Wu-Tang Clan co-founder Oliver "Power" Grant dies aged 52

American entrepreneur and film producer Oliver "Power" Grant has passed away at the age of 52.

His death was confirmed by the Wu-Tang Clan.

Born in 1973 in Jamaica, the close affiliate and early backer of the Wu-Tang Clan was raised in Staten Island, New York, in the Park Hill projects. There, he met the members of the hip-hop collective, who then gave him the nickname "Power" over a game of chess.

As the group's backer, Grant gathered funds for them to produce their debut single, ‘Protect Ya Neck’. He was also the executive producer of their first album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

In 1995, Grant oversaw the launch of  Wu-Tang Clan's clothing line, Wu Wear. With him as CEO, the line was carried in department stores and opened its own retail stores across the US, grossing, at its peak, around $25m annually.

Four years later, he produced the fighting style PlayStation video game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style.

Away from music and fashion, Grant featured in Hype Williams' 1998 crime drama Belly, the 1999 drama Black and White alongside Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr, as well as the 2004 mob drama Coalition. 

Multiple members of the Wu-Tang Clan have taken to social media to pay tribute to Grant. Raekwon shared a picture of the group with Grant, saying: "We been everywhere... now you everywhere. The most high is merciful love you."

The oldest member of the hip-hop collective GZA also paid respect to the entrepreneur, sharing images of him from throughout the years.

"We couldn't have done it without him," wrote GZA. "Wu wouldn't have come to fruition without Power. His passion is a profound loss to us all. My deepest condolences to the fam."

 

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