Wu-Tang Clan founding member Oliver ‘Power’ Grant dies aged 52

Tributes have flooded in

Oliver "Power" Grant, one of the founding members of the legendary hip-hop group, was confirmed dead in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man shared an emotional Instagram post paying tribute to Grant.

It read: “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!!”

This captioned a photo of the two together.

Method Man followed that up with another post, showing a montage of images with Grant.

Grant’s death was also announced on Instagram by the hip-hop music site Okayplayer.

He reportedly died on 23 February, although no cause of death has been announced.

Okayplayer's post read: “A driving force behind one of hip-hop’s most influential movements, Power helped build a global legacy rooted in independence, ownership and culture,” Okayplayer’s 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."

Grant was born on 3 November 1973, growing up in Staten Island alongside fellow Wu-Tang Clan members RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna.

The musician went on to produce all of the “Triumph” group’s records, as well as create the popular Wu Wear clothing line.

Grant also appeared as an actor, starred in “Belly” alongside Method Man in 1998 and “Black and White” the following year.

Tributes flooded in for the late hip-hop star.

One person commented on Instagram: "Wow. Rest in power and legend! Wutang forever. Literally"

Another said: "God bless Power’s ascending soul. Love and compassion to all family and friends."

While another commented: "Rest In Power! Thank you for everything you stood behind on believed in. I always felt like if I was a member of WU I would have been POWER".