Oliver “Power” Grant, a foundational figure behind the legendary hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, has died at age 52 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family and the group confirmed in a joint statement. Grant passed away on February 23, 2026, and the cause of death was publicly revealed in late February as he bravely fought the disease surrounded by loved ones.
Although not a performing emcee, Grant was instrumental in shaping the Wu-Tang legacy from its earliest days. A childhood friend of RZA’s family, he helped bankroll the group’s early projects, including their breakthrough debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and served as executive producer on all of the group’s albums throughout their storied career.
Grant’s influence extended well beyond music. He founded and led the Wu Wear clothing line, one of the first artist-driven fashion brands to achieve mainstream retail success, helping establish hip-hop culture as a commercial force in fashion. He also dabbled in film and gaming, with acting roles in movies like Belly and Black and White and producing the Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style video game.
In tribute posts across social media, Wu-Tang Clan members including Method Man, Raekwon, and GZA honored Grant’s vision, dedication, and impact. They described him as a “visionary force” and acknowledged that Wu-Tang’s rise from Staten Island’s Park Hill projects to global cultural prominence wouldn’t have been possible without his behind-the-scenes leadership.
Grant’s passing arrives as the group is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the first time in 2026, underscoring the enduring legacy of the collective he helped build.