John Forté, the producer and rapper who helped define the sound of the Fugees, has died. A powerful voice from the 1990s hip-hop is gone, and tributes have poured in across social media.

Many responded with shock and disbelief. One tribute reflected on his impact, while another described his final social media post as “uncanny.”

What People Said After the News Broke

“Ain’t no way. It can’t be true. His babies. His wife,” one Instagram follower commented. “Omg, another shocking one, we need a break yo 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾,” another added. “Whaaaaaat! Noooo 💔🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🥺,” wrote another. On Facebook, a different commenter said, “Oh gosh how sad. Too young!!”

Another reacted to how young he was, expressing sadness at the suddenness of the loss. Another said the news was painful to hear. One person shared they had been hoping the news wasn’t true.

According to Variety, Forté was found dead at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on Sunday, January 12, 2026. Chilmark Police responded to a call at approximately 2:25 p.m. for an unresponsive male. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play and no immediately apparent cause of death. The case has been referred to the Massachusetts State Police–Cape and Islands Detective Unit for further investigation.

A Friend’s Message

Shortly after news of his death, friend and fellow musician Mali Wilson shared a deeply emotional tribute on Facebook. She reflected on the joy of their last meal together and spoke about the love and encouragement Forté had shown her throughout their friendship.

Wilson also expressed heartbreak for his children and asked for strength and comfort for his family.

Forté’s Final Post and Its Impact

As tributes poured in, attention also turned to Forté’s final Instagram post. Shared in November 2025, the video shows a close-up of the musician with tears in his eyes, accompanied by classical music.

Artist Fiona Aboud reflected on the timing, “Uncanny this being your last post. So much love and light in everything you did. Thank you for the verses and the courage.May you keep swaying somewhere luminous. Sending your family so much love. 🕊️❤️”

His Success and Setback

Forté’s career reached a major milestone with a Grammy nomination in 1997, when “The Score” was up for Album of the Year at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards. Though he didn’t win, the recognition cemented his place in hip-hop history as a creative force behind one of the genre’s most influential records.

He also appeared on Wyclef Jean’s “The Carnival” and went on to release solo records featuring collaborations with DMX and Carly Simon. His final album, “Vessels, Angels & Ancestors,” was released in 2021.

Reflecting on his musical journey in a 2025 interview with Martha’s Vineyard Art & Ideas magazine, Forté described how making beats as a teen became his entry point into songwriting and studio work.

“But my first instrument was the violin, so I had classical theory at the foundation of everything. I wasn’t necessarily a player that didn’t happen until many many years later,” he explained.

He also spoke candidly about his time in prison, where he learned to play guitar and began composing on his own. Before that, he often relied on DJs to support his music.

Forté added, “But in the beginning, I made beats, and I was in the studio with DJ Premiere, Gangstar. Premiere is a legend, but I was blessed at 14, 15 years old to just be invited to the studio to just hang out and watch his process.”

According to ABC in 2008, Forté had been serving a 14-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, after being convicted in 2001 of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

His legal troubles began in 2000, when he met a man at a nightclub who claimed he could help relaunch his music career, but only if the artist could find women willing to smuggle drugs into the United States.

Two women were later caught at a Houston airport carrying 30 pounds of liquid cocaine, worth roughly $1.4 million.

Under police surveillance, they delivered the suitcases to Forté at Newark Airport, where he was arrested the following day. Forté told authorities he believed the bags contained money, not drugs.

It was his first offense and a nonviolent crime, but federal mandatory minimum sentencing laws left no room for discretion. His case soon drew national attention, becoming a symbol of what advocates saw as deeply flawed drug sentencing practices.

Simon, who had known Forté since his school days at Phillips Exeter Academy with her son Ben Taylor, became one of his most vocal supporters. She posted his bail, collaborated with him musically while he was incarcerated, and called him “an extraordinary young man.”

Then-Senator Orrin Hatch backed the effort after Simon lobbied for his support, and she credited him with helping to persuade President George W. Bush to act.

Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, joined the campaign as well, saying Forté was just one high-profile example of a much larger issue.

On November 24, 2008, Bush commuted Forté’s sentence. He was released on December 22, having served seven years.

In a separate tragedy, the culinary world is grieving one of its own. As reported on January 8, 2026, Elle Simone Scott, a food stylist, author, and longtime cast member of “America’s Test Kitchen” (ATK), has died at the age of 49.

Scott’s death was confirmed in a Facebook post that praised her professional contributions and lasting influence in the culinary field.

Statement From ‘ATK’

In a Facebook post from Cook’s Country, she was described as a “beloved colleague and friend” who became an essential part of the team after joining in 2016.

She also hosted the podcast “The Walk-In” and worked across the brand’s productions, creating visuals for TV series, cookbooks, magazines, videos, and digital platforms.

Additionally, she authored two cookbooks: “Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings” (2022) and “Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents” (2024).

“Elle brought warmth and a vibrant spirit to everything she did and will leave a lasting mark on us as well as the millions of cooks who welcomed her into their home,” the statement read. “Here at ATK, she will be remembered for her genuine appreciation for the people around her and the care she showed for her work and her colleagues.”

Scott died after a long battle with ovarian cancer, the team confirmed to People.

A Fellow Chef’s Tribute

Chef and television host Carla Hall penned a heartfelt message to Scott on Instagram. “She showed up with excellence, generosity, and deep love for food and community,” she wrote.

Hall noted that at “ATK,” Scott was a trailblazer. She was one of the first Black women viewers saw in that space, and she brought confidence and joy to her role. Hall also emphasized that Scott’s presence reshaped representation in food media and had a lasting impact.

Hall also praised Scott’s openness during her illness, “Elle faced ovarian cancer with courage and honesty, using her platform to educate, advocate, and uplift even while fighting for her life.”

She expressed that the community will continue to honor Scott’s memory, as her influence lives on through the many kitchens she inspired and the people who felt seen because of her.