television projects, including work tied to civil rights storytelling.
But his life also carried heavy chapters.
In 2000, Forté was arrested on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The case shocked the music world. After serving seven years, his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush following widespread advocacy from artists and public figures who believed his punishment was excessive. When he was released, Forté returned to music with renewed purpose, often speaking about redemption, growth and second chances.
In recent years, he had settled into life on Martha’s Vineyard with his wife, photographer Lara Fuller and their two young children. Local reports note that he had faced serious health issues in the past year, including a seizure that required hospitalization, though officials have not connected that to his death.
Tonight, the music world is mourning not just a talented artist, but a complex, resilient figure whose life reflected both brilliance and struggle.
John Forté leaves behind a powerful legacy, one that continues to echo through hip-hop, film and the lives he touched along the way.
We will continue to follow this story as more details become available.
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