News : Lauryn Hill Remembers John Forté With Heartfelt Tribute

Lauryn Hill is grieving the loss of a close friend and longtime collaborator, paying tribute to John Forté following his sudden death at the age of 50. The Fugees legend shared a collection of old photos on Instagram alongside an emotional message that looked back on their early years together in New York City. Hill admitted she could not remember the exact moment their paths first crossed, but emphasized how quickly they connected. She spoke fondly about spending time together, wandering through the city side by side with Forté.

Hill remembered Forté as a true gentleman with an exceptional pen, a soulful presence, and a rare ability to express himself through words. She reflected on how his writing stood apart at the time, shaped by a mix of Brownsville toughness and prep school refinement that gave him a distinctive voice.

She also noted that beneath his hardened exterior was a softness that deserved greater recognition and care.

"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," she wrote.

Lauryn Hill Writes Heartfelt Message

Hill went on to recall introducing Forté to Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel in the early 1990s, a meeting that would eventually place him within the Refugee Camp and the creative orbit of the Fugees. Whether through verses, production, or simply his uplifting presence, Forté became an important part of their shared creative journey.

"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," she continued. "Contributing bars, beats, and that beautiful smile. I remember that summer like a movie."

She likened that period of their lives to a coming of age film, filled with music, style, curiosity, and endless ambition across the streets of New York City. Although they were not in constant contact in recent years, Hill shared that Forté joined her onstage during the anniversary tour for The Miseducation era and that they had spoken just weeks before he passed.

Describing the loss as shocking and difficult to process, Hill sent her love to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him, closing her message with a quiet but heartfelt farewell, wishing him peace.