Brooklyn’s own Grammy-nominated artist, John Forté, has tragically passed away at the age of 50. Known for his significant contributions to the music world, Forté was found at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts on Monday afternoon, with police confirming his death on Tuesday.
While the cause of death remains undisclosed, authorities have ruled out any foul play, leaving the investigation to the state’s medical examiner to provide further insight. Forté’s legacy in the music industry is cemented by his work with the iconic Fugees and as part of the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective.
Forté played a critical role in the production of the Fugees’ 1996 landmark album, “The Score,” which garnered a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. His talents extended beyond collaboration, with solo projects such as “Poly Sci” in 1998, “I, John” in 2002, and the 2021 release, “Vessels, Angels and Ancestors.” Fellow artists and fans have mourned his passing, with heartfelt tributes pouring in. One post poignantly stated, “This one hurts. My brother @john_forte has joined the Angels. Legends never die … RIP my Refugee brother.”
Forté’s life was not without its trials. In 2000, he faced legal challenges when he was arrested at Newark International Airport for carrying suitcases with $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine. This led to a 14-year prison sentence for drug possession and trafficking. However, in a remarkable turn of events, his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush in 2008, reducing his time behind bars significantly.
Jean honored his former collaborator on Instagram Tuesday.
“This one hurts,” he captioned a video clip of the pair performing together. “My brother @john_forte has joined the Angels. Legends never die … RIP my Refugee brother.”
In 2000, Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport after being caught carrying suitcases containing $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison on possession and drug trafficking charges, but had that term cut in half by a 2008 commutation granted by President George W. Bush.
Forté explained in a 2020 UPROXX interview that disappointing sales numbers for “Poly Sci” led to a falling out with his record label and ultimately to him getting involved with the wrong people.
“Time stood still that day,” he recalled of his arrest.
Singer Carly Simon, who performed a duet with Forté on “I, John,” became a close ally, advocated on his behalf during his legal defense and lobbied for his release from incarceration.
Forté is survived by his photographer wife, Lara Fuller, and their two children, identified by the Martha’s Vineyard Times as Wren, 10, and Hale, 7.
According to the local paper, Forté first visited Martha’s Vineyard in 1998 and fell in love with the community. He moved there a decade ago and met Fuller, whom he later married in 2017.
With News Wire Services
