Rest in peace, Popa Wu.
It is with sadness we report the passing longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Popa Wu. The self-styled “Father the Clan,” Popa Wu’s presence was felt across many Wu-Tang Clan releases like Raekwon‘s “North Star,” Wu-Tang Clan’s “The Blessing” and “Wu-Revolution,” and more. Though details surrounding his passing remain scarce, the news broke after GZA shared a tribute to Popa Wu on his Instagram page. The clip finds Popa Wu preaching the Five Percenter philosophy, which he possessed an expert knowledge.
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Method Man also took to Instagram to pay homage, sharing a picture himself and Popa Wu. Young Dirty Bastard shared a video Wu dropping gems, deeming the OG his “Father And Teacher, uncle and brother.” Mathematics, with whom Wu was close, penned a touching eulogy to Popa. “Our history goes back almost 35years, me as a young God and you the older God. I can still hear you loud as hell saying “NOW CIPHER!!,” writes Math. “Then came them Wu-Days, I can go on and on but the reality is I’m gonna miss my Big Brother “Freedum” and he did his job freeing the dumb.”
It’s likely that the Clan will continue to reflect on Wu’s passing throughout the day, and our condolences to all members the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as Popa Wu’s friends, family, and fans. Though he may be gone in the physical form, Wu-Tang is Forever. Rest in peace, Popa Wu.