Lauryn Hill Instagram – 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. | Posted on 15/Jan/2026 04:16:40
