Irish Grinstead, Singer In R&B Group 702, Dead at 43
Irish Grinstead, a member of the R&B girl group 702 best known for the 1999 hit “Where My Girls At?,” has died at the age of 43.
Irish’s sister and fellow group member Lemisha Grinstead shared the heartbreaking news 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,” Lemisha wrote.
“She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace. That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also within.”
She concluded, “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. Love always, Misha.”
While no cause of death was provided, Irish had been battling “serious medical issues” since at least December 2022, when the group announced that she would take a leave of absence from 702.
The Houston-born, Las Vegas-raised Grinstead sisters named their girl group after Sin City’s area code, 702. The trio — Irish and Lamisha Grinstead along with Kameelah Williams — released their debut album No Doubt in 1996, with the album featuring early songwriting credits (and a guest appearance) by Missy Elliott on their debut single “Steelo.” The album also included their hit single, “Get it Together.”
A self-titled second album debuted in 1999 and with it the trio’s best-known song “Where My Girls At?”, which Missy Elliott co-wrote, peaked at Number Four on the Hot 100. 702 released one more album — 2003’s Star, boasting production from the Neptunes and featuring appearances by Clipse and Pharrell Williams — before the trio disbanded in the mid-2000s.
Kameelah expressed her sadness for the passing of her fellow group member on Instagram.
“Devastated & heartbroken 💔 I struggled with this post because to me this isn’t real.” ❤️🩹, she wrote. “There’s a lot I want to say, but there’s no way to say what your heart hasn’t fully accepted. It’s hard to acknowledge this is even happening.”
She continued, “I know you’re feeling better now and hugging your twin Orish which makes me smile 🥹 cus I know how much you missed her.”
“You & I have known each other since we were kids and we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and everything in between which is why I just don’t want to believe this.”
She concluded, “You’ll always be my “IBG” & I still love you my forever lil sis!!! Rest easy #Irish 🕊️ 🍀 🤍 😇 #7 #Dimples #IBG #702“
In April 2008, Irish’s twin sister Orish — who provided background vocals for 702 — died from kidney failure amid a battle with cancer at the age of 27.
Orish was a singer and part of the original lineup of 702, along with her sisters Irish and Lemisha Grinstead and Amelia Childs.
While she left the group even before they made their official debut, she was part of the production of their first album.
She would also occasionally fill in for the other members when they were absent, including the time when Lemisha was pregnant with her son.
Before disbanding in 2006, the group had been nominated for an American Music Award, a BET Award, and several Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.
They won Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year — Group, Band or Duo for “No Doubt.”
Missy shared her condolences on Twitter after learning about the passing of Irish stating, “Irish May your beautiful soul Rest Peacefully in the arms of the Lord. A Multitude of prayers for the entire Grinstead family. #702”
Sending love and hugs to the Grinstead family and 702. R.I.P. Irish.
