John Forté Of The Fugees Dead At 50

The Grammy-nominated producer, recognised for his work with the Fugees and Wyclef Jean, was found dead on Monday at his home in Massachusetts, according to The Associated Press. There were no signs of foul play or a “readily apparent cause of death”, the Chilmark Police Chief shared in a statement. The state medical examiner’s office is investigating the case, the outlet reports.

Forté, who started his musical career as a violinist, met Lauryn Hill in the 1990s and joined the Refugee Camp crew, according to Billboard. He is best known for producing two tracks on the Fugees’ album The Score and featured on several songs, including Family Business, Cowboys, and the single Fu-Gee-La. At 21, Forté received a Grammy nomination for his work on the record.

The artist also collaborated with Jean on the Haitian rapper’s critically acclaimed 1997 debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival. Forté would go on to work with some of the most legendary musicians in the industry, from DMX to Carly Simon. His final album, Vessels, Angels & Ancestors, was released in 2021.

In 2000, the producer was arrested for carrying two suitcases filled with over $1.4 million (£1.04 million) in liquid cocaine through Newark International Airport. He was convicted on intent to distribute charges and given the mandatory minimum 14 years in prison. Simon and her son Ben Taylor, who was reportedly best friends with Forté, rallied for his early release, and in November 2008, he was pardoned by then-President George W Bush.