HIP-HOP LEGEND

Founding Wu-Tang Clan Member Dies at 52

Oliver “Power” Grant created the Wu-Wear clothing line.

Wu-Tang Clan founding member Oliver “Power” Grant has died at 52. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Fellow member Method Man broke the news in an emotional Instagram tribute, writing, “Paradise my Brother safe travels!!” and adding that he “is not ok” in the wake of the loss. Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon responded with a string of prayer emojis before sharing his own message: “The most high is merciful. I love you.” Tributes quickly poured in from across the hip-hop world, including from GZA, who shared photos with Grant and wrote, “Wu wouldn’t have come to fruition without Power. His passing is a profound loss to us all.” He concluded his message offering his “deepest condolences” to Grant’s family. Born in Jamaica, Grant later moved to Staten Island, where he grew up alongside Wu-Tang Clan members including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna. The musician played a pivotal role in the group’s early rise after its founding in 1992. Beyond music, Grant helped expand the Wu-Tang Clan brand, most notably through the creation of the Wu Wear clothing line—cementing his influence on both hip-hop culture and business.