Hip-hop fans are grieving the passing of Grammy-nominated rapper and producer John Forté, best known for his longtime work with the Refugee Camp alongside fellow Fugees members Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel and Lauryn Hill. Forté was reported to have been found unresponsive at his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts Monday afternoon, and a spokesperson for the Town of Chilmark confirmed to the Associated Press that there did not appear to be any foul play. The cause of death has yet to be determined, pending further investigation by the Massachusetts state medical examiner’s office.

Forté helped pen some of hip-hop’s most iconic records, even if he wasn’t always a household name. Born Jan. 30, 1975 in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood, Forté began learning violin at the urging of his mother. He would study music extensively throughout his life and attended Phillips Exeter Academy. From there, Forté studied music business briefly at NYU before dropping out to focus on music.

Forté was first introduced to Fugees member Lauryn Hill in the early ’90s. He went on to co-write and produce pivotal songs on the Fugees’ defining 1996 album "The Score," which won multiple Grammys. Highlights such as “Cowboys” and “Fu-Gee-La (Remix)” solidified Forté’s place on the project that would help change modern hip-hop.

Following his success with the Fugees, Forté continued to succeed on his own and remained an important contributor to hip-hop. In 1998, Forté released his debut album "Poly Sci" with help from collaborators in the Refugee Camp. He also dabbled in production and writing for musicians in other genres, including Carly Simon, and in collaborations with fellow Refugee Camp member Wyclef Jean. Forté also produced songs for films and television, further showcasing the expanse of his creativity.

In 2000, Forté was sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug trafficking charges. After amassing an ensemble of supporters and peers, including Carly Simon and her son Ben Taylor, Forté’s prison sentence was commuted by President George W. Bush in 2008.

Forté spent his later years on Martha’s Vineyard Island with his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, and their two children Wren and Haile.