Irish Grinstead, a founding member of ’90s girl group 702, has died, according to an Instagram post from her sister and fellow bandmate LeMisha Grinstead on Sept. 16.
“That girl was as bright as the stars!” LeMisha Grinstead wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, although Grinstead’s cause of death was not given, she had stepped away from the group in December 2022 to focus on health issues.
702 is a nod to Las Vegas hometown of the Grinstead sisters and bandmate Kameelah Williams.
The group is best known for their 1996 album No Doubt,
which featured its biggest commercial hit, “Steelo,” featuring Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott. “Steelo” was used for the theme song of the popular Nickelodeon television show Cousin Skeeter.In 1999, the group followed No Doubt up with a self-titled album that contained the hit “Where My Girls At.” In 2006, the group went on an 11-year hiatus, returning in 2021 in the reality show BET Presents: The Encore, which followed them as they attempted to create a supergroup and record an album in 30 days.
Missy Elliott, who produced four tracks including “Steelo” on the group’s 1996 album, shared her condolences both in the comments on LeMisha’s Instagram post and in her own personal Twitter/X post, writing, “Irish May your beautiful soul Rest Peacefully in the arms of the Lord🕊️ A Multitude of prayers for the entire Grinstead family🙏🏾🕊️💔#702.”
Music critic Craig Seymour also posted his condolences: “💔💔💔 Grateful for what Irish Grinstead brought to R&B. 702 was one of my fave groups! 😢”
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