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After being released from prison just this past December, rapper/producer/songwriter, John Forte is already releasing his newest EP. Titled StyleFREE the EP, the album will be available on JohnForte.com on July 14th.

Although he is most acclaimed for producing and co-writing tracks for The Fugees' multi-platinum and Grammy-winning album The Score, Forte also went on to drop two solo albums, one of which was produced by Wyclef Jean.

In 2000, Forte was arrested on drug charges and faced 14 years in prison, but was pardoned by former President George W. Bush in 2008, cutting the artist's jail term short [click to read]. Forte told TheBoomBox.com that all the songs on the EP were written while serving his seven and a half year term.

"I have been writing and producing music since I've been home," he told the website, "but the seven songs on StyleFREE the EP played a part in the catharsis that I believe ultimately led to my release."

In addition to music, Forte is currently involved in Arms Reach, a program in New York City geared towards mentoring children with incarcerated parents. He is also busy performing live (he recently joined Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch on stage) and writing his memoir.

"Music is and has always been my predominant love," he continued. "I love venturing out into other professions, put my best foot forward and so on; but music is the foundation to it all."

StyleFREE the EP will be available July 14 on JohnForte.com. His full length album titled Water, Light, Sound, is scheduled for release in 2010.

Source: John Forte Releases First Album In Seven Years | Hip Hop News > HipHopDX.com