John Forté, a notable producer and collaborator with the Fugees, was found dead at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2024, at the age of 50. According to police reports, there were no signs of foul play or a readily apparent cause of death. The case is currently under investigation by the state medical examiner’s office, as stated by Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin.
Forté’s passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from the music community, particularly from his former bandmate, Wyclef Jean. Jean took to social media to express his grief, sharing a clip of their performance of “Ready Or Not.” He wrote, “This one hurts my brother @john_forte has joined the Angels legends never Die look at the smile R I P my Refugee brother.”
In the past year, Forté had faced significant health challenges, including hospitalization due to a seizure. Reports indicate that he was on medication following the incident to manage the risk of a grand mal seizure. This latest development has raised concerns among his family and friends regarding his well-being.
Forté was a key member of the musical collective known as the Refugee Camp All-Stars, collaborating with Wyclef Jean on the acclaimed 1997 album “Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival.” He made significant contributions to the Fugees’ landmark album, “The Score,” which remains influential in hip-hop history. Notably, he also appeared on the track “Rumble In The Jungle,” featured in the 1996 documentary about Muhammad Ali, “When We Were Kings.”
Throughout his career, Forté expanded his repertoire, producing and composing for various projects, including contributions to the Sundance Film Festival and the documentary series “Brooklyn DA.” He released several solo albums, with his most recent, “Vessels, Angels & Ancestors,” debuting in 2021.
Forté’s life was not without turmoil. In 2000, he was arrested at Newark International Airport on charges of possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. Initially sentenced to 14 years in prison, his sentence was commuted after seven years by former President George W. Bush.
He is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children. The news of his death comes shortly after fellow Fugees member Pras Michel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in a billion-dollar Malaysian money laundering scheme, adding to the recent challenges faced by the group.
As tributes continue to pour in for Forté, his legacy as a creative force in hip-hop and beyond remains indelible. His contributions to music and the arts will be remembered by fans and fellow artists alike.
