Wu-Tang Clan founding member dead at 52
Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Oliver ‘Power’ Grant has died at the age of 52.
Power helped build the legendary hip-hop group from its inception, having grown up in the Park Hill projects in Staten Island.
Method Man took to Instagram on February 24th to announce his death. “Paradise my Brother,” he wrote. “Safe Travels!! #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok.”
Fellow Wu-Tang members Raekwon and Masta Killa took to the comments to share prayer emojis. Other tributes came from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Buckwild, Big Boi, Cam’ron, 9th Wonder, DJ Scratch, and Posdnuos.
DJ Premier wrote, “Damn Power! Love You Brother. Glad we got to build 1 more time on the farewell tour at MSG. You were still loud! Sleep peacefully and may the universe welcome you with open arms.”
Power was known as a producer, entrepreneur, and fashion mogul, executive producing all of Wu-Tang Clan’s albums. He met RZA through the rapper’s older brother, Divine, and served as the CEO of the Wu Wear clothing line and stores.
He was also an actor, starring alongside Nas and DMX in Hype Williams’ classic 1998 movie, Belly. Additionally, he appeared in Black and White with Robert Downey Jr, Ben Stiller, Jared Leto, Mike Tyson, Michael B Jordan, and fellow Wu-Tang members.
During an interview with Passion of the Weiss in 2011, Power spoke about the importance of branding for Wu-Tang Clan.
“It wasn’t necessarily that we were the first,” he said. “There had been lots of things that had transcended before we came, but we reinvented things. We put our spin on it. We carved a star onto the brand. We were the stars and faces of the brand. We were our own Ronald McDonald’s.”