John Forté, known for his work with Fugees and Wyclef Jean, has died at 50.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 23: John Forte performs at “The O.G.” Experience by HBO at Studio 525 on February 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for HBO)
Variety has confirmed that Forté died yesterday around 2:25 p.m., when officers were dispatched to an unresponsive male. Forté was eventually identified as the man who lived at the residence and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities claim there are no signs of foul play or an immediately apparent cause of death.
NEW YORK – MARCH 02: Musician John Forte attends the MASSIVEGOOD STUDIO presented by Will.i.am and the Millennium Foundation at Esquire Apartment at Soho Mews on March 2, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MASSIVEGOOD STUDIO)
Forté was best known for his contributions to Fugees’ breakthrough album, “The Score,” as he appeared on numerous tracks, including “Family Business” and “Cowboys,” along with Wyclef Jean’s “The Carnival.” He also released several solo projects that featured collaborations with DMX and Carly Simon and most recently dropped his 2021 record, “Vessels, Angels & Ancestors.”
Born in Brooklyn, Forté grew up playing violin in the youth orchestra before his love of hip-hop emerged. After working for Rawkus Records, he developed a relationship with Fugees, which resulted in his appearance on “The Score,” which went on to win best rap album at the 1997 Grammy Awards.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 24: John Forté attends the 2023 Chaplin Award Gala honoring Viola Davis at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on April 24, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC)
After serving 14 years in prison for accepting a briefcase of liquid cocaine in 2000, President George W. Bush commuted his sentence after serving seven years. Once released he went back to New York City and picked up his music career right where he left off, dropping his “Stylefree the EP” in 2009. In 2012, he wrote ‘Something to Lean On,” the first theme song for the Brooklyn Nets.
You will be missed, John!
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