Wu-Tang clan founding member Oliver “Power” Grant de@d at 52

Oliver Power Grant, a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan, has d!ed. He was 52. Fellow Wu-Tang member Method Man confirmed Grants devastating passing in a touching Instagram post on Tuesday. Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! Method Man, 54, wrote alongside a photo of the pair. Grants death was also announced on Instagram by the hip-hop music site Okayplayer. He reportedly died on Feb. 23, although no cause of death has been announced. A driving force behind one of hip-hops most influential movements, Power helped build a global legacy rooted in independence, ownership and culture, Okayplayers post began. His belief in creative control and community empowerment helped shape not only a group, but a dynasty that changed music forever. His impact will live on through the culture he helped elevate and the countless lives he inspired, the site added. Born in Jamaica on Nov. 3, 1973, Grant later moved to New York City and grew up in Staten Island alongside key Wu-Tang members RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna. The late hip-hop associate went on to executive produce all of the storied rap crews records, as well as create the popular Wu Wear clothing line. My crew had plenty of skeptics, doubters, and non-believers, Grant said in 2011 of the clothing line and how it helped solidify the Wu-Tang brand. It wasnt anything personal, but Id say that everyone is an individual and they didnt really understand what I was doing or what I was initially trying to get across, or where I was coming from, he added at the time. Beyond his work with Wu-Tang from the groups formation in 1992 until his death, Grant was also an actor who starred in Belly alongside Method Man in 1998 and Black and White the following year. Other Wu-Tang members, including RZA, GZA, and Raekwon, also paid tribute to their late producer. We couldnt have done it without him, GZA, 59, wrote on Instagram Tuesday alongside four photos of Grant. Wu wouldnt have come to fruition without Power. His passing is a profound loss to us all. My deepest condolences to the fam.The post Wu-Tang clan founding member Oliver Power Grant de@d at 52 appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.