Irish Grinstead, the talented songstress who was part of the iconic 702 girl group renowned for their global hit Where My Girls At died on Saturday, 16 September 2023. She was 43.
Irish Grinstead dies: What’s the cause of death?
Grinstead’s death was announced by her elder sister and group member LeMisha on Instagram.
“It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening,” she wrote.
While a cause of death was not revealed, LeMisha hinted that her sister suffered “a long battle.”
“…she is finally at peace. That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also within. Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life! We, the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family,” Lemisha added.
Irish Grinstead obituary
Born on 2 June 1980, in Houston, Texas, Irish and her identical twin sister, Orish, along with their older sister, LeMisha, embarked on a remarkable journey in the music industry.
Together, they formed the core of 702, a group that would leave an indelible mark on the world of R&B.
702, aptly named after their hometown’s area code in Las Vegas, Nevada, initially emerged as a quartet. Irish and Orish, along with LeMisha, dazzled audiences with their harmonious voices, while Amelia Childs joined them as featured artists on Subway’s hit single, This Lil’ Game We Play.
However, changes within the group’s lineup led to the final and most recognised trio, consisting of Irish, LeMisha, and Kameelah Williams.
Their debut single, Steelo, achieved tremendous success and was a prelude to their first album, No Doubt, released in 1996. The album, featuring chart-topping hits like Steelo, All I Want, and Get It Together, soared to the number one spot on Top Heatseekers.
Missy Elliott, a notable collaborator, co-wrote and produced several songs on the album, solidifying 702’s place in the R&B scene. The album’s success earned them a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award in 1997.
In 1999, 702’s fame reached new heights with the release of their self-titled second album, 702. The album’s lead single, Where My Girls At? written and produced by Missy Elliott, climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, garnering nominations and acclaim.
The group’s contribution to the music world extended beyond their albums; they sang the national anthem for the WNBA season opener and joined Brandy’s Never Say Never tour.
Following their second album’s release, 702 faced a hiatus, during which Kameelah Williams ventured into a solo career under the mentorship of Faith Evans.
The Grinstead sisters, Irish and LeMisha, along with Cree Le’More (formerly Cree La’More), recorded Pootie Tangin, the lead single for the movie Pootie Tang.
Despite not topping the charts, their work earned them a 2002 Soul Train Lady of Soul Award nomination.
In 2003, 702 made a triumphant return with their third album, Star, which featured collaborations with notable artists and producers.
While Star and I Still Love You didn’t reach the Billboard Hot 100, they made their mark on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
The group received two Soul Train Lady of Soul Award nominations in 2003.
Reactions to Grinstead’s death
Irish Grinstead’s dedication to music was unwavering, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and within the rhythm of 702’s timeless songs.
She was more than a vocalist; she was a part of the soundtrack of an era. Irish, along with her sisters, brought joy and inspiration to countless lives through their music.
Here are some of the reactions we picked from social media:
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RIP Irish Grinstead. Very sad news. 702 forever. 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/NVK4fLMHFo
— Jermaine (@JermaineWatkins) September 17, 2023
– RIP IRISH GRINSTEAD! 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/UPozbu0c2r
— Rob Milton (@therobmilton) September 17, 2023
Irish Grinstead #RIP 🫶🏽✨ pic.twitter.com/ew8oWugYVo
— Carlos (@carlosjharris) September 17, 2023
702 Get It Together will always be my shit RIP Irish Grinstead pic.twitter.com/7yiNPvoUWo
— Pink Friday 2 (@KenChunRih) September 17, 2023
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Irish Grinstead. #702 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/G7KnCvKJef
— I AM The Visuals Baby! (@PHocal_Point2) September 17, 2023