Irish Grinstead, a beloved member of the girl group 702, famous for their hit songs like “Where My Girls At,” has passed away at the age of 43, as announced by her sister and group member, Lemisha Grinstead, on Instagram. The news has left fans and the music industry in mourning for the loss of a talented artist.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Lemisha expressed her deep sadness and shared that Irish had been battling serious medical issues for a while. She described her sister as a beautiful person both inside and out, shining as bright as the stars. Lemisha cherished their time together on stage and asked for prayers and respect for their grieving family during this difficult time.
Irish’s cause of death has not been disclosed, but her struggle with health concerns was made known when the group announced her medical leave of absence in December. The news devastated fans who had been eagerly awaiting their return to the music scene.
702, comprised of the Grinstead sisters and Kameelah Williams, derived their name from the area code of their hometown, Las Vegas. They burst onto the music scene in 1996 with their debut album, “No Doubt,” featuring popular singles like “Steelo.” The album gained further recognition when their song was chosen as the theme song for Nickelodeon’s TV series, “Cousin Skeeter.”
Three years later, they released their second album, self-titled “702,” which included their iconic hit song, “Where My Girls At.” The powerful anthem resonated with women everywhere and became a symbol of female empowerment.
During their career, the group faced some lineup changes. With Williams temporarily replaced by Cree La’More, they released the single “Pootie Tangin'” for the soundtrack of the Chris Rock film, “Pootie Tang.” However, Williams returned shortly after, and the group continued to create music together.
They released another album, “Star,” which featured the single “I Still Love You.” The album showcased their growth and versatility as artists. Despite their success, the group decided to take an 11-year hiatus in 2006, leaving fans longing for their return.
In 2021, the Grinstead sisters participated in the reality series, “BET Presents: The Encore.” The show followed nine former girl-group members as they joined forces to create a supergroup and produce an album within a month. Their appearance on the show reminded fans of their undeniable talent and left them hopeful for the group’s future endeavors.
Throughout their career, 702 received recognition for their exceptional music. They were nominated for an American Music Award, a BET Award, and multiple Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. Their album “No Doubt” won the prestigious award for best R&B/soul album of the year by a group, band, or duo, cementing their place in music history.
Irish Grinstead’s passing is a devastating loss for her family, friends, and fans. Her talent and contributions to 702 will forever be remembered and cherished in the hearts of those who loved her music. As the music industry mourns the loss of a talented artist, let us honor Irish’s memory by celebrating the joy and inspiration she brought through her music. May she rest in peace.
