Introduction: Irish Grinstead, the cherished voice of the ’90s R&B group 702, has passed away at the age of 43. The heart-wrenching news of her passing was conveyed by her twin sister and fellow 702 group member, LeMisha Grinstead, who shared the sorrowful announcement via Instagram. LeMisha paid a touching tribute to her sister, describing her as “beautiful inside and out” and expressing the relief that Irish had found peace after a long battle. She also requested privacy and prayers for their grieving family.

Music and Legacy: Born on June 2, 1980, Irish Grinstead, along with her sisters and Kameelah Williams, formed 702, a group that made waves in the R&B scene. In 1996, they debuted with ‘No Doubt,’ a name inspired by their Las Vegas hometown’s area code. The group gained recognition with their hit single “Steelo,” featuring Missy Elliott, which even became the theme song for Nickelodeon’s Cousin Skeeter. Their self-titled album in 1999 birthed the chart-topping hit “Where My Girls At.”
Legacy and Farewell: Following the release of their final album, “Star,” in 2003, 702 disbanded in 2006, embarking on an 11-year hiatus. Although they took a step back from the spotlight, their music continued to touch hearts through its inclusion in films like “Little Stuart” and “Good Burger.” Over their career, 702 received numerous award nominations, including an American Music Award and BET Award nomination, along with multiple Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. As we mourn the loss of Irish Grinstead, we remember her indelible mark on the ’90s R&B landscape, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of her fans and the music industry.

