John Forté, Former Fugees Collaborator, Dies at 50

Grammy-nominated rapper and producer John Forté, widely recognized for his contributions to the Fugees and their extended musical collective, the Refugee Camp All-Stars, has died. He was 50 years old.

According to reports from the Martha’s Vineyard Times, Forté passed away suddenly at his home in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, on Monday. No immediate cause of death has been disclosed.

Forté rose to prominence in the 1990s as a key member of the Refugee Camp All-Stars, a group closely associated with the iconic hip-hop trio Fugees. His most notable work came through his production on the group’s critically acclaimed album The Score, a landmark release that cemented the Fugees’ place in hip-hop history. The album earned Forté a Grammy nomination and remains one of the most influential hip-hop projects of its era.

Beyond his work with the Fugees, Forté also pursued a solo career and collaborated with several major artists across genres, showcasing his versatility as both a rapper and producer. His contributions helped shape the sound of 1990s hip-hop and left a lasting imprint on the culture.

In the early 2000s, Forté’s career was derailed after he was convicted on cocaine-related charges. He was sentenced to prison and ultimately served eight years behind bars. In 2008, his sentence was commuted by then United States President George W. Bush, a move that drew widespread attention and support from fellow artists and advocates within the music industry.

Following his release, Forté worked to rebuild his career and became an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform, often sharing his personal story to raise awareness about sentencing disparities and the challenges of reentering society after incarceration.

Tributes have poured in from across the music world, including from Fugees founding member Wyclef Jean, who shared an emotional message on Instagram.

“This one hurts. My brother John Forté has joined the angels,” Wyclef wrote. “Legends never die. Rest in peace, my Refugee brother.”

Forté is remembered not only for his musical achievements but also for his resilience and commitment to using his experiences to inspire change. His legacy continues through the music he helped create and the lives he touched throughout his career.