The hip-hop world is paralyzed by a shattering loss. Oliver “Power” Grant — the silent, behind-the-scenes “10th member” and financial backbone of the Wu-Tang Clan — has suddenly passed away at the age of 52. The news, confirmed by family and close associates late last night, has left icons like RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, GZA, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna in total despair. For many, Power wasn’t just a business partner — he was the General who turned a Staten Island street collective into a global empire.

Power was never the face of Wu-Tang. He didn’t spit bars or appear in videos. But he was the architect. When the Clan was broke in the early 90s, it was Power who put up his own money for studio time, pressing the first copies of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and later launching Wu Wear — the clothing line that became a multi-million-dollar dynasty and one of the first successful artist-branded apparel ventures in hip-hop history. “He funded the dream when no one else would,” RZA said in a brief tribute posted on Instagram. “He saw the vision before we even had the words for it.”

Details surrounding his death remain limited. Sources close to the family say Power had been privately battling health issues for several years, but the suddenness of his passing has left the Clan and fans reeling. Method Man posted a black-and-white photo of Power from the early days with the caption: “The General is gone. The war continues. Rest in power, brother.” Ghostface Killah shared: “You built this s*** from nothing. We love you forever.” The group’s official account posted a single black square with the words: “Power Forever.”

The timing is especially painful. Wu-Tang Clan is widely expected to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 — a milestone Power helped make possible through his business acumen and unwavering belief in the collective. “He won’t be there to see it,” one longtime collaborator told Complex. “That hurts the most.”