Wu Tang Clan Co-Founder Oliver “Power” Grant Dead at 52 as Members and Peers Pay Tribute
Oliver “Power” Grant, a co-founder of the Wu Tang Clan and the entrepreneur behind the group’s early fashion arm, has died at 52. The loss has prompted an outpouring of tributes from group members and longtime collaborators, underscoring Grant’s influential role in shaping the collective’s business approach and cultural reach.
Wu Tang Clan members and peers remember Power
Following news of his passing, multiple core members of the Wu Tang Clan and longtime friends shared messages of grief and remembrance. Method Man expressed deep sorrow in a brief message that called Grant “my brother” and indicated he was struggling with the loss. RZA marked the moment with a simple black image accompanied by a reference to the No. 5, and other members offered their own reflections: Masta Killa sent love and blessings to Grant’s family, while Raekwon reflected on the pair’s shared travels and offered a message of spiritual consolation.
Beyond the group’s inner circle, peers in the wider hip-hop community affirmed Grant’s influence. DJ Premier described him as a pioneer for the culture, noting how Grant helped certify a global movement. Several longtime associates and friends also recalled touring memories and the personal bonds that developed during the group’s rise.
Power’s business vision and the expansion of Wu Wear
Power was widely credited with helping shape the Wu Tang Clan’s early business decisions and with building Wu Wear into a visible expression of the group’s identity. He led the expansion into fashion, framing the label as the group’s entry into the fashion business and applying lessons learned from the challenges of launching records and projects in the group’s early days.
Grant’s footprint extended beyond clothing. He had on-screen presence in a feature film from 1998, appearing under the name Knowledge alongside fellow members. He also described working on the first Wu records in collaboration with RZA, saying those early efforts were forged through trial, error, and hands-on learning.
What is known — and what remains unanswered
At present, the cause of Grant’s death has not been revealed. Coverage of the response highlights both the emotional immediacy of the tributes and the practical legacy he leaves: the business structures, aesthetic identity, and personal networks that helped turn the collective into a global phenomenon. Longtime industry figures who worked with Grant recalled the strength of his handshake and his presence on the road, gestures that speak to the combination of personal charisma and operational drive that defined his role.
Recent reflections emphasize that Power’s contributions were both managerial and cultural. He helped translate the group’s music into a broader brand and commercial presence, and friends remember him as someone who looked out for fellow artists while navigating the opportunities of touring and merchandising.
Looking ahead
The immediate aftermath is focused on memorials, private grieving, and public tributes from artists and peers. Coverage will likely continue to trace Grant’s legacy across fashion, music, and the business strategies that supported the Wu Tang Clan’s rise. Details about the circumstances of his death may emerge over time; for now, the community is centering remembrance and recognition of a figure described by many as pivotal to a dynasty that changed music.
