John Forté dies at 50 after sudden medical emergency at Martha’s Vineyard home

Grammy-nominated producer John Forté has died at 50 after being found unresponsive at his Martha’s Vineyard home

John Forté, the Grammy-nominated rapper, producer, and longtime collaborator of The Fugees, has died at the age of 50. 

Forté was found unresponsive at his home in Martha’s Vineyard on Monday afternoon, according to local authorities. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with no foul play suspected. A medical examiner’s report is pending.

Family friends confirmed that Forté had been managing a seizure condition following a serious health setback that required hospitalization roughly one year ago. He had reportedly been taking prescribed medication to control the condition in the months leading up to his death.

Born on January 30, 1975, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Forté’s early life was shaped by both hardship and music. Encouraged by his mother to pursue the violin, he later attended the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, where he formed key relationships that would influence his future career. After studying music business at New York University, Forté began working at Rawkus Records, a move that helped launch his rise in hip-hop.

Forté became widely known for his work on The Fugees’ 1996 landmark album The Score, contributing as a writer and producer to the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum project. He later collaborated extensively with Wyclef Jean and released his own solo music, including the album Poly Sci.

His career was interrupted in 2001 by a federal drug conviction that resulted in a 14-year sentence. During his incarceration, Forté continued making music and became a prominent figure in discussions around criminal justice reform. His sentence was commuted in 2008 by President George W. Bush.

Forté is survived by two children and leaves behind a lasting legacy in hip-hop as both an artist and advocate.