Oliver “Power” Grant, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, has passed away at the age of 52.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by fellow Wu-Tang member Method Man in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday.
“Paradise my Brother, safe travels!!” Method Man, 54, wrote, sharing a photo of the two together.
Hip-hop site Okayplayer also announced Grant’s passing on Instagram, revealing that he died on February 23. However, the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Tribute Continued
“Power was a driving force behind one of hip-hop’s most influential movements,” the post read. “He helped build a global legacy rooted in independence, ownership, and culture. His belief in creative control and community empowerment shaped not just a group, but a dynasty that forever changed music.”
The tribute continued, “His impact will live on through the culture he helped elevate and the countless lives he inspired.”
Born in Jamaica on November 3, 1973, Grant later moved to New York City, where he grew up in Staten Island alongside key Wu-Tang members, including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna.
Grant played a pivotal role in Wu-Tang’s success, serving as the executive producer for all of the group’s albums. He also launched the popular Wu Wear clothing line, which became a cornerstone of the Wu-Tang brand.
Reflecting on Wu Wear’s impact in a 2011 interview, Grant said, “My crew had plenty of skeptics, doubters, and non-believers. It wasn’t personal, but I think people didn’t fully understand what I was trying to do or where I was coming from.”
In addition to his work with Wu-Tang, Grant pursued acting, appearing in the 1998 film Belly alongside Method Man and the 1999 movie Black and White.
Tributes from other Wu-Tang members poured in following the news of his passing.
“We couldn’t have done it without him,” GZA, 59, wrote on Instagram, sharing four photos of Grant. “Wu wouldn’t have come to fruition without Power. His passing is a profound loss to us all. My deepest condolences to the fam.”
Grant’s legacy as a visionary and cultural pioneer will continue to resonate in the world of hip-hop and beyond.
