Oliver “Power” Grant, a vital figure in the Wu-Tang Clan family and the driving force behind the successful Wu Wear fashion line, has passed away at the age of 52. His death was confirmed through heartfelt tributes on social media from various Wu-Tang members, with Method Man expressing, “Paradise my Brother safe travels!!” alongside a shared photo, while GZA emphatically noted, “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.”
Details surrounding the cause of Grant’s death were not specified in the posts, although several outlets, including Okayplayer and Hot 97, were among the first to report the sad news.
Grant’s connection to the Wu-Tang Clan was rooted in friendship, as he grew up alongside RZA’s older brother. Although not a performing artist within the collective, his contributions were pivotal to the group’s early success. Grant played a key role in securing funding for initial recording sessions and was instrumental in managing the group’s financial dealings. This was particularly significant given the complex web of both group and solo projects that defined Wu-Tang’s expansive reach.
In a 2011 interview with Passion of the Weiss, he reflected on his approach to financial deals, stating, “We knew that if a brother got a deal for 150k, he could keep the majority of it, but it also would facilitate and help the other brothers.” This ethos emphasized shared success and mutual support, contributing to a culture of collaboration within the collective.
Grant set a precedent for independence and creative control during a time when hip-hop was evolving into a significant commercial force in the 1990s. He noted, “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.” His experiences, though not from the spotlight as a rapper, allowed him to influence key projects, most notably during the creation of the iconic track “Protect Ya Neck.”
Additionally, he was the mastermind behind Wu Wear, which became an essential part of ‘90s hip-hop culture and generated tens of millions in revenue. The brand was later revitalized as Wu-Tang Brand and reintroduced in 2017 as Wu Wear. Moreover, Grant made appearances in notable films such as the 1998 cult classic “Belly,” alongside Method Man, and contributed as an executive producer for various Wu-Tang albums.
His legacy within the hip-hop community remains significant, serving as an example of how crucial behind-the-scenes roles are in shaping and supporting artistic movements. Oliver “Power” Grant will be remembered not only for his contributions to Wu-Tang but also for his dedication to fostering an ecosystem where artists could thrive.