CHILMARK, MA] 14-01-2026] The music world is mourning at present as a result of lack of well-known and multi talanted John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician, producer, and songwriter finest identified for his exceptional work with hip-hop icons The Fugees. Forté was discovered lifeless on Monday, January 12, 2026, at his residence on Martha’s Winery. He was 50 years previous.
Discovery and explanation for his Dying
In line with the Chilmark Police Division, officers responded to a name at Forté’s residence at roughly 2:25 p.m. after a neighbor found him unresponsive mendacity on his kitchen ground. Emergency responders discovered him lifeless on the scene.
Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin talked about that there have been no indicators of foul play and no readily obvious explanation for demise. The case has been referred to the Massachusetts State Medical Examiner’s Workplace to find out the official explanation for demise. Household pals famous that Forté had been managing a seizure situation since a serious well being points roughly a yr in the past, although it isn’t but confirmed if this have contributed to his demise.
A Musical Prodigy and World Success
Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Forté was a classically skilled violinist who attended the distinguished Phillips Exeter Academy earlier than making his mark into the music business. He rose to worldwide fame within the mid-Nineteen Nineties as a major member of the Refugee Camp collective.
At simply 21 years previous, he earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the 12 months for his intensive writing and manufacturing work on The Fugees’ 1996 multi-platinum masterpiece, “The Rating”. His contributions to tracks like “Cowboys” and “Household Enterprise” helped to imprint that period’s sound. He additionally collaborated on Wyclef Jean’s debut solo album, “The Carnival”, and launched his personal solo initiatives, together with “Poly Sci” (1998) and “I, John” (2002).
Redemption and Advocacy
Forté’s profession took a dramatic flip in 2000 when he was arrested at Newark Worldwide Airport with drug trafficking expenses. He was sentenced to 14 years in federal jail, a case that drew nationwide consideration and sparked a high-profile advocacy marketing campaign for his launch.
Longtime pal and legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon was a important supporter throughout his comeback within the Trade. In 2008, President George W. Bush decreased Forté’s sentence, by permitting him to return to his music and household after serving seven years. Following his launch, Forté grew to become a devoted advocate for felony justice reform, utilizing his platform to talk on help and rehab.
Life on the Winery
In recent times, Forté lived a quiet, inventive life in Chilmark together with his household. He remained energetic within the native arts neighborhood, collaborating on documentary scores and performing reveals with native musicians like Ben Taylor.
He’s survived by his spouse, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two younger youngsters, Haile and Wren.
Because the information of his demise unfold’s, tributes poured from the hip-hop neighborhood. Wyclef Jean shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing, “This one hurts… my Refugee brother has joined the Angels. “Legends by no means die”
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