Los Angeles, Jan 14 (.) Grammy-nominated musician and producer ‘John Forte’, known for his work with the Fugees, has passed away at the age of 50, Variety reported.
Chilmark Police in Massachusetts confirmed to Variety that Forte was found dead at his home on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities said there were no signs of foul play and no obvious cause of death at the scene. The case is now under investigation by the state medical examiner.
Forte was a prominent member of the 1990s music group Refugee Camp All Stars and contributed to several iconic tracks, including Wyclef Jean’s “We Trying to Stay Alive” and “Rumble in the Jungle”, which featured Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest, quoted by Variety.
He is best remembered for his work on the Fugees’ 1996 album The Score, which became a global phenomenon and earned Forte a Grammy nomination at the age of just 21.
In 1998, Forte released his debut solo album Poly Sci, featuring collaborations with DMX, Fat Joe, and Pras. He followed it with I, John in 2001, which included a duet with singer Carly Simon.
Forte faced legal challenges in 2000 when he was arrested on drug charges at Newark International Airport and subsequently sentenced to 14 years in prison. His sentence was reduced in 2008 following a clemency granted by then-US President George W. Bush, after widespread support from notable figures.
He is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children.
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