John Forté

John Forté, the Grammy-nominated recording artist and producer celebrated for his work with Fugees and Refugee Camp All-Stars, died January 12, 2026, at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. He was 50.

Born January 30, 1975, in New York City, Forté grew up in Brooklyn, where his early musical talent emerged through classical violin training before he gravitated toward hip-hop.

Forté studied violin at the college prep school Phillips Exeter Academy and later enrolled at New York University as a music business major, where he roomed with fellow artist Talib Kweli. He left NYU to pursue music full time, working as an A&R executive at Rawkus Records and becoming deeply embedded in the 1990s New York hip-hop scene.

He rose to prominence as a key collaborator on Fugees' acclaimed 1996 album "The Score," co-writing and producing tracks that helped define one of the most acclaimed hip-hop records of the decade. He also performed on "The Score;" his vocals can be heard on "Cowboys" and "Family Business." His work with Fugees earned him his first Grammy nomination at the age of 21. Forté also contributed to Wyclef Jean's solo debut, "The Carnival," and released his own solo albums, including "Poly Sci" and "I, John." His producing and writing credits extended across collaborations with artists such as Carly Simon, Fat Joe, DMX, and others.

In 2000, Forté's career was disrupted when he was arrested at Newark International Airport on drug possession and trafficking charges. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison under federal mandatory minimum laws. While incarcerated, he continued to create music and garnered support from public figures including Simon, who has been described as his mentor and "spiritual godmother." In 2008, his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush after sustained advocacy.

After his release, Forté returned to music and continued to record, perform, and produce projects reflecting both personal resilience and social awareness, including his most recent album, 2021's "Vessels, Angels & Ancestors."

Forté was also active in film scoring, contributing to projects such as the documentary "Bree Wayy: Promise, Witness, Remembrance."

Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children, daughter Wren Zazie and son Haile Thayer. He met Fuller in 2015 and they married in 2017. The family made their home on Martha's Vineyard, where Forté was a well-known and beloved figure in the local music community.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Matt Carr/Getty Images)