Grammy Award winning rapper and producer John Forte received a pardon from President George W. Bush on November 24, 2008. See photos and video of the renown hip-hop artist who has spent the past seven years in prison and whose 14 year prison sentence has now been commuted. In total, there were 14 people pardoned by President Bush and two who had sentences commuted in the latest wave of Presidential pardons.
John Forte released two albums, Poly Sci (Columbia, 1988) featuring DMX and Fugees member Pras and I, John (2002). Forte also appeared on Wyclef Jean’s hit “We Trying To Stay Alive.” He received a full scholarship to study violin at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, graduating in 1993. He is also known Forte for producing two tracks on the Fugees’ The Score and for his appearance on Michael Jackson’s Blood on the Dance Floor.
In 2000, Forte was arrested at Newark International Airport for carrying a briefcase with more than $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute. Due to minimum sentencing laws, Forte was given a 14 year prison sentence.
Forte will be released on December 22nd, but will still spend the remaining of his sentence on probation. Among those who rallied for Forte’s early release were Carly Simon and her son Ben Taylor, who was reportedly best friends with Forte, as well as Senator Orrin Hatch.
Source: Rapper/Producer John Forte Pardoned By George W. Bush
John found an ally in legendary singer Carly Simon and her son Ben Taylor, both close friends. Forte lived at Simon’s estate in Martha’s Vineyard for about six weeks in 1999 and even spent the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with the family. Simon and Taylor have lobbied on Forte’s behalf since he was incarcerated.
Source: EXCLUSIVE: President Bush Issues Pardon For Rapper John Forte
For more background on John Forte, also known as John Edward Forte, see:
- Mandatory Minimum Sentence Changes a Life
- John Forte’s Rap – An exclusive jailhouse talk with the Fugee songwriter
Photo source: Rolling Stone
Related post:
John Forte video
Wyclef Jean ft. John Forté and Pras – We Trying To Stay Alive
John Forté ft. Tricky – Trouble Again (from I, John)
John Forte Pardoned by President George W. Bush, Sentence Commuted
