Irish Grinstead, a member of the R&B girl group 702, best known for their 1999 hit, “Where My Girls At?,” died on September 16, 2023, at the age of 43. The cause of death was not disclosed, but the group had announced in December 2022 that Grinstead was taking a “medical leave of absence due to serious medical issues.”
Grinstead was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with her identical twin sister, Orish, and their older sister, LeMisha. The three sisters began singing together at a young age, and in 1996, they formed the group 702, named after their hometown area code.
702 quickly gained attention for their smooth harmonies and catchy melodies. In 1998, they released their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit singles “Stepmom” and “Get It.” The album was a commercial success, selling over a million copies and earning the group a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
In 1999, 702 released their second album, “No Doubt,” which included their biggest hit to date, “Where My Girls At?” The song was a global smash, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming the group’s signature song.
702 continued to release successful albums throughout the early 2000s, including “Star” (2001) and “702” (2003). They also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Ludacris.
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In 2006, 702 disbanded, but they reunited in 2017 and began performing again. In 2023, they were working on new music when Grinstead’s illness forced them to put their plans on hold.
Grinstead’s death was a shock to the music industry and her many fans after her sister LeMeisha posted about the signer’s passing.
Celebrities and fellow musicians took to social media to express their grief and condolences.
“Irish May your beautiful soul Rest Peacefully in the arms of the Lord,” wrote Missy Elliott on Twitter. “A Multitude of prayers for the entire Grinstead family.”
“I am saying a prayer over Irish’s family & friends Kameelah, and all fans of 702, who loved them dearly and supported every record!,” wrote Kelly Rowland on Instagram. “Rest in Peace Irish!”
“Oh noooooooo I didn’t even know she was sick” wrote one fan on Twitter. “What in the world ?.”
“This so sad. First her twin now her ?” wrote another Twitter user. “Her twin died of kidney failure. I wonder if that’s what happened to her also.”
Grinstead was a talented singer and songwriter, but she was also known for her kindness and compassion. Irish . Her death is a tragic loss for the music world, but her legacy will live on through her music.