Wu-Tang Clan Founding Member Oliver 'Power' Grant Dies at Age 52
Oliver "Power" Grant, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan, has passed away. He was 52 years old. The devastating news was confirmed by fellow Wu-Tang member Method Man through a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday.
Method Man's Emotional Tribute
Method Man, 54, shared a touching message alongside a photograph of the two together. "Paradise my Brother safe Travels!!" he wrote, expressing his grief and sending well wishes for Grant's journey. The hip-hop music publication Okayplayer also announced Grant's passing on Instagram, noting he reportedly died on February 23, though no cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
A Driving Force Behind Hip-Hop's Most Influential Movement
Okayplayer's tribute highlighted Grant's monumental role, stating, "A driving force behind one of hip-hop's most influential movements, Power helped build a global legacy rooted in independence, ownership and culture." The post emphasized how his belief in creative control and community empowerment helped shape not just a group, but a dynasty that forever altered the music landscape. "His impact will live on through the culture he helped elevate and the countless lives he inspired," the site added.
From Staten Island to Global Legacy
Born in Jamaica on November 3, 1973, Grant later relocated to New York City, growing up in Staten Island alongside key Wu-Tang members including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna. He went on to executive produce all of the iconic rap crew's records and was instrumental in creating the popular Wu Wear clothing line.
In a 2011 reflection, Grant discussed the clothing line and how it solidified the Wu-Tang brand, saying, "My crew had plenty of skeptics, doubters, and non-believers. It wasn't anything personal, but I'd say that everyone is an individual and they didn't really understand what I was doing or what I was initially trying to get across, or where I was coming from."
Beyond Music: Acting and Lasting Tributes
Beyond his foundational work with Wu-Tang from the group's formation in 1992 until his death, Grant also pursued acting. He starred alongside Method Man in the 1998 film "Belly" and appeared in "Black and White" the following year. Other Wu-Tang members, including RZA, GZA, and Raekwon, have paid tribute to their late producer.
GZA, 59, shared on Instagram Tuesday alongside four photos of Grant, "We couldn't have done it without him. Wu wouldn't have come to fruition without Power. His passing is a profound loss to us all. My deepest condolences to the fam."
