Oliver “Power” Grant, a close affiliate and early backer of the hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, has died aged 52. The death was confirmed by the group, who wrote on social media: “Rest in power, Power.” A cause of death has not been revealed.
Tributes have been paid by Wu-Tang members. Method Man wrote on Instagram: “I am not okay. Paradise my brother safe travels!” GZA described the death as “a profound loss”, adding: “Wu wouldn’t have come to fruition without Power.” Raekwon shared a photo, saying: “We been everywhere … now you everywhere.”
Born in Jamaica in 1973 and raised in Staten Island’s Park Hill projects, Grant met the Wu-Tang Clan members over a game of chess, earning the nickname “Power”. He provided funding for their debut single Protect Ya Neck and executive produced their first album, 1993’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
In 1995, Grant launched Wu Wear, the group’s clothing line, serving as CEO. At its peak, the line grossed US$25m annually and was sold in department stores with four retail outlets. In 1999, he produced the PlayStation fighting game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style. Grant also appeared in films including Belly (1998) and Black and White (1999).
