John Forté, the Grammy-nominated singer, 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.
Forté 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 he 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 dozens of concerts, begun 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.”
