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Irish Grinstead didn’t chase fame. But her voice, her spirit, and her story found their way into the hearts of millions. As a member of the R&B group 702, she helped define the sound of a generation. Yet her life held more than music—there were high notes and heartbreak, celebration and silence.
She died at 43. But her legacy is still playing.
Early Life and The Birth of 702
Irish Grinstead was born on June 2, 1980, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alongside her identical twin sister, Orish, and older sister, LeMisha, she grew up surrounded by music and a strong sense of ambition. Las Vegas wasn’t known for R&B stars. That would change.
The Grinstead sisters formed a girl group while attending Las Vegas Academy. They were eventually joined by Kameelah Williams and named the group 702, a nod to their city’s area code. From the start, their chemistry was undeniable. Their harmonies blended effortlessly. Their look, sound, and confidence stood out.
Soon, Motown Records took notice.
Success with a Soundtrack of the Late ’90s
702 debuted with their album No Doubt in 1996. It included hits like Steelo (which featured Missy Elliott) and Get It Together. The songs played on loop across radio stations. However, it was their 1999 smash hit, “Where My Girls At?“, that made them stars. The single peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Suddenly, 702 was everywhere—TRL, Soul Train, and award show stages.
Iris wasn’t always front and center, but she never faded. Her voice added depth. Her presence balanced the group. And her connection with her sisters made the dynamic more than professional—it was personal.
They released their self-titled album 702 in 1999 and Star in 2003. Through every era, the Irish remained the steady, soulful core.
Personal Loss and Private Pain
In 2008, tragedy struck. Irish’s twin sister Orish passed away at just 27. She had reportedly battled kidney failure and other health complications. Losing a twin is like losing part of yourself. Irish kept going, but those who knew her said the grief never left.
Still, she pressed forward. With LeMisha and Kameelah, she carried 702’s name. They didn’t release new albums, but they continued to tour. They celebrated what they built. And they remembered the one they lost.
Reunion and Reality TV Resurgence
In 2017, 702 reunited for the Soul Train Music Awards. Their set was short, but it was electric. It reignited interest in the group and brought Irish back into the public eye.
Then came BET Presents: The Encore in 2021. The show brought together members of various ’90s girl groups to form a new supergroup. Although Irish wasn’t featured, the renewed buzz put 702’s music back into playlists and conversations.
She continued to perform with 702 through 2022. But behind the scenes, something wasn’t right.
Illness and Final Years
In December 2022, 702 announced that Irish was taking a leave of absence. They cited serious health issues. No other details were shared. Fans hoped for recovery. The group asked for privacy, and Irish remained largely out of the spotlight.
Sadly, on September 16, 2023, Irish Grinstead passed away. Her sister LeMisha confirmed the news with a heartfelt message on Instagram. “She has had a long battle,” she wrote, “and she is finally at peace.”
No official cause of death was shared, though speculation pointed to an illness similar to what claimed her twin.
The Tributes Pour In
The response was immediate. Missy Elliott, Tamar Braxton, Da Brat, and countless fans posted tributes. They remembered her not just as a singer, but as a sweet, radiant soul who brought light to any room.
Kameelah Williams posted a tearful video, recalling their years together. LeMisha called Irish “bright as the stars.” The loss felt like more than a moment. It felt like the end of an era.
More Than Just a Group Member
Irish Grinstead wasn’t the loudest in 702. But she was the glue. She sang backup with the same fire as a lead. She moved with grace onstage, never needing the spotlight to shine on her. Her voice was full of soul and sorrow—clear, vulnerable, powerful.
And though she never pursued a solo career, her contribution was undeniable. She inspired fans to embrace softness, to push through pain, and to stay grounded even as they rose.
Her Legacy Now
Irish’s voice lives on. 702’s hits remain essential listening for fans of R&B. Their story is part of the late-1990s wave that paved the way for girl groups with genuine vocal power and emotional depth.
Her story also adds to conversations around Black women and health. Too often, their pain goes unheard until it’s too late. Irish’s passing—along with her sister’s—brings attention to the need for awareness and care.
And of course, her legacy lies in the quiet resilience she carried. The grace with which she handled fame, loss, and illness is a legacy just as vital as the music.
Final Thoughts
Irish Grinstead didn’t leave behind a long list of solo albums. She didn’t dominate headlines. But she left behind something more powerful: a memory of authenticity, a sound that still stirs emotion, and a legacy rooted in love and loss.
She gave her voice to something bigger than herself, and now that voice echoes beyond music.
Rest in peace, Irish. You were heard. You still are.
