**31. John Forté**
John Forté, the Grammy-nominated musician and producer known for his soulful contributions to The Fugees and his solo artistry, died on January 12, 2026, at age 50. If you grew up with ’90s hip-hop classics, felt the powerful blend of rap and melody in The Score, or discovered his thoughtful solo tracks later, this one hits like losing a voice that spoke to a generation’s hopes and struggles.
As a key collaborator with The Fugees, Forté helped craft groundbreaking sounds that crossed genres and touched millions worldwide. His introspective lyrics and production work continued to inspire long after the group’s peak. He faced challenges with resilience and used his platform to uplift others. Fans over 40 who played those albums on repeat during formative years will feel this loss as another reminder that the music shaping our youth is gradually fading.
