John Forté, a Grammy-nominated rapper who rose to fame in the 1990s, has died.
He was 50.
Forté was found dead on Monday in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, per USA Today.
The outlet reported that police said there were no signs of foul play but also noted that there was no “readily apparent cause of death.”
Forté’s career began in 1989, and he was best known for his time as part of the Refugee Camp All-Stars, and for his work with Wyclef Jean, the Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes.
“This one hurts,” Jean wrote on Instagram. “My brother (John Forté) has joined the Angels. Legends never die. Look at the smile RIP my Refugee brother.”
Forté earned a Grammy Award nomination in 1996 for his work as a producer on the Fugees album, “The Score.”
Forté released his first solo album, “Poly Sci,” in 1998, and his second album, “I, John,” was released in 2001.
“Remember John Forté, Musician and film producer,” Okayplayer wrote on X. “A key creative force behind the scenes, Forté played an important role in shaping the sound and vision of the Fugees during one of hip-hop’s most influential eras. His contributions to music and film helped define a moment in leaving behind a lasting body for work that continues to inspire artists and audiences across generations. Rest Easy, John.”
The rapper was arrested in 2000 at Newark International Airport and was later convicted for possessing liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. He served seven years of a 14-year sentence before President George W. Bush commuted his sentence in 2008.
USA Today reported that Forté is survived by his wife, Lara Fuller, and two children.
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