John Forté, the Grammy‑nominated musician, rapper, and producer best known for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All‑Stars, has died at the age of 50. He was found dead in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2026, law enforcement confirmed.
Tributes Pour In from the Music World
Forté’s passing has sparked a wave of tributes from fellow artists. Lauryn Hill, a longtime collaborator and friend, shared heartfelt memories on Instagram, describing him as a “gentle soul” with a “strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart.” Fellow Fugees collaborator Wyclef Jean also paid tribute to Forté’s impact on music and their friendship.
British singer Natasha Bedingfield expressed her shock at the news, highlighting the unfinished music and conversations she and Forté had hoped to share.
Career & Musical Legacy
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1975, Forté began as a classically trained violinist before immersing himself in the burgeoning New York hip‑hop scene. He first gained major recognition through his work with the Refugee Camp All‑Stars and The Fugees, contributing to the group’s landmark 1996 album The Score—a project that sold millions of copies worldwide and earned critical acclaim.
Forté received a Grammy nomination for his production and writing contributions to The Score, a record regarded as one of the greatest hip‑hop albums of the 1990s. He also appeared on tracks with artists such as Wyclef Jean on his solo project The Carnival and later pursued solo work with albums like Poly Sci and I John.
A Life Marked by Triumphs and Challenges
Despite his artistic talents, Forté faced major personal challenges. In 2000, he was arrested on federal drug charges and in 2001 was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His case drew widespread attention, and after years of advocacy—notably from singer Carly Simon—his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush in 2008.
After his release, Forté returned to the music world with renewed creativity, releasing multiple albums and continuing to collaborate with other artists. His 2021 project, Vessels, Angels & Ancestors, reflected his artistic evolution and personal growth.
Circumstances of His Passing
Forté was discovered unresponsive in his home on Martha’s Vineyard. Police reported no signs of foul play, and there was no apparent cause of death at the time of the initial reports. The Massachusetts state medical examiner’s office has launched an investigation.
Reports note that he had experienced a serious health setback in 2025 due to a seizure and had been taking medication since.
Survivors & Personal Life
Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children. Friends, family, and fans continue to honor his memory and reflect on his contributions to music and culture.
