John Forté, the Grammy-nominated rapper, songwriter and producer whose work helped shape one of hip-hop’s most consequential albums, died at 50, authorities confirmed.
Forté reportedly was found dead Monday afternoon at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. Police said there were no immediate signs of foul play, and the state medical examiner is investigating the cause of death.
A Brooklyn native, Forté emerged in the mid-1990s as a key creative force alongside the Fugees, co-writing and producing two songs on “The Score,” the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning album that became a landmark in hip-hop and global popular music. His anchor verse on “Cowboys” and his behind-the-scenes musical sensibility placed him among the era’s most respected collaborators.
“‘The Score’ has been my favorite hip-hop album since I was a kid; the song ‘Family Business’ still gives me chills,” wrote social media user Kate Da Great on X, formerly known as Twitter. “John Forté’s work has been imprinted and his voice will remain.”
He later released two solo albums, “PolySci” on Columbia Records and “I, John” on Transparent, projects that leaned into his strengths as a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller. His work extended beyond recording studios to film, television and live performance, where Forté developed a reputation for intimate, acoustic-driven shows that foregrounded reflection and social consciousness.
In 2000, Forté’s career was interrupted when he was arrested at Newark International Airport and later sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on drug trafficking charges. After serving seven years, his sentence was commuted in 2008 by President George W. Bush following advocacy from artists and supporters, including Carly Simon.
Following his release, Forté rebuilt his life and career with steady purpose. Since late 2008, he recorded more than 60 songs, performed at dozens of concerts, began work on a memoir and launched a successful public speaking career focused on accountability, resilience and creative renewal. In 2011, he founded Le Castle, a company created to manage his projects across music, film and other creative fields.
Forté also contributed music for film and documentary projects and wrote “Something to Lean On,” which became the inaugural theme song for the Brooklyn Nets. He lived in Chilmark for the past decade with his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children, and was regarded as an active presence in the local arts community.
Throughout his later work, Forté spoke openly about transformation and responsibility, themes that shaped both his music and his public life.
“I believe in my heart of hearts that there’s wellness along the way,” Forté said in a 2022 interview reflecting on his journey after prison. “And for that wellness, there’s also gratitude.”