John Forté, the Grammy-nominated rapper, producer, and composer known for his work on the Fugees' seminal album "The Score" and a later pardon from President George W. Bush, has died. He was found unresponsive at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on Martha's Vineyard on Monday. Forté was 50 years old. Authorities have not yet identified a cause of death, but they report no evidence of foul play.
Key Takeaways
- Grammy-nominated musician John Forté died at 50 in his Martha's Vineyard home.
- He was a key contributor to the Fugees' 1996 album "The Score," which sold 22 million copies.
- Forté received a rare commutation from President George W. Bush in 2008 after serving seven years of a 14-year drug sentence.
- He continued his music career and founded a family after his release.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
John Forté was born on January 30, 1975, in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. This area was once described by Forté himself as a "war zone" by the NYPD. Despite his challenging upbringing, Forté showed early musical talent.
He was a violin prodigy as a child, performing in a youth orchestra and giving a recital at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. His passion for music eventually shifted towards rap, which he called his "lifeline."
Interesting Fact
Forté earned a scholarship to the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, a private boarding school in New Hampshire, defying expectations for someone from his background.
After Exeter, Forté studied music business at New York University, where he roomed with fellow rapper Talib Kweli. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his future in the music industry.
Breakthrough with The Fugees and Solo Efforts
Forté's career took a significant turn in 1993 when he connected with the Refugee Camp All Stars. He met Lauryn Hill first, and they briefly dated. He then met Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, forming the core of what would become a highly successful collaboration.
Forté contributed beats and musical ideas to the Fugees' landmark 1996 album, "The Score." This album achieved massive commercial success, selling approximately 22 million copies worldwide and earning Grammy nominations. Forté expressed immense pride in being part of what he considered a "family" within the group.
"This one hurts," Fugees founding member Wyclef Jean wrote on social media. "my brother @john_Forté has joined the Angels legends never Die look at the smile R I P my Refugee brother."
Following his work with the Fugees, Forté embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album "Poly Sci" in 1998. The album, however, did not achieve the same level of success, selling only 80,000 copies. Forté later reflected on this period, admitting he failed to self-examine after the disappointment.
Legal Troubles and Presidential Clemency
In the aftermath of his solo album's commercial struggles, Forté made a series of choices that led to serious legal consequences. He became involved as a middleman in a drug operation, connecting couriers to transport illegal substances.
Background Information
Forté was arrested in 2000 in a sting operation at Newark International Airport. He was convicted of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
He was sentenced to a controversial 14-year federal prison term, or "168 months," as he recalled. Forté maintained that he believed he was picking up money, not liquid cocaine valued at $1.4 million. His sentence fell on the low end of mandatory federal sentencing guidelines, which were widely criticized for their severity.
During his time in prison, Forté found support from high-profile figures. Singer Carly Simon, mother of his friend Ben Taylor, posted bail for him and advocated for his early release. Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah also lobbied on his behalf.
In a rare act of clemency, President George W. Bush commuted Forté's sentence in 2008. He had served seven years of his term. Simon told ABC News at the time that the 2001 sentence was too harsh for a first-time drug offense.
Life After Prison and Continued Creativity
Upon his release, Forté returned to New York and reignited his musical career. He learned to play acoustic guitar in prison, a skill he frequently used in his subsequent performances. He recorded a cover of Kanye West's "Homecoming" with Talib Kweli and began teaching.
Career Highlights Post-Release
- Released "StyleFree, the EP" in 2009.
- His single "Play My Cards for Me" featured in the 2010 movie "Just Wright."
- "Nervous" was used in the 2010 film "Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming."
- Wrote and recorded "Something to Lean On" in 2012, which became the inaugural rap theme song for the Brooklyn Nets.
Forté also explored filmmaking, appearing in the 2012 documentary "The Russian Winter," which chronicled his journey from Brooklyn to Exeter, through prison, and eventually to Russia.
He eventually settled on Martha's Vineyard in 2015, drawn by old friends Carly Simon and Ben Taylor. "After I came home [from prison] and got back on my feet, even though I was living in New York, I would come up to the Vineyard whenever I could. It still had that gravity. And you know, Carly and Ben. They’re family," he told Martha's Vineyard Arts and Ideas in 2025.
On Martha's Vineyard, he met Lara Fuller, a freelance photographer, who became his wife in 2017. They built a family together, having a son, Haile, and a daughter, Wren, fulfilling a long-held desire of Forté's to be a father.
His final album, "Vessels, Angels & Ancestors," was released in 2021. Forté also contributed to film and television scores, including the 2024 documentary "Paint Me a Road Out of Here" and HBO's revival of "Eyes on the Prize." He was reportedly working on another documentary about his life at the time of his death.
Legacy and Family
John Forté balanced his ongoing musical performances, film scoring, and soundtrack work with his family life. Family friends indicated that Forté had experienced a seizure last year, requiring hospitalization, and had been taking medication to prevent grand mal seizures.
He is survived by his wife, Lara Fuller, his 8-year-old daughter Wren, and his 5-year-old son Haile. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his children, raising over $66,000 towards a $90,000 goal as of Wednesday afternoon.
Forté's life story is one of profound talent, significant challenges, and ultimately, redemption and continued creativity. His contributions to music, particularly with the Fugees, remain impactful, and his journey through the justice system and beyond inspired many.