Wu-Tang Clan Founding Figure Oliver ‘Power’ Grant Dead At 52

The hip-hop world is mourning the loss of Oliver “Power” Grant, a key figure behind the rise of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, who has died at the age of 52. Grant, widely recognized as a driving force behind the group’s business vision and brand expansion, helped shape one of the most influential collectives in music history. Tributes from fellow Wu-Tang members quickly poured in following news of his death.

Born in Jamaica on November 3, 1973, Grant later moved to New York City, where he grew up in Staten Island alongside future Wu-Tang members, including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna.

From the group’s formation in 1992 onward, Grant played a critical role behind the scenes, executive producing Wu-Tang’s projects and helping guide the collective’s business direction. His influence extended beyond music, as he was instrumental in developing the Wu Wear clothing line, a venture that helped cement the Wu-Tang brand globally.

“My crew had plenty of skeptics, doubters, and non-believers,” Grant said in 2011 regarding the Wu Wear clothing line and how it helped solidify the Wu-Tang brand. “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."

Grant’s contributions were especially significant during the early years of Wu-Tang Clan, including his involvement with the group’s groundbreaking 1993 debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)," which helped reshape hip-hop culture.

Beyond music, he also appeared as an actor, starring alongside Method Man in the 1998 film "Belly" and later appearing in "Black and White" in 1999.

Several members of the Wu-Tang Clan shared emotional messages following the news, emphasizing Grant’s importance to the group’s success. “We couldn’t have done it without him,” GZA wrote on Instagram Tuesday alongside 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.”

Raekwon also honored Grant with a tribute of his own. “POWER we been everywhere … Now you everywhere!” Raekwon added in his own post alongside a pic of Grant and Wu-Tang. “The most high is merciful. I love you.”

Friends and collaborators also flooded social media with tributes following the news, sharing messages of grief and remembrance for the late hip-hop pioneer. Several commenters wrote heartfelt condolences to the entire Wu-Tang extended family, while others posted prayer hands, doves, and broken-heart emojis in honor of Grant’s legacy. Many also referenced his lasting impact on the culture, with fans calling him a “legend” and wishing him to “rest in power,” underscoring just how deeply his influence was felt across the hip-hop community.

Fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man shared the heartbreaking news in a tribute posted to Instagram on Tuesday, honoring his longtime collaborator and friend. “Paradise, my brother, safe Travels!!” Method Man wrote alongside a photo of the pair.

Hip-hop media outlet Okayplayer also confirmed Grant’s death, noting he reportedly passed away on February 23. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. “A driving force behind one of hip-hop’s most influential movements, Power helped build a global legacy rooted in independence, ownership and culture,” Okayplayer’s post began. “His belief in creative control and community empowerment helped shape not only a group, but a dynasty that changed music forever.

“His impact will live on through the culture he helped elevate and the countless lives he inspired,” the site added.

In a past interview, Grant spoke openly about the group’s early challenges and how they built their success through persistence and experimentation. “Everything that we learned was hard-knock life, you figure it out as you go along, and take cues from those that are actively doing things,” he told the outlet in 2011. “A lot of it was trial and error.”

RIP.