Wu-Tang Clan has suffered a major loss. According to several social media posts from Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, GZA and Young Dirty Bastard, the group’s mentor Popa Wu has passed away.
On Monday (December 16), The Chef shared a photo his longtime friend to his Instagram page with the caption, “Can’t believe your gone!!! This hurts. #PAPAWU #restinpeacegreatone.”
Meanwhile, Ghostface Killah shared an Instagram photo himself with Popa Wu and the caption, “REST IN PARADISE MY BROTHER @popawu7 FOREVER TELL DIRT WE LOVE AND MISS HIM .. ALL PRAISES DO TO THE MOST HIGH #poppawuforever #wutangforever #ghostfacemusic #ghostfacekillahs #theodoreunit #wutang #wutangclan.”
GZA and U-God echoed those sentiments with individual Instagram posts their own.
“R.I.P. Popa Wu,” GZA wrote, while U-God said, “RIP to the one and only PAPA WU my sincerest condolences go out to the entire family.” He included a link to Ghostface Killah’s “Black Jesus,” which features Popa Wu, U-God and Rae.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son YDB commemorated Popa Wu in an Instagram video as well, stating “a powerful brother — by the name Popa Wu — traveled home back to the essence.” He also talked about the important role Popa Wu played in his life.
“Your name will live through all the babies,” he says. “I got a lot emotions right now so it’s hard to speak but Popa Wu is a lot to me. Peace king.”
Popa Wu is the father Wu-fshoots ShaCronz and Free Murda. He’s also an expert on the philosophy the Five Percent Nation and can be heard giving teachings on numerous Wu-Tang members’ tracks, including Raekwon’s “North Star” and Ghostface Killah’s “All That I Got Is You.”
He released two compilation albums featuring contributions from several Wu-affiliated artists: 2000’s Visions Of The 10th Chamber and 2008’s Visions Of The 10th Chamber II.
HipHopDX sends our condolences to Popa Wu’s family.