2026 In Memoriam: Remembering Oliver “Power” Grant, Claudette Colvin & More
2026 is already proving to be a year of significant loss for the entertainment industry and beyond. Among those we’ve said goodbye to is Oliver “Power” Grant, a foundational figure in the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan, and a pioneering entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on hip-hop, fashion, and film.
The Legacy of Oliver “Power” Grant
Grant passed away on , at the age of 52, according to reports. Born in New York City on , Grant grew up in the Park Hill projects of Staten Island, forging lifelong friendships with the future members of the Wu-Tang Clan. His early investment in the group’s vision earned him the moniker “Power,” a testament to his belief in their potential.
More than just a financial backer, Grant served as the executive producer for all Wu-Tang Clan albums, meticulously overseeing their financing, style, and content. His strategic insight was instrumental in elevating the collective from a groundbreaking rap group into a global cultural phenomenon. He understood the importance of ownership, a principle he championed throughout his career.
Grant’s influence extended far beyond music production. In 1995, he founded Wu Wear, widely considered one of the first artist-inspired clothing lines. The brand quickly became synonymous with hip-hop culture, achieving mainstream retail success and demonstrating the power of economic empowerment within the entertainment industry. Wu Wear, under Grant’s guidance, boasted four brick-and-mortar stores and was even sold in Macy’s at its peak. He later rebranded the line as Wu-Tang Brand in 2008, and oversaw its relaunch in 2017 in partnership with Live Nation, solidifying its position as the Wu-Tang Clan’s official merchandise line.
Grant’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him into film and gaming. He showcased his versatility as an actor in movies such as Belly (1998) and Black and White (1999), and served as a producer for the video game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style. His legacy is rooted in innovation and independence, inspiring a generation of entrepreneurs to build and protect their creative enterprises.
The impact of Grant’s work was recently dramatized in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga, where he was portrayed by actor Marcus Callender. The series highlighted his crucial role in the group’s origin story and rise to prominence.
Method Man shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!!,” underscoring the deep personal connection Grant had with the members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Other Notable Losses in Early 2026
Grant is one of several notable figures who have passed away in the early months of 2026, leaving a void in their respective fields.
Demond Wilson
Actor Demond Wilson, best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the classic sitcom Sanford and Son, died on , at the age of 79, following complications related to cancer. Wilson brought warmth and humor to the role of Lamont, the patient son of Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford, and his performance helped to shape a groundbreaking depiction of a Black father-son relationship on television.
Shirley Raines
Shirley Raines, the founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to people experiencing homelessness, passed away on , at the age of 58. Known as “Ms. Shirley,” Raines used social media to raise awareness of the plight of homelessness and advocate for compassion and care, amassing over 5 million TikTok followers. She was recognized as CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2021 for her tireless work.
Claudette Colvin
Claudette Colvin, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus before Rosa Parks, died on , at the age of 86. Her courageous act of defiance, at just 15 years old, helped to spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott and challenge segregation laws.
John Forté
John Forté, a key creative force behind the Fugees’ landmark album The Score, passed away on , at the age of 50. Forté’s contributions to the album, including co-writing and production work on tracks like “We Trying to Stay Alive,” were instrumental to its success. He later released his own solo album, Poly Sci, and continued to work in music and film.
T.K. Carter
Actor T.K. Carter, known for his roles in films like The Thing and Space Jam, and for his work on television shows like Punky Brewster, died on , at the age of 69. Carter enjoyed a five-decade career, bringing both light and depth to his many characters.
These losses serve as a reminder of the profound impact these individuals had on our culture and the importance of celebrating their legacies.