Oliver ‘Power’ Grant, co-founder of American hip-hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan, has died at age 52.
The news was confirmed on Wu-Tang’s Instagram account on Wednesday night. In the post, which can be found below, the group wrote: ‘Rest in Power, Power” along with a photo of Grant. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Elsewhere on social media, other members have posted personal tributes. GZA wrote, ‘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.’
Method Man wrote, ‘Paradise my brother safe travels!’ As well as sharing, ‘I am not ok.’
Raekwon said, ‘POWER we been everywhere …. now you everywhere’ and added, ‘the most high is merciful love you.’
And Ghostface Killah shared many broken heart emojis with an image of a ‘Power’ logo resembling an angel.
Grant was born in Jamaica in 1973 and grew up in the Park Hill Projects in Staten Island along with the other members of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was given the nickname ‘Power’ amid a game of chess. Childhood friend of RZA’s older brother, Divine, Grant was among the first to sizably invest in the group. He garnered enough funds for the group to record their first single, ‘Protect Ya Neck.’ He went on to executive produce their debut album, ‘Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ in 1993.
Further supporting the group, he oversaw the launch of Wu-Wear, the group’s clothing line, in 1995. The Culture Crypt called Wu-Wear ‘amongst the first generation of brands to position rappers as brand leaders—opposed to ambassadors.’ In 2011, Grant told Complex the inspiration to start the brand ‘came from trying to figure out a way to diversify what we was doing, based on the fact that you know, I wasn’t a rapper or a producer or anything like that.’ Initially, Wu-Wear was sent out to fans by mail order. But after achieving success, the brand was stocked in large US department stores like Macy’s and Rich’s (now defunct), as well as sportswear store, d.e.m.o. This resulted in an incredible increase in visibility and cultural awareness for the Wu-Tang Clan. In 2008, Wu-Wear was discontinued and renamed to the Wu-Tang Brand, due to widespread instances of counterfeiting.
Grant is also remembered for his film roles. His first role was in US crime drama, Belly, in 1998. He then went on to act alongside Ben Stiller and Robert Downy, Jr. in Black and White in 1998, a drama set in the world of hip-hop.
The news of Grant’s passing follows the announcement of Wu-Tang’s nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Though Grant, not a performing member of the group, was not on listed on the Hall’s nominee roster.
Grant’s contributions to the group’s success were significant. His passing is felt by fans, who continue to outpour condolences across the group’s and individual members’ posts.
