In a surprising move, President Bush chose to offer 16 prisoners commuted sentences and pardons yesterday, including former Fugees affiliate John Forte, who will be released from prison on Dec. 22nd, to serve the next 5 years under supervised probation.The rapper/producer, who is best known for appearing on Wyclef Jean's 'We Trying To Stay Alive,' was midway through serving a 14 year bid, after getting arrested at the Newark International Airport in 2000, with a suitcase containing a reported 31 lbs. of frozen liquid cocaine.
Though he had no prior offenses, due to New Jersey's "mandatory minimum" sentencing laws, Forte received an excessive sentence that many in the music community, including Senator Orrin Hatch and Carly Simon publicly lobbied against.
Many were surprised at Forte's conviction as it seemed out of character for the rapper, who was known for his positivity and honor-roll background. After graduating from Phillips Exeter academy on a full scholarship, Forte had attended New York University, where his roommate was Talib Kweli, who in turn helped him land an A&R gig at Rawkus Records, where he met Lauryn Hill. He quickly began working with The Fugees, producing two songs on 'The Score,' before signing with Columbia, where he released his first album 'Poly Sci' in 1998.
Through his prison term, Forte has maintained his innocence, refusing to accept a plea bargain, and campaigning, along with Hatch, Simon and her son, who is a good friend of Forte's, for his release.
Note to Shyne and Steady B: Get you some 70's singer/songwriter/Senator friends.
Kellie Pickler Advances to 'Dancing With the Stars' Finals
Jennifer Hudson Performs 'Inseparable' With 'American Idol' Winner Candice Glover
Taylor Swift Admired George Jones' Passion for Performing
Tim McGraw Stops Atlanta Show to Help Ailing Fan
Carrie Underwood Says She's 'Queen of Awkward' in Marie Claire Interview
12 Common Workout Myths Debunked
Tim McGraw's 'Superstar Summer Night' Special to Air May 19
How Kidnapping Suspect Passes Time Behind Bars
Mario Announces Nicki Minaj Collaboration, 'Somebody Else'
Courtney Stodden Has A Sex Tape
Rock the Bells 2013 Lineup Includes Ol' Dirty Bastard & Eazy-E Holograms
These American Companies Refused To Sign The Bangladesh Safety Accord
Beyonce Close to Tears While Thanking Fans at Belgium Show
PHOTO: Looking Good! Chaz Bono Loses 65 Pounds
Lil Wayne's Emmett Till Lyric Was Never Meant for Public Consumption
Teen Who Died During Her First Solo Drive May Have Been Texting
PREGNANT!
Former OJ Attorney Gives Shocking Testimony
Jackpot Soars Again
McDonald's Store Owners Fear Fast Food Chain Becoming Too Slow
Guess Which State Boasts The Most Million-Dollar Homes?
Student Shot Dead During Botched Home Invasion
And Your New 'American Idol' Is ...
Victim's Sister To Arias: 'Our Minds Are Permanently Stained'
New Leads In Case Of Missing British Girl
Ruby Testifies About Naughty Nun At Berlusconi Party
Reid Goes 'Nuclear'
Treasury Officials Told Of IRS Probe In June 2012
