Fugees Collaborator and Grammy-Nominated Musician John Forté Dead at 50
John Forté, the Grammy-nominated producer and longtime collaborator of the Fugees and Wyclef Jean, has died at the age of 50. His body was discovered on Monday, January 12, at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, according to The Associated Press. Authorities have not reported any signs of foul play or a clear cause of death. The Massachusetts medical examiner is currently investigating the circumstances.
A Brooklyn native, Forté was recognized early for his musical talent. He earned a full scholarship to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where he studied violin. After briefly attending New York University, he left school to work in A&R at Rawkus Entertainment. During that time, he met Lauryn Hill and joined the Refugee Camp crew, which led to his work with the Fugees.
Forté produced two tracks on the Fugees’ iconic album, The Score, and appeared on hits like “Family Business,” “Cowboys,” and “Fu-Gee-La.” At just 21, he received a Grammy nomination for his work and toured with the group. He also collaborated with Wyclef Jean on Jean’s debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival, appearing on songs like “Street Jeopardy” and “We Trying to Stay Alive.” In 1998, Forté released his own debut album, Poly Sci, which was produced by Jean.
Reacting to the news of Forté’s death, Wyclef Jean shared on social media, “This one hurts my brother @john_forte has joined the Angels legends never Die look at the smile R I P my Refugee brother.”
Forté continued to work with major artists throughout his career, from DMX to Carly Simon. His last album, Vessels, Angels & Ancestors, was released in 2021.
Forté’s life also included serious legal struggles. In 2000, he was arrested for carrying over $1.4 million in liquid cocaine through Newark Airport and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Reflecting on the situation in a 2002 Rolling Stone interview, he said, “I allowed elements to be near me — not drugs but people. That’s what caught me up. I was too accessible. I was too here, I was too there. The price the government wants me to pay for that is fourteen years.”
After support from friends including Carly Simon and her son Ben Taylor, as well as then-Senator Orrin Hatch, Forté was granted a presidential pardon by George W. Bush in 2008.
John Forté’s contributions to music, particularly in hip-hop and his work with the Fugees, left a lasting impact. His talent and collaborations helped define an era of the genre, and he is remembered as a creative force and beloved figure in the industry.
Forté’s legacy shows the highs and lows that can come with fame and creativity. His music touched many, and his story is a reminder of how fragile life can be. What do you think about his impact on music and culture? Share your thoughts in the comments.