The family of Wu-Tang Clan producer and Wu Wear clothing line CEO Oliver “Power” Grant died from pancreatic cancer.
The band confirmed his cause of death on a social media post that also said he was 55 years old, which is three years older than the age widely reported when he passed away last week.
“Born November 24, 1970 in Staten Island, New York, the man the world knews as ‘Power’ — and his oldest friends knew as ‘Pookie’ — was a proud product of the Park Hill neighborhood,” the band posted on Instagram.
It’s also widely been reported that Grant was born in Jamaica, but raised in Staten Island.
His battle with cancer was described as “courageous and hard-fought.”
The Wu-Tang Clan said a wake for Grant will take place on March 13. A funeral is being planned for the following day. The band said those services will take place in the New York City area at locations to be named at a later time.
“The Grant and Wu-Tang families are profoundly thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from around the world,” their statement said.
The Mayo Clinic reports that pancreatic cancer is rarely found in its early stages when it’s most likely to be treated effectively. It’s often discovered after its metastasized to other organs.
It’s not clear when Grant’s illness was diagnosed. He was remembered by his bandmates as essential to all that the Wu-Tang Clan accomplished as they wind down their farewell tour.
“We couldn’t have done it without him,” rapper GZA said in a farewell message.
