Natasha Bedingfield reveals her heartache over rapper friend John Forte’s death as she said they were ‘overdue a catch up’ and admits it ‘hits heavy like a gut punch’

Natasha Bedingfield has revealed her heartache over rapper John Forte’s death as she says they were ‘overdue a catch up’ and admits the news has ‘hit heavy like a gut punch.’ 

John, who was best known for his collaborations with the hip-hop group Fugees, died at 50 on Monday in his home in Chilmark, Massachusetts. 

The singer, 44, shared a carousel of nostalgic pictures of the pair at events and of his children as she explained how they became friends and made music together that they hadn’t yet released.

Natasha wrote: ‘I am so in shock about losing my friend this Monday. We were overdue for a catch up. 

‘When I met John at Sundance years ago we became friends right away. He asked to borrow our guitar so he could sing. 

‘He has so many people who love him right away like this and who feel touched by who he is. We went to Russia together to discover and support the talented musicians we found. 

‘He opened me up to a thriving and welcoming creative community in Martha’s Vineyard …my dear friends @carlysimonhq and @bentaylormusic and all our friends… we are devastated.

‘Thinking of all the unfinished conversations and dreams we had… Our families hanging out together… We had music we never put out.’

The Unwritten hitmaker continued her tribute to the musician as she explained how his tragic death has affected her.

‘It hits heavy with a gut punch that life really is that utterly fleeting. I want to call him. And I’m thinking about my other friends that I haven’t talked to in a while.

‘Thinking about his beautiful wife Laura and kids. John is so loved. He is a bright light … I’m not ready to say “was” yet.’

The star then shared a GoFundMe link to help support his family, which has already raised $86,000 dollars, including a generous $10,000 donation from comedian Amy Schumer. 

Natasha donated $1,000, as did singer Chris Young.

A statement from Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin said that John’s cause of death was not yet known, but there was no apparent evidence of foul play.

He added that the medical examiner’s office is currently investigating the circumstances around his death.

In 2015, John met his wife, photographer Lara Fuller, on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. The couple share two children, a daughter named Wren, eight and a son named Haile, five.

The GoFundMe said in its tribute: ‘John Forte was a dearest friend, an incredible musician and artist, and a vital, luminous soul who touched so many of our lives. 

‘Yesterday [Monday], we lost John unexpectedly, and his absence has left a profound void in our community and in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

‘John’s two children, who are truly magical and full of his powerful spirit, now face a future without their father’s love, guidance, and support. 

‘Alongside their mother, Lara, who is navigating this unimaginable loss while caring for them, they will need both time and stability to begin healing.

‘We are organising this fundraiser to help support John’s children and Lara as they move through this incredibly difficult period. 

‘The funds raised will go directly toward the children’s living expenses and care, as well as the unforeseen costs associated with John’s funeral.’

The performer was a member of the loose-knit collective Refugee Camp All-Stars, which was associated with Fugees.

The Refugee Camp All-Stars both collaborated with the better-known trio – comprised of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel – and handled production for Fugees.

John went on to collaborate with Jean on We Trying To Stay Alive, the lead single from Jean’s debut solo album The Carnival.

He also performed on the 1997 Fugees song Rumble In The Jungle, which featured guest spots from Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest.

His most substantial collaboration with Fugees was on the group’s second and final LP, The Score (1996).

John was credited as a writer and producer on two tracks: Family Business – which he also performed on – and Cowboys.

The album was a hit with critics and topped the Billboard 200 album charts in the US, along with charts across the globe.

It was eventually certified 7x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, indicating sales and streaming figures of more than seven million units.

John shared in The Score’s nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys, though it didn’t win in that category.

The multi-instrumentalist also released his debut studio album Poly Sci in 1998.