Wu-Tang Clan founding member Oliver 'Power' Grant dies aged 52 as tribute pour in for star
Oliver ‘Power’ Grant, a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, has died at the age of 52.
Grant’s death was confirmed by the group, who posted a tribute to him on social media. Sharing an image of Grant on the Wu-Tang Clan’s official Instagram page, the band said in the caption: “Rest in Power, Power.”
A cause of death for Grant has not yet been confirmed.
Grant was born in Jamaica in 1973 and grew up in the Park Hill Projects in Staten Island, where he shared his childhood alongside many of his Wu-Tang Clan members. While not a performing member of the collective, Grant served as executive producer for the group’s recordings and album.
He also moved into the fashion industry in 1995, when he launched Wu-Wear. The clothing brand is believed to be one of the first artist-inspired lines with Grant selling items with the Wu Tang-Clan’s logo on it.
Wu Wear became a massive success, with it bringing in a reported $25m in revenue for the group at their peak.
Tributes have poured in for Grant. Method Man, who is also a member of the group, said: “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!!”
GZA said: “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.”
Raekwon added: “POWER we been everywhere …. now you everywhere! The most high is merciful love you.”