Wu‑Tang Clan founding member Oliver “Power” Grant dies at 52

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Oliver “Power” Grant, a founding force behind the Wu‑Tang Clan’s business empire and the creator of the group’s pioneering Wu Wear clothing line, has died at 52.

He reportedly died from pancreatic cancer.

Death Confirmed by Wu‑Tang Members and Okayplayer

Method Man confirmed Grant’s passing in an emotional Instagram post, writing, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! … Bruh I am not ok.” The Wu‑Tang Clan also posted “Rest in Power, Power” on its official social media accounts.

Okayplayer, which first reported his death, described Grant as a visionary who “helped build a global legacy rooted in independence, ownership, and culture.” The outlet added that his commitment to creative control and community empowerment “helped shape not only a group, but a dynasty that changed music forever.”

Oliver “Power” Grant’s Early Life and Role in Wu‑Tang’s Formation

Grant was born in Jamaica on Nov. 3, 1973, and grew up in Staten Island’s Park Hill Projects. He became part of Wu‑Tang’s inner circle early by

• investing in the group’s future
• helping finance its 1992 debut single “Protect Ya Neck,” per Rolling Stone.  

He later served as executive producer on Enter the Wu‑Tang (36 Chambers) and continued in that role across the group’s catalog.

Wu Wear and Business Legacy

Grant launched Wu Wear in 1995, one of hip‑hop’s first artist‑driven clothing lines. The brand expanded into national retailers and generated more than $25 million annually during Wu‑Tang’s peak years, according to the Showtime documentary Of Mics and Men.

He later relaunched the line with Live Nation Merchandise in 2017.

Oliver “Power” Grant’s Work in Film and Television

Grant appeared in films including Belly and Black and White, and produced the PlayStation game Wu‑Tang: Shaolin Style. He was portrayed by actor Marcus Callender in Hulu’s Wu‑Tang: An American Saga, per Rolling Stone.

Passing Comes During Major Milestone

Wu‑Tang Clan enters the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination cycle as news of Grant’s death breaks.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a strategist, entrepreneur, and cultural architect who helped shape one of hip‑hop’s most influential dynasties.