Oliver ‘Power’ Grant, Wu-Tang Clan co-founder, dies aged 52
Oliver ‘Power’ Grant, the Wu-Tang Clan co-founder who executive produced all of the seminal hip-hop collective’s albums, has died aged 52.
The news was confirmed through a post on Wu-Tang Clan’s Instagram page which read, “Rest in Power, Power”.
A childhood friend of Wu-Tang’s RZA, Grant played a central role in the formation of the collective, and was also the founder and CEO of the Wu-Wear clothing line and stores.
Born in 1973 in Jamaica, Grant was raised in Park Hill, a New York housing project where he first met members of Wu-Tang Clan. According to reports, it’s at this point the crew gave him the nickname Power during a game of chess.
In 1992, Grant played an integral role in the production of Wu Tang Clan’s debut single, ‘Protect Ya Neck’, securing the funds necessary to record and release the landmark track. A year later, he was credited as executive producer on the group’s first LP, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’.
“I think I came with most of the money,” Grant said in a 2011 interview with Passion of Weiss. “Everything that we learned was hard knock life, you figure it out as you go along, and take cues from those that are actively doing things.
“We were so hot and on fire throughout those first years that phones rung off the hook for anything Wu-related. Wu was so fresh and so new, the money that I was earning from the record business, I was spending actively just trying to get a start in business.”
Soon after this, Grant took a lead on the development of clothing line Wu-Wear, securing deals with major retailers including Macy’s and enshrining the troupe in wider popular culture. At its peak, the brand — which Grant described as “subliminal” — grossed $25 million annually.
Hulu’s Emmy-nominated series, ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga‘, featured Grant as a major character in the story. When the show finished in 2023, Marcus Callender, who was cast in his role, said Power “never gave me a pointer… All he told me was stories.”
Multiple figures in the Staten Island, New York rap group have been paying tribute to their friend and ally online, citing his support and influence as fundamental to their success.
In an Insta post, Method Man said, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels… Bruh I am not ok.”
Raekwon commented, “POWER we been everywhere …. now you everywhere… the most high is merciful love you.”
GZA’s post read, “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.”
Hip-hop icon and Gang Starr member DJ Premier said: “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.”
Other figures from the scene, including Charli 2NA, Big Boi, and Jazzy Jeff also paid their respects.
