10 Photos of John Forté: Grammy Nominee Found Dead at 50 as Mystery Surrounds Cause of Death

The music world woke up in shock as news broke that John Forté, the Grammy-nominated producer and rapper best known for his work with the Fugees, had been found dead at his home in Massachusetts at the age of 50.

A neighbour's discovery on a quiet Martha's Vineyard afternoon has now sparked grief, tributes, and unanswered questions, as authorities confirm there were no immediate signs of foul play while investigations continue.

From Brooklyn Prodigy to Grammy Recognition

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, John Forté showed extraordinary musical talent from a young age. He studied violin and earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where his classical training shaped his creative foundation.

After briefly attending New York University, Forté dropped out to work in A&R at Rawkus Records, immersing himself in the underground hip hop scene of the early 1990s. His path changed forever after meeting Lauryn Hill, which led to his involvement with the Refugee Camp collective.

Forté became a key contributor to the Fugees' landmark 1996 album The Score. At just 21, he earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the record and appeared on tracks such as Family Business and Cowboys. He also collaborated closely with Wyclef Jean on The Carnival, one of the most influential hip hop albums of its era.

John Forté's Sudden Death

John Forté was found dead on Monday afternoon inside his home in Chilmark, a small and close-knit town on Martha's Vineyard. Police were called shortly after 2:25pm when a neighbour discovered him lying alone on his kitchen floor. Officers arrived within minutes, but Forté was not responsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin confirmed there were no signs of foul play or a readily apparent cause of death. The case has now been handed to the state medical examiner, who will determine how the acclaimed musician died.

Chief Slavin described the impact on the community, saying that in a place as small as Chilmark, such a loss is deeply felt. Forté had lived on the island for around a decade and was a familiar and much-loved presence among residents and fellow artists.

His Career

Despite his early success, Forté's life took a dramatic turn in 2000 when he was arrested at Newark International Airport carrying suitcases containing liquid cocaine. Convicted on intent to distribute charges, he received a mandatory 14-year prison sentence.

Speaking from prison in 2002, Forté reflected on his downfall, saying he had allowed the wrong people into his life and paid a heavy price for it. While incarcerated, he continued to write music and recorded his second album, I John, featuring collaborations with artists including Carly Simon and Herbie Hancock.

A high-profile campaign for his release followed, supported by Simon, her son Ben Taylor, and Senator Orrin Hatch. In 2008, Forté was pardoned by then President George W. Bush, allowing him to rebuild his life and career.

He went on to release further music, including his 2021 album Vessels, Angels & Ancestors, and worked on major projects such as an HBO documentary series and film scores.

Life on Martha's Vineyard

Forté found peace and purpose on Martha's Vineyard, where he built a home, a family, and a creative sanctuary. He married photographer Lara Fuller, and the couple shared two children. Friends described him as a devoted father, generous collaborator, and thoughtful listener.

He often hosted jam sessions at a neighbour's home, drawing musicians from across the island and beyond. His collaborations included work with Carly Simon, Ben Taylor, and projects celebrating American cultural history.

While police have confirmed no foul play, the absence of an immediate cause of death has left many searching for answers. It has been reported that Forté suffered a serious health setback last year after being hospitalised following a seizure, though it is unclear if this played any role in his death.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the music industry, John Forté is remembered as a rare talent whose life carried both brilliance and hardship. His death at 50 has left a lasting silence in hip hop, and a mystery that may only be resolved in time.