Method Man has broken his silence on the loss of Wu-Tang Clan executive producer Oliver “Ball” Grant, who died this week at the age of 52.
After the group’s official Instagram account confirmed Grant’s death, the hip-hop legend posted an emotional tribute on social media. Method Man wrote “Safe travels to heaven my brother! #pookie #power” before adding “Bruh I’m not okay.”
Grant served as a founding member and executive producer of every Wu-Tang Clan album while building a business empire outside of their music.
The visionary created the Wu Wear clothing line and helped transform the band from Staten Island rappers to a global brand.
Raekwon wrote: “Strength, we are everywhere… now you are everywhere! The Supreme Being Mercy loves you.” GZA emphasized Grant’s important role, saying: “We could not have done this without him. Without Ball, Wu would not have achieved results.”
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The YouTube tribute video explains how Grant “helped shape the Wu-Tang Era in ways most fans never notice” and details his behind-the-scenes contributions to hip-hop culture.
Grant starred alongside his Wu-Tang Clan colleagues in films such as Belly (1998) and Black and White (1999).
Grant opened up about his business philosophy in a 2011 interview with Complex, explaining his approach to diversifying Wu-Tang’s products.
“Originally, when we started making music, my interest was just in trying to find a way to diversify what we were doing,” Grant said.
He described the creative control he had over Wu Wear, saying: “This is who I am. I have a group of people who work with me to help me realize and do what I want to do.”
The executive producer emphasized that his vision came from getting to know the team personally before they entered into a commercial partnership.
“At the end of the day, it’s just something I make for us to show people,” Grant explained.
Wu-Tang Clan nominated for 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
