John Forté, a rapper and producer known for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, has died at the age of 50 at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts.

The cause of death is unclear but not suspected to involve foul play.

Forté was a significant figure in the hip-hop scene, particularly recognized for his contributions to the Fugees’ Grammy-winning album, “The Score,” where he produced and performed on key tracks like “Family Business” and “Cowboys.”

He began his career as a musician after learning the violin and attended Phillips Exeter Academy. Forté later dropped out of New York University to pursue music, which led him to align with the Fugees through Lauryn Hill in the early 1990s.

Forté’s life was marked by adversity, including a conviction for cocaine-related charges in 2000, resulting in an eight-year imprisonment after which his sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush in 2008.

After his release, he returned to music, focusing on production and composing, including contributions for the Brooklyn Nets and a song featured at the Sundance Film Festival.

Forté leaves behind a wife, Lara Fuller, and two children, embodying a legacy characterized by both creative brilliance and personal struggles throughout his life.