NEW YORK CITY — The news of Grant’s passing was broken by Wu-Tang member Method Man, who shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! 💔 Bruh I am not ok,” the rapper wrote, sparking a wave of condolences from across the music and fashion industries. While the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, the impact of Grant’s loss is being felt from the streets of Park Hill to the corporate offices of Manhattan.
The Architect of the Wu-Tang Empire
Unlike the RZA or Ghostface Killah, Oliver Grant didn’t seek the spotlight behind a microphone. Instead, he built the infrastructure that allowed the Clan to dominate the 90s and beyond.
- The Funding: Grant is widely credited as the man who funded the group’s early days, providing the capital necessary to record their seminal debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
- Wu Wear Pioneer: In 1995, long before every artist had a merch line, Grant launched Wu Wear. It became a streetwear juggernaut, generating over $25 million annually at its peak and securing shelf space in major retailers like Macy’s.
- Executive Producer: He served as executive producer for every Wu-Tang Clan album and co-founded Wu-Tang Productions.
- Digital Visionary: He produced the cult classic 1999 PlayStation game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style, further cementing the group’s influence on pop culture.
Hollywood and Cultural Impact
Beyond music and fashion, Grant was a recognizable face in cinema, notably playing “Knowledge” in the 1998 Hype Williams film Belly and “Rich Bauer” in Black & White. His ability to navigate the worlds of high fashion, cinema, and gritty hip-hop made him a unique figure in New York’s cultural history.
Tributes from Fans and Peers
Social media has been flooded with messages honoring his legacy:
“Without him, we don’t get 36 Chambers or anything after. He was the financier of rap’s greatest empire,” wrote one fan on X.
“Met him on the set of ‘Thought It Was A Drought’… he brought us some crazy Wu-Wear leather jackets. A legend,” another shared.
Oliver ‘Power’ Grant: A Legacy of Innovation
| Venture | Role / Achievement |
| Wu-Tang Clan | Co-Founder & Financier |
| Wu Wear | Founder; Pioneered artist-led streetwear |
| Film | Acted in Belly (1998) and Black & White (1999) |
| Gaming | Executive Producer of Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style |
| Peak Revenue | Wu Wear generated $25M+ annuallyVenture Role / Achievement Wu-Tang Clan Co-Founder & Financier Wu Wear Founder; Pioneered artist-led streetwear Film Acted in Belly (1998) and Black & White (1999) Gaming Executive Producer of Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style Peak Revenue Wu Wear generated $25M+ annually |