If you were one of the 18 million plus fans of The Fugees’ legendary hip-hop album The Score, then you’re already acquainted with the talent of John Forté, the producer-turned-artist who is back on the music scene after nearly an eight-year hiatus.

After spending time in prison since 2001 on drug charges, Forté was released in 2008 thanks to a pardon granted by former president George W. Bush, and quickly hopped back into the studio to create his latest project, StyleFREE the EP. Blemished criminal record aside, this talented wordsmith with a magnetic, raspy voice offers an eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock, and jazz on his third solo recording, which is certainly worth a listen.

Released on EMI Records, the seven-track collection showcases Forté’s varying style and vocal range. He switches from rapping to singing, kicking off the album with a flowing rap track aptly titled “Freestyle.” Then the rhythm slows down with an acoustic, cleverly written first single (and my top track on the EP), “Play My Cards for Me.”

The melodic ride continues with a deep-rooted and lyrically savvy song “Breaking of a Man.” The slow tempo maintains through track four with the heartfelt “More Beautiful Now” before transitioning into an aggressive mood with “Nervous,” which offers eye-opening, honest lyrics: “I saw my best friend become my enemy. Oh, I’m nervous. Everything ain’t what it’s supposed to be. Oh, you should be nervous.”

The vibe rebounds with a little optimism on track six with “There We Are,” an inspiring yet reflective tune. StyleFREE concludes with “Best That Love Could Be” (featuring Ben Taylor), revealing a soft, romantic side to Forté.

All in all, music is certainly John’s forte (I’m piggybacking on the inaugural pun in a recent post on L.A. Music Blog written by Kristin Houser!). I’m sure fans will agree that we hope it’s not another seven years before we hear his next lineup of thought-provoking music.

Check out more on this artist at www.johnforte.com.