John Edward Forté

January 31, 1975 - January 12, 2026

John Edward Forté, the Grammy-nominated recording artist, songwriter, activist, filmmaker, and cherished member of Martha's Vineyard community, died unexpectedly on January 12, 2026, at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. He was 50 years old.

Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, John's journey was remarkable for its breadth, depth, and resilience. From his early years navigating one of New York City's toughest neighborhoods to becoming an artist of international acclaim, his life reflected an unwavering devotion to music, family, and community.

John was a gifted musician from the start, classically trained on the violin and driven by curiosity and talent. After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy and beginning studies at New York University, he stepped into the world of professional music with Rawkus Records. It was there that he formed key relationships with future hip-hop luminaries, including Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Lauryn Hill.

He became widely recognized for his contributions to The Fugees' multi-platinum album The Score (1996), which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and became a defining moment in hip-hop history. He wrote and produced songs for the album that helped shape its enduring legacy. Following the resounding success of The Score, his work with Wyclef Jean further solidified his early impact on the music scene.

Over the past two decades, John established a diverse career. He released four solo albums: Poly Sci (1998), I, John (2002), Riddem Drive (2020), and Vessels, Angels & Ancestors (2021), which showcased his versatility as an artist and producer, blending influences from hip-hop, soul, and jazz. He also worked with musicians across genres and generations, embracing collaboration to expand his voice and impact.

In addition to his music, John produced feature documentaries: The Russian Winter (2012) and Brooklyn Castle (2012), and he also composed the music for Kerouac's Road: The Beat of a Nation (2025), and HBO's six-part series Eyes on the Prize III (2024). His music was featured in Porter's Bree's Way: Promise, Witness, Remembrance (2021), Viola Davis's The Last Defense (2018), Brooklyn D.A. (2013), and the Emmy-nominated Momentum Generation (2018). Additionally, he created the Brooklyn Nets' inaugural theme song, "Brooklyn: Something To Lean On" (2013). His song "Being is Believing" (2020) was featured on The Michelle Obama Podcast, and "Shame, Shame" (2020) was a direct response to the murder of George Floyd, underscoring his commitment to justice.

In 2000, John's life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested on first-time, non-violent drug charges and later sentenced under mandatory minimum laws. His incarceration opened a chapter of transformation for John, during which he completed his degree at the London School of Economics and taught himself to play the guitar. With the advocacy of friends and mentors, and support from public figures — most notably Carly Simon and Senator Orrin Hatch (RIP) — his prison term was commuted by President George W. Bush in 2008. John emerged with a renewed commitment to his art and his life, focused deeply on justice, resilience, and creativity.

A dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform, John performed at the Obama White House to illuminate issues of mass incarceration. He supported organizations such as Time Done, the Schools Not Prisons tour, Vote for Justice, and Californians for Safety and Justice's Progress Not Prisons campaign and served as an advisor to the Transformational Prison Project.

John ultimately found home on Martha's Vineyard, where he settled over a decade ago after meeting and marrying photographer Lara Fuller. There, John built an elaborate home studio and became a vital part of the island's artistic fabric. In addition to expanding his catalogue of work, he mentored many young artists and collaborated with friends in local music circles. His studio became a gathering place for musicians, neighbors, and friends, symbolizing his generous spirit and boundless curiosity.

John's life was a living example of how art can transform, heal, and connect. His influence endures through his music, his advocacy, and the many lives shaped by his presence. Above all, John was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife Lara Fuller, their daughter Wren Zazie and son Haile Thayer, his beloved mother Florene Forté, sister Natasha Omar, niece Dameneke Charles, predeceased by his uncle Leander Morton, and grandmother Mary Morton, and will be remembered by his many aunts, uncles and cousins, including Chantel Howard, Martin Faines, Dovine Spencer, Bonita Morton, Dorita Boothe, Marian Fitch, Charlene Carter, and Stacey Morton, along with a wide community of friends, and admirers who will continue to celebrate his extraordinary life.

A private celebration of life will be held in early March in West Tisbury, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to this GoFundMe fundraiser to support John's family as they move through this incredibly difficult period. The funds raised will go directly toward the children's future and care, as well as the unforeseen costs associated with John's passing.

Honoring John Forte by Supporting His Familyhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-john-fortes-children

John will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his razor-sharp wit and intellect, his curiosity about and passion for life, his extraordinary musical gifts, his infectious laughter and warm smile, and his capacity to make people feel truly seen and heard.