Roommates… this one hits different. Hip-hop just lost a delicate soul, and Lauryn Hill is taking a moment to recollect one in every of her earliest collaborators, John Forté. The Fugees-affiliated artist, who helped shape the sound of the ’90s with hits from ‘The Rating,’ passed away earlier this week at age 50, leaving friends, fans, and fellow artists reflecting on his impact.
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Lauryn Hill Pays Tribute To John Forté As Investigation Continues
On Wednesday, Lauryn Hill took to Instagram to honor Forté, calling him “a delicate soul” and sharing memories of their friendship.
“I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom together with her sweet voice for the primary time and walking Recent York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode,” Hill shared.
She recalled how the 2 bonded through the rise of hip-hop within the ’90s, “filled with excitement and possibility,” and highlighted Forté’s rare mixture of brains, bars, and soul. Police reportedly found him Monday afternoon at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin confirmed there have been no signs of foul play or an obvious reason behind death. Moreover, the state health worker’s office is now handling the investigation.
Fugees Family Mourns John Forté’s Sudden Loss
Hill also reminisced about introducing Forté to Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, which led to his contributions to the Fugees’ iconic album. “Forté was a gentleman and a scholar with a robust pen, deep soul, and sort heart,” she added. The unexpected loss has left the music community in mourning, with Wyclef noting, “This one hurts,” and Pras calling him “greater than only a collaborator—he was family.” Lauryn closed her tribute with a heartfelt farewell: “I like you John. Rest in peace, gentle king.”
Tributes Pour In For Late Hip-Hop Icon
It looks like fans didn’t waste a second heading straight to Lauryn Hill’s Instagram comment section to mourn John Forté. Many praised Hill for writing such a fantastic, heartfelt tribute. Meanwhile, others left condolences for the late artist and his family. Just a few even shared their very own memories and stories of how John touched their lives, showing just how far his impact reached.
One Instagram user @hey_koley wrote, “Surreal.. he was definitely a force L… Rest Up King.. 💪🏽😇🙏🏼🤲🏼💖”
This Instagram user @saulwilliams said, “So sorry on your loss. John was a fantastic soul 💔💔💔💔”
And, Instagram user @catpowerofficial commented, “🙏🙏🙏💐💐💐🩵🩵🩵💐💐💐🙏🙏🙏”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @themiamidon added, “what a fantastic technique to write about someone, rest in peace“
While Instagram user @iamchuckbone shared, “🙏🕊️🙏🫡”
Lastly, Instagram user @itsyourlightthatlightstheworld said, “💖✨✨✨🕊️ eloquently written 🙏🏾”
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What Do You Think Roomies?

