Music News

Popa Wu, a mentor to the Wu-Tang Clan, has passed away, according to Okayplayer. It’s currently unclear how Popa Wu passed away or exactly when.

He was 63-years-old and Wu-Tang Clan members, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God as well as Jimmy Kang, vice-president of Wu-Tang Management have taken to social media to express their condolences.

Pete Rock and DJ Premier have also commented on Popa Wu’s passing, among others.

Popa Wu and Nas

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Popa Wu and NAS attend Tribeca TV: Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics And Men – 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at Beacon Theatre on April 25, 2019 in New York City.

“R.I.P. Papa Wu to one of the greatest inspiring person that has embraced me in the family and taught me the knowledge. Heaven awaits you,” Kang wrote on Twitter.

“RIP to the one and only PAPA WU. Our sincerest condolences go out to the entire family,” U-God tweeted.

Popa Wu

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: Popa Wu attends Tribeca TV: Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics And Men at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at Beacon Theatre on April 25, 2019 in New York City.

Popa Wu appeared on various Wu-Tang Clan songs. However, he was more of a spiritual guide than a rapper.

Raekwon’s “North Star” was the first track that Popa Wu appeared on from Raekwon’s debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.

Wu-Tang Clan

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: The Wu-Tang Clan performs live during Tribeca TV: Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics And Men at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at Beacon Theatre on April 25, 2019 in New York City.

Popa Wu made additional appearances on songs, via spoken-word. He also appeared on Ghostface Killah’s “Black Jesus” and “All That I Got Is You” from Killah’s debut album Ironman.

Check out what artists and others have said on social media regarding Popa Wu below.

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

26k Likes, 1,176 Comments - Tony Starks - Wu Tang - (@realghostfacekillah) on Instagram: "REST IN PARADISE MY BROTHER @popawu7 FOREVER TELL DIRT WE LOVE AND MISS HIM .. ALL PRAISES DO TO..."

Can't believe your gone !!!!!!???? this hurts. #PAPAWU #restinpeacegreatone

28.2k Likes, 2,014 Comments - Raekwon The Chef (@raekwon) on Instagram: "Can't believe your gone !!!!!!???? this hurts. #PAPAWU #restinpeacegreatone"

R.I.P. Popa Wu.

5,166 Likes, 289 Comments - GZA (@therealgza) on Instagram: "R.I.P. Popa Wu."

Papa Wu ???????? Damn say it aint so man Wow ???? ???? ???? the angels got you ????????????smh ????????‍♂️

3,791 Likes, 117 Comments - @realpeterock on Instagram: "Papa Wu ???????? Damn say it aint so man Wow ???? ???? ???? the angels got you ????????????smh ????????‍♂️"

Travel Forever Popa Wu #popawu #god #king #wutang #babies #children #teacher #school #consciousness #lovequotes #training

1,228 Likes, 105 Comments - @youngdirtybastardofficial on Instagram: "Travel Forever Popa Wu #popawu #god #king #wutang #babies #children #teacher #school..."

Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter @GlennishaMorgan.