John Forté, Grammy-Nominated Producer for Fugees & More, Found Dead at Age 50

Chilmark, Massachusetts, police said in a statement that there were no signs of foul play or “readily apparent cause of death.”

John Forté was a Grammy-nominated producer and rapper who was part of the Fugees' extended crew. He was 50 years old.

Background

John Forté was born on December 29, 1971, in New York City. He began his music career in the early 1990s, releasing his debut album, I, John Forté, in 1996. He went on to collaborate with artists such as Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, and was a key contributor to the Fugees' album The Score.

Career

Forté's music career spanned over two decades, during which he released several albums and collaborated with numerous artists. He was known for his unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, and was praised for his storytelling ability and lyrical depth.

Death

According to a statement from the Chilmark, Massachusetts, police department, Forté's body was found in his home on Monday. There were no signs of foul play or a readily apparent cause of death. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Forté's death.

Tributes

Forté's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the music industry and fans. His collaborators, friends, and fellow artists have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Forté.

Sources

[1] John Forté, Grammy-Nominated Producer for Fugees & More, Found Dead at Age 50
[2] Fugees Collaborator John Forté Dead At 50
[3] Music Executives & Other Behind-the-Scenes Players We Lost in 2025