MUSIC NEWS - After seven long years away from family, friends, and the world at large, John Forte is back at home, writing and recording new music and embracing life again. Fans of Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer, know him best for his work with the multi-platinum group “The Fugees.” He wasted no time getting back into the studio, completing his first track, "Homecoming" (below), with his good friend Talib Kweli and featuring Kanye West! They also made a behind the scenes video (See below) of the recording of the track with commentary from Talib Kweli.
In addition to his “The Fugees” work, Forte is known for his two solo albums, PolySci (Columbia; 1998) and I, John (Transparent; 2002), which featured guest appearances by Herbie Hancock, Esthero and Tricky, and included a duet with famed singer/songwriter Carly Simon on the song “Been There, Done That.” A classically-trained violinist and graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Forté recorded his last album while under house arrest awaiting trial; the album was released just as he was being sent to prison.
On November 24, 2008, Forté was granted a commutation by President George W. Bush after having served more than seven years of a fourteen-year federal prison sentence. Forte was busted back in 2000 at Newark International Airport with $1.4M (31 lbs) of liquid cocaine in his luggage! Those who campaigned on his behalf include Carly Simon and Senator Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah. On December 22, 2008, Forte walked out of Fort Dix Correctional Institution to resume his life and tell his story through music, film and prose.
Give Homecoming a listen and view his Homecoming video to help us celebrate John's return!
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