Lord Williams Mourns the Loss of Wu-Tang Clan Founding Figure Oliver “Power” Grant

His words reflect the disbelief many in the hip hop community are feeling. According to Williams, the two had just spoken days earlier, making the loss even more difficult to process.

Grant, a Staten Island native, played a major role behind the scenes during Wu Tang’s rise in the 1990s. While members like Method Man, RZA, and the rest of the Clan became household names, Grant worked on the business side, helping expand the group’s reach far beyond music.

He is widely credited as the mind behind Wu Wear, the clothing brand that brought Wu Tang’s logo and identity into street fashion around the world.

At a time when artist merchandise was still limited to tour shirts and small releases, Wu Wear grew into a full fashion label that connected hip hop and retail in a way that had not been done before.

Wu Tang’s official statement described Grant as someone who helped shape the group’s early days and turn their name into a global cultural presence.

From albums and merchandise to film appearances, his fingerprints were on many of the group’s moves.

Grant also appeared on screen, including in the 1998 crime drama Belly, which starred DMX and Nas.

Grant’s passing comes at a moment when Wu Tang is being celebrated once again, with a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bringing renewed attention to their impact.

As tributes continue to pour in, Lord Williams’ post stands out for its raw honesty. His message was not polished or carefully crafted.

It was simply a reaction from someone who had just spoken to a friend and was now trying to process the news.