Wu-Tang Clan Co-Founder Oliver 'Power' Grant Dies at 52
Oliver "Power" Grant, the behind-the-scenes architect who helped build the Wu-Tang Clan into a global hip-hop phenomenon, has died at the age of 52. The news was confirmed by the group itself, which posted a tribute on social media reading, "Rest in power, Power." No cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
Tributes Flow from Hip-Hop Community
The announcement prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and respect from fellow Wu-Tang members and the wider music industry. Method Man, 54, shared a heartfelt message on social media alongside a photo of the pair, writing, "Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! I am not ok." His words captured the deep personal loss felt within the tight-knit collective.
GZA offered a powerful testament to Grant's foundational role, stating on Instagram, "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 added his own tribute, posting a group photo with the caption, "We been everywhere … now you everywhere. The most high is merciful love you."
The Driving Force Behind a Cultural Dynasty
Credited as the Wu-Tang Clan's executive producer and co-founder of Wu-Tang Productions, Grant was instrumental in shaping both the sound and the business strategy of one of hip-hop's most influential groups. According to CNN, he helped craft a blueprint that emphasized independence, ownership, and cultural impact.
Hip-hop outlet Okayplayer, which reported Grant died on February 23, praised his legacy in an Instagram post: "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 site highlighted his belief in creative control and community empowerment, noting it fostered "not just a group, but a dynasty that changed music forever."
From Staten Island Projects to Global Brand Builder
Born in Jamaica on November 3, 1973, Grant was raised in the Park Hill projects of Staten Island, New York. It was there he connected with future Wu-Tang members including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna. The Guardian reports he earned the nickname "Power" during a chess game, a moniker that would come to define his formidable influence.
From the group's formation in 1992, Grant played a critical financial and creative role. He helped fund their breakout single Protect Ya Neck and served as executive producer for their seminal 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). His vision extended beyond music, as he launched the successful Wu Wear clothing line, building the Wu-Tang brand into a multifaceted empire.
Reflecting on the clothing venture in 2011, Grant told Page Six, "My crew had plenty of skeptics, doubters, and non-believers. It wasn't anything personal … they didn't really understand what I was doing or what I was initially trying to get across." His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by artistic pursuits, with acting roles in films like 1988's Belly alongside Method Man, as well as Black and White (1999) and Coalition (2004).
The death of Oliver "Power" Grant marks the end of an era for hip-hop, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, loyalty, and cultural transformation that continues to resonate worldwide.
