I can’t remember the exact moment I met John Forte or Forte as we used to call him, but I know we became fast friends very soon after. I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom with her sweet voice for the first time and walking New York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode. Our generation of hip hop was young and at the ascent of its epic rise. We were both there…participating and taking it all in, full of excitement and possibility. Forte was a gentlemen and a scholar with a strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart. Part Brownsville, part prep-school, he had access to a way of expressing himself with a vocabulary and fluency that was very unique for the time. John was a gentle soul beneath all of his Brownsville chanting, I wish we’d had the opportunity to embrace that even more back then. I introduced Forte to Wyclef and Pras and soon after he’d become part of the crew, (Refugee Camp to be exact) and part of the music the Fugees were creating. Contributing bars, beats, and that beautiful smile. I remember that summer like a movie. Me, Forte, Chuck and Edwin were everywhere in NYC, in love with hip hop, where it was going and where it could go. We were all inseparable that summer, music and fashion connoisseurs, outside- figuring out the best ways to communicate our particular consciousnesses within that musical landscape. Our escapades read like a 90’s version of ‘Cooley High’ to me. I hadn’t seen John in years before the last Mised-Fugees Tour, but he stepped on stage like no time had passed at all. We were in contact only a few weeks ago. This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him. I Love you John. Rest in peace gentle King.
I can’t remember the exact moment I met John Forte or Forte as we used to call him, but I know we became fast friends very soon after. I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom with her sweet voice for the first time and walking New York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode. Our generation of hip hop was young and at the ascent of its epic rise. We were both there…participating and taking it all in, full of excitement and possibility. Forte was a gentlemen and a scholar with a strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart. Part Brownsville, part prep-school, he had access to a way of expressing himself with a vocabulary and fluency that was very unique for the time. John was a gentle soul beneath all of his Brownsville chanting, I wish we’d had the opportunity to embrace that even more back then. I introduced Forte to Wyclef and Pras and soon after he’d become part of the crew, (Refugee Camp to be exact) and part of the music the Fugees were creating. Contributing bars, beats, and that beautiful smile. I remember that summer like a movie. Me, Forte, Chuck and Edwin were everywhere in NYC, in love with hip hop, where it was going and where it could go. We were all inseparable that summer, music and fashion connoisseurs, outside- figuring out the best ways to communicate our particular consciousnesses within that musical landscape. Our escapades read like a 90’s version of ‘Cooley High’ to me. I hadn’t seen John in years before the last Mised-Fugees Tour, but he stepped on stage like no time had passed at all. We were in contact only a few weeks ago. This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him. I Love you John. Rest in peace gentle King.
I can’t remember the exact moment I met John Forte or Forte as we used to call him, but I know we became fast friends very soon after. I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom with her sweet voice for the first time and walking New York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode. Our generation of hip hop was young and at the ascent of its epic rise. We were both there…participating and taking it all in, full of excitement and possibility. Forte was a gentlemen and a scholar with a strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart. Part Brownsville, part prep-school, he had access to a way of expressing himself with a vocabulary and fluency that was very unique for the time. John was a gentle soul beneath all of his Brownsville chanting, I wish we’d had the opportunity to embrace that even more back then. I introduced Forte to Wyclef and Pras and soon after he’d become part of the crew, (Refugee Camp to be exact) and part of the music the Fugees were creating. Contributing bars, beats, and that beautiful smile. I remember that summer like a movie. Me, Forte, Chuck and Edwin were everywhere in NYC, in love with hip hop, where it was going and where it could go. We were all inseparable that summer, music and fashion connoisseurs, outside- figuring out the best ways to communicate our particular consciousnesses within that musical landscape. Our escapades read like a 90’s version of ‘Cooley High’ to me. I hadn’t seen John in years before the last Mised-Fugees Tour, but he stepped on stage like no time had passed at all. We were in contact only a few weeks ago. This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him. I Love you John. Rest in peace gentle King.
I can’t remember the exact moment I met John Forte or Forte as we used to call him, but I know we became fast friends very soon after. I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom with her sweet voice for the first time and walking New York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode. Our generation of hip hop was young and at the ascent of its epic rise. We were both there…participating and taking it all in, full of excitement and possibility. Forte was a gentlemen and a scholar with a strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart. Part Brownsville, part prep-school, he had access to a way of expressing himself with a vocabulary and fluency that was very unique for the time. John was a gentle soul beneath all of his Brownsville chanting, I wish we’d had the opportunity to embrace that even more back then. I introduced Forte to Wyclef and Pras and soon after he’d become part of the crew, (Refugee Camp to be exact) and part of the music the Fugees were creating. Contributing bars, beats, and that beautiful smile. I remember that summer like a movie. Me, Forte, Chuck and Edwin were everywhere in NYC, in love with hip hop, where it was going and where it could go. We were all inseparable that summer, music and fashion connoisseurs, outside- figuring out the best ways to communicate our particular consciousnesses within that musical landscape. Our escapades read like a 90’s version of ‘Cooley High’ to me. I hadn’t seen John in years before the last Mised-Fugees Tour, but he stepped on stage like no time had passed at all. We were in contact only a few weeks ago. This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him. I Love you John. Rest in peace gentle King.
I can’t remember the exact moment I met John Forte or Forte as we used to call him, but I know we became fast friends very soon after. I loved him, my family loved him… I remember meeting his mom with her sweet voice for the first time and walking New York City streets with him in full youthful fascination mode. Our generation of hip hop was young and at the ascent of its epic rise. We were both there…participating and taking it all in, full of excitement and possibility. Forte was a gentlemen and a scholar with a strong pen, deep soul, and kind heart. Part Brownsville, part prep-school, he had access to a way of expressing himself with a vocabulary and fluency that was very unique for the time. John was a gentle soul beneath all of his Brownsville chanting, I wish we’d had the opportunity to embrace that even more back then. I introduced Forte to Wyclef and Pras and soon after he’d become part of the crew, (Refugee Camp to be exact) and part of the music the Fugees were creating. Contributing bars, beats, and that beautiful smile. I remember that summer like a movie. Me, Forte, Chuck and Edwin were everywhere in NYC, in love with hip hop, where it was going and where it could go. We were all inseparable that summer, music and fashion connoisseurs, outside- figuring out the best ways to communicate our particular consciousnesses within that musical landscape. Our escapades read like a 90’s version of ‘Cooley High’ to me. I hadn’t seen John in years before the last Mised-Fugees Tour, but he stepped on stage like no time had passed at all. We were in contact only a few weeks ago. This loss is unexpected and surreal and my heart aches… for his family, for his wife, for his children, for his friends, and for all of us who were blessed to know him. I Love you John. Rest in peace gentle King.
From ideas to racks to real people wearing the vision. What started as a thought, a feeling, and a lot of late nights became something tangible because you showed up. The conversations, the energy, the support, the way you connected with the work,it all meant more to me than I can properly put into words. Thank you, Toronto, for embracing the vision, honoring the craft, and making this pop-up truly unforgettable. Thank you @itsok.world for hosting us! Next stop: Ottawa!! pop-up on the 20th. I can’t wait to bring this experience to you 🤍 📷: @irma_mchedlishvili @kornbluth @jmlcreatives @eyesof6od
From ideas to racks to real people wearing the vision. What started as a thought, a feeling, and a lot of late nights became something tangible because you showed up. The conversations, the energy, the support, the way you connected with the work,it all meant more to me than I can properly put into words. Thank you, Toronto, for embracing the vision, honoring the craft, and making this pop-up truly unforgettable. Thank you @itsok.world for hosting us! Next stop: Ottawa!! pop-up on the 20th. I can’t wait to bring this experience to you 🤍 📷: @irma_mchedlishvili @kornbluth @jmlcreatives @eyesof6od
Massey Hall is one of those spaces you feel the second you step inside. Beautiful. Historic. Legendary. The crowd was alive, fully engaged and the night moved on a powerful, visceral frequency that everyone felt. Everything aligned: the energy, the connection, the music, and the love Toronto reflected was unforgettable! I hold deep respect for rooms with this kind of history, and even deeper respect for the people who fill them. Always grateful when the legend Wyclef Jean shows up and kills the performance… “911” with the band was absolutely insane. Endless gratitude to my firstborn Zion Marley, bringing his regal sound and vibration, and sharing the moment with his cousin Solomon, aka King Cruff. Thank you to everyone who came out, showed love, and shared the night with us. This was our historical moment, Toronto. 🤌🏾❤️🔥 Love and respect Toronto and @masseyhall 🫶🏾
I had the GREAT honor and privilege of celebrating two giants last Sunday. The profound musical impact of Mrs. Roberta Flack and Mr. Michael Archer aka D’Angelo on our culture is beyond measure and it requires deep and meaningful acknowledgement. We were initially given 7 minutes between both of them for our tribute set, but I kept asking for ‘more time’. In hindsight, perhaps this was my own personal cry for ‘more time’ with these special people. More time to share and reflect back to them how very important they are, not just to me, but to the world. The sheer artistic brilliance on the stage that night was absolutely remarkable, all of us ‘reporting for duty’ so-to-speak in honor of our BELOVED D’Angelo and Mrs. Roberta Flack. Peace and continual GRACE to the family and children of Mr. Michael Archer (D’Angelo) and to the family and friends of Mrs. Roberta Flack. My deep, deep gratitude to my Brothers and Sisters in musical arms, mission and message. Thank you truly, SPECIAL GUESTS (in order of appearance) @anthonyhamiltonofficial @iamluckydaye @saadiqmoves @Leonthomas @Bilalmusic @JonBatiste @Adamblackstone @therealmarcusmiller @lalahhathaway @octobertheking @Leonbridges @Alexiajayy__ @chakakhan @JohnLegend @wyclefjean THE VANGUARD @sharkey335 @pino_palladino_official_ @chrisdaddydave @mzkendrafoster @reddmusic @kennethwhalum @keyonharrold @tinafarristours @rojolavoeofficial THE MLH BAND @rayangry @waynemooreworld @TanikkaCharrae @sisterrandolph @ohmazingbee @the_chemist0 @jay_drumz101 @limitlesswheat @ericgalesband @julesjuda @_zeelo @rickyhess13 Accompanied by: @madisoncalley #Stephanie Mathews @imsherie @celloaaron @stringschick @Dancewithjudith @maineproservices @theb_roll @yourstruly.poetik @zolajourdan @irma_mchedlishvili @kornbluth @jessecollinsent #Eboninichols Thank you to @Grammys for the space and opportunity to honor our musical legends. Their artistry reshaped culture and continues to inspire the world. This tribute stands as a celebration of a legacy that transcends generations, borders & time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Exclusive pieces for LA. I’m bringing the collection to you. An intimate pop-up with more surprise pieces to explore, merchandise, the craftsmanship, and the story—up close and in real time.
Thank you LA. Our pop-up at LDU University in Crenshaw wasn’t just about merch, but about presence, conversation, and connecting with community in real time. Every interaction is meaningful. Grateful for all of you. Grateful for the opportunity to get together and build. 📸 : @irma_mchedlishvili @_718s
Los Angeles, come through. A pop-up created to connect with you in person. Limited selection, thoughtfully presented. Experience the work, the space, the moment. We can’t wait to welcome you. NO TICKETS. PULL UP.
