Irish Grinstead, the Voice Behind “Where My Girls At,” Passes Away at 43

In a somber turn of events, Irish Grinstead, one of the talented members of the iconic ’90s and ’00s R&B girl group 702, bid us farewell on Saturday, September 17. The heart-wrenching news was officially confirmed by LeMisha Grinstead, Irish’s sister and fellow group member, who shared the announcement via social media. For many, 702 will forever be associated with their smash hit “Where My Girls At,” and it’s with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Irish Grinstead, who was just 43 years old.

LeMisha Grinstead, in a touching statement, expressed her grief and the family’s immense loss. She described her sister as a radiant soul, both inside and out, and reminisced about the joy of sharing the stage with her. It’s clear that Irish’s light touched the lives of many. The Grinstead family now seeks prayers and privacy as they navigate this profound loss.

702, named after their Las Vegas hometown area code, burst onto the music scene with their debut album “No Doubt” in 1996. The album featured memorable tracks like “Get It Together” and the Missy Elliott collaboration “Steelo.” Speaking of Missy Elliott, it’s worth noting that she penned and co-produced the group’s signature hit, “Where My Girls At.” Interestingly, Missy had originally intended the song for TLC, but it eventually became an anthem celebrating the strength and camaraderie of women, earning its status as a timeless bop.

The group’s influence extended beyond their chart-topping singles. They made significant contributions to various film and TV soundtracks, leaving their musical mark on productions like “Good Burger,” “Stuart Little,” “Cousin Skeeter,” and even crafting the unforgettable theme song for “Pootie Tang” titled “Pootie Tangin’.”

In 2003, 702 released their final album, “Star,” with the collaboration of notable names like the Neptunes, Clipse, and Pharrell. Unfortunately, the group disbanded following the release of this album, but they would periodically reunite over the years.

Notably, in late 2022, Irish Grinstead had taken a leave of absence from 702 for undisclosed health reasons, sparking concern among fans. Her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact of her music on the hearts of fans worldwide.

To delve deeper into the legacy of girl groups, including the timeless hit “Where My Girls At,” you can explore Newsound’s “Story of Girl Groups in 45 Songs.”

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More about 702 Tribute

• 702’s “Where My Girls At” on YouTube
• Missy Elliott’s Contribution to “Where My Girls At”
• 702’s Legacy in R&B
• Newsound’s “Story of Girl Groups in 45 Songs”