John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician known for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, has died at age 50.

Forté was found dead Monday afternoon, January 12, in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin said in a statement that there were no signs of foul play or a readily apparent cause of death. The case is being investigated by the state medical examiner.

A native of Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, Forté was a musical prodigy who broke through in his early 20s as a contributor to the Fugees’ Grammy-winning album “The Score.” At age 21, he landed a Grammy nomination for his writing and production work on the landmark 1996 album, which sold 22 million copies. The album remains one of the most successful hip-hop records of all time, helping to define the sound of 1990s rap and establishing the Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel as major forces in the music industry.

Forté also contributed to Jean’s Grammy-nominated album “The Carnival” in 1997, working on tracks that showcased his versatility as a producer and multi-instrumentalist. His work during this period established him as a key figure in the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective, which brought together various artists associated with the Fugees’ production team.

As a solo artist, Forté released the album “Poly Sci” in 1998, followed by “I John.” His collaborators included Carly Simon and Ben Taylor. Simon later became a vocal advocate for the musician during a difficult period in his life. His final album, “Vessels Angels & Ancestors,” was released in 2021.

In 2000, Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport and charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. The arrest marked a dramatic turn in the musician’s career. He was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The case involved $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine.

Simon was among many public figures who advocated for his release. Her efforts, along with those of others who believed his sentence was disproportionate, eventually reached the highest levels of government. In 2008, President George W. Bush commuted the sentence after Forté had served seven years. The commutation allowed him to return to his music career and rebuild his life.

Following his release, Forté settled on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, where he continued to work on his music and became part of the island’s artistic community. The location provided him with a fresh start and a supportive environment to pursue his creative work.

Jean shared a tribute on social media following news of Forté’s death.

Pras Michel also released a statement remembering his collaborator. “John was more than just a collaborator. He was family,” Michel said.

Forté’s contributions to hip-hop extended beyond his production credits. As a multi-instrumentalist and rapper, he brought a diverse musical background to his work, helping to create the layered, eclectic sound that characterized the Fugees’ output during their peak years. His ability to blend different musical styles and traditions made him a valuable collaborator for artists seeking to expand their sonic palette.

The musician’s journey from Brooklyn to the heights of the music industry, through incarceration and back to creative work, represented a complicated American story. His early success came at a time when hip-hop was transitioning from an underground movement to a dominant force in popular music. The Fugees’ fusion of rap, reggae, soul and R&B helped demonstrate the genre’s versatility and broad appeal.

During his incarceration, Forté continued to work on music when possible and maintained connections with the artistic community that had supported him. The advocacy for his release highlighted debates about mandatory minimum sentencing in drug cases and the potential for rehabilitation. His eventual commutation by Bush was part of a small number of such actions taken by the president.

After returning to music, Forté focused on creating work that reflected his experiences and growth. His later albums explored themes of redemption, spirituality and perseverance, drawing on both his musical roots and the challenges he had faced.

The Chilmark community where Forté lived had become his home in recent years. Martha’s Vineyard, known for its artistic population and tight-knit communities, provided an environment where he could focus on his family and creative work away from the pressures of the mainstream music industry.

Forté is survived by his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and two children. The family had built a life together on Martha’s Vineyard.

His death at age 50 came as his contributions to hip-hop’s golden era were being reassessed by a new generation of listeners discovering “The Score” and other classic albums from the 1990s. The Fugees’ influence on subsequent generations of hip-hop artists remained substantial, with many citing their work as formative in developing their own approach to blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.

The investigation into Forté’s death continues as the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner works to determine the cause. The sudden nature of his passing has left the music community mourning the loss of an artist whose career, while marked by both triumph and tragedy, ultimately demonstrated resilience and creative persistence.