At a Glance
- John Forté, Grammy-nominated rapper and Fugees collaborator, was found dead Monday in his Martha’s Vineyard home
- Police found no signs of foul play or obvious cause of death; state medical examiner is investigating
- Forté rose to fame in his 20s on The Score and The Carnival, served seven years in prison before Bush commuted his sentence
- Why it matters: A key voice in 90s hip-hop who helped shape the Fugees’ landmark album and later rebuilt his life after incarceration
John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician who helped shape the Fugees’ landmark album The Score and later rebuilt his life after a high-profile prison sentence, has died at age 50.
Discovery and Investigation
Forté was found dead Monday afternoon inside his home on Martha’s Vineyard in the town of Chilmark, Massachusetts, according to police. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin released a brief statement saying officers observed “no signs of foul play or readily apparent cause of death.” The state medical examiner’s office has taken over the investigation to determine how and when he died, Slavin added.
The medical examiner’s findings have not yet been released, and authorities have not provided a timeline for when more information will be available.
Rise with the Fugees and Solo Work
Born and raised in New York City, Forté was recognized early as a musical prodigy. He broke into the industry in his early 20s, landing production and writing credits on the Fugees’ 1996 album The Score, which went on to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album and sold more than six million copies in the United States alone. He also contributed to Wyclef Jean’s solo debut The Carnival, nominated for a Grammy in 1998.
As a multi-instrumentalist and rapper, Forté stepped into the spotlight with his own material. He released the solo albums Poly Sci and I John, enlisting contributors such as Carly Simon, whose son Ben Taylor was a close friend. His work blended hip-hop, soul, and live instrumentation, earning him a reputation for thoughtful lyrics and genre-blending production.
Arrest, Prison, and Commutation
In 2000, Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport after authorities said they found liquid cocaine in his luggage. He was charged with drug trafficking and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. While incarcerated, he taught music classes to fellow inmates and continued writing songs.
His case drew public support from Carly Simon, who organized letter-writing campaigns and lobbied officials on his behalf. After serving seven years, Forté’s sentence was commuted in November 2008 by President George W. Bush. He was released and returned to music, releasing new material and performing live shows.
Life After Release
Following his release, Forté resumed recording and touring, playing clubs and festivals including the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. He spoke openly about his prison term, saying it had reshaped his outlook on life and art. In interviews he credited Simon and other advocates for keeping his case in the public eye.
He married photographer Lara Fuller and the couple had two children. In recent years he split time between New York and Martha’s Vineyard, where he had family connections and had spent summers since childhood.
Tributes and Survivors
News of his death prompted immediate tributes on social media from fellow musicians and fans who cited his influence on 1990s hip-hop. Survivors include his wife, Lara Fuller, and their two children. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Authorities reiterated that the investigation into his death is ongoing and asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Chilmark Police Department or the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the medical examiner’s office.
