Are Misha and Irish from 702 Sisters? The Full Story

Hey there! As a longtime fan of R&B music, I know you’re curious whether Misha and Irish from the 90s girl group 702 are actually biological sisters. It‘s a common myth about the band since they share the same last name. But the true story of their relationship is more complex.

Let me walk you through the full history of 702, its members, their music, and why these two powerhouse vocalists aren‘t related by blood. There’s a fascinating backstory behind this influential girl group, their rise to fame, and eventual reunion later in life.

Grab some tea, get cozy, and let’s rediscover 702!

The Origins of 702 – How The Group Came Together

702 first started taking shape in Los Angeles in 1995 when producer LeBaron Taylor held auditions for a new girl group. He recruited 13-year old Irish Grinstead after she performedWhitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Irish blew everyone away with her mature voice at such a young age.

Around the same time, Irish’s childhood friend 15-year-old Kameelah Williams introduced LeBaron to another vocal phenom – 15-year-old Misha Grinstead, who lived in Kameelah‘s neighborhood. The three girls were paired up and started rehearsing and building their signature sound.

Here’s a quick rundown of the future members of 702 when the group formed:

• Irish Grinstead – born in 1983 in New York City. Moved to LA as a child. Discovered by producers at age 13. Became 1st member of 702.

• Kameelah Williams – born in 1973 in New Jersey. Grew up middle class in LA and met Irish in school. Brought Misha into the group.

• Misha “Missy” Grinstead – born in 1980 in Arizona. Moved to LA at young age. Childhood friends with Kameelah who recruited her to join 702.

So despite their same last names, Irish and Misha were born in different states years apart and only met thanks to their connection to Kameelah in middle school.

But the three girls quickly bonded thanks to their uncanny vocal chemistry. By 1996, the group was finalized and named 702 after the Las Vegas area code where they later recorded their first album.

The Rise of 702 – Early Success & Stardom

With the trio solidified, 702 began work on their debut album after signing to Motown records. The label execs were immediately impressed by the stellar vocals and youthful confidence of Irish, Misha, and Kameelah.

702’s first LP “No Doubt” was released in November 1996. It blended R&B, soul, and pop while showcasing the group’s elastic harmonies and catchy songwriting.

“No Doubt” was a smash success, producing 3 top 10 R&B hits:

• “Steelo” (#10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart)
• “Get It Together” (#4)
• “No Doubt” (#3)

The album was certified Platinum by early 1998. 702 had arrived as Motown‘s hottest new girl group, earning awards and touring nationally.

But tensions were brewing behind the scenes, and in 1998, lead singer Irish Grinstead abruptly left 702 to pursue a solo career. Cree Summer was recruited as her replacement for 702’s second album.

“Star” arrived in January 1999, right at the peak of 702’s popularity. It matched the success of their debut, spawning two more top 20 R&B hits with “Where My Girls At?” (#4) and “I Still Love You” (#8). Like its predecessor, “Star” also reached Platinum status.

For a quick two-year period, 702 dominated R&B and pop radio with their youthful sound and empowering lyrics. According to Billboard, they landed an impressive five top 10 singles from their first two albums.

Unfortunately, the group descended into turmoil in late 1999. First, Misha departed amicably to pursue songwriting and a solo project. Then a contract dispute led Kameelah to also leave 702 shortly after.

By mid-2000, 702 had fully disbanded as a group after releasing two chart-topping albums in as many years. But their influence on 90s R&B was already cemented.

Why Irish and Misha Left 702 to Go Solo

For Irish Grinstead, who had been performing since childhood, 702 always served as more of a stepping stone to an inevitable solo career. As the breakout vocalist, tensions developed when she wanted more spotlight on her own talents.

Industry insiders say Irish lobbied Motown execs in 1997 to allow her to release a solo album alongside 702’s projects. But the label refused, causing Irish to walk away completely in 1998.

Misha, on the other hand, spoke very warmly of her experience in 702 when she left amicably in late 1999. She maintained it was just time to “grow in new directions.” Unlike Irish, Misha parted on good terms to pursue songwriting.

Both women clearly harbored ambitions beyond being in a girl group. While Irish wanted solo fame, Misha saw herself primarily as a songwriter. For these reasons, each split off from 702 right at the height of their popularity.

Irish‘s Solo Album and Tragic Death

Eager to step into the spotlight and showcase her voice alone, Irish Grinstead secured a solo deal with Capitol Records after leaving 702. She dropped her stage name and went by Erika Nannette Grinstead for a slightly more mature image.

In August 1999, a year after 702 hit #1 with “Where My Girls At?”, Irish released her solo debut album titled “Solitaire.” The record incorporated adult contemporary R&B along with pop and funk influences.

Despite heavy promotion, the album peaked at just #134 on the Billboard 200. The two singles “Separated” and “Life Goes On” failed to chart on the Hot 100.

Shortly after the disappointing sales, Irish ran into both health problems and conflicts with her new label. She underwent surgery in 2000 for vocal cord nodules that permanently damaged her voice. Capitol Records dropped her soon after.

The next 8 years brought personal struggles for Irish including an abusive relationship. But by 2004, she began performing again and started a nonprofit to support youth arts education.

Then in August 2008, Irish passed away suddenly due to undisclosed causes at age 30. The shocking news was heartbreaking for her former 702 bandmates and fans who grew up with her music in the 90s.

Though Irish’s solo career never took off, her incredible voice on 702’s records lives on. And her tragic death at just 30 reminds us of the fragility of life.

Misha‘s Solo Work and Return to 702

Unlike Irish, Misha Grinstead left 702 on good terms in late 1999 to embark on a solo career. She stuck with music but focused primarily on songwriting versus performing.

Misha found success penning tracks for artists like Beyoncé including the song “Fighting Temptation” from the film The Fighting Temptations. She also landed minor acting roles in a few movies in the early 2000s.

By 2004, Misha returned to the studio to record her proper full-length solo debut titled “Do You Know.” Released in 2007, the album showed off Misha’s versatility across R&B, soul and gospel-influenced tracks.

The record received positive reviews from critics impressed by Misha’s vocal talent and artistic growth. But without a major label, “Do You Know” lacked the promotional power to make a big commercial impact.

Over the next several years, Misha continued acting while occasionally dropping independent singles. She reunited with Kameelah Williams for tribute shows honoring their music and friendship with Irish in 702.

Then in 2016, Misha and Kameelah officially reformed 702 by recruiting singer Orish Grinstead to round out the trio. They began touring again and recording new music, proving 702 still had that special chemistry.

For Misha, the road from teen stardom in 702 to mature solo artist was full of twists and turns. But through it all, her love for singing and resilience has kept her evolving as an artist.

How a Reunited 702 Pays Tribute to Irish

The tragic 2008 death of Irish Grinstead from health issues at just age 30 shook former bandmates Misha and Kameelah. But it also reminded them of the unbreakable bond they shared in 702’s heyday.

In the months after the loss, Misha and Kameelah began reconnecting through emotional conversations and private performances of 702’s songs. The healing power of music became clear.

By 2010, the two original members decided to officially reunite 702 with a series of tour dates dedicated to Irish’s memory. They brought in singer Kibe Williams as the group’s new third voice.

The trio shared memories and performed hits like “Get It Together” and “Where My Girls At?” for adoring fans. Irish’s spirit was felt in each tender note.

A few years later, Misha and Kameelah recruited Irish’s own cousin Orish Grinstead to join 702 for their 20th anniversary reunion tour in 2016. Orish brought back that familiar Grinstead vocal magic.

Today, a reinvigorated 702 continues touring and recording new music with plans for the group’s first album in over 15 years. Irish remains front and center through each performance.

On stage, Misha and Kameelah share photos and uplifting stories about Irish to introduce their biggest hits. Keeping her memory alive through song has brought passion back to 702.

By The Numbers – 702‘s Awards and Chart Success

For a girl group that released only 2 albums before initially disbanding, 702 left an impressive mark on the music charts thanks to their undeniable talent and popularity:

• 2 Platinum albums – “No Doubt” (1996) and “Star” (1999) each sold over 1 million copies

• 5 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart

• 3 Soul Train Award nominations including Best R&B/Soul Album by a Group, Band or Duo

• 1997 Billboard Music Award for Female New Artist of the Year

• 1997 Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for Best R&B/Soul Single for “Get It Together”

• Over 5 million records sold worldwide

702’s string of hit singles like “Get It Together” and “Where My Girls At?” dominated urban and pop radio in the late 90s. Their fusion of R&B vocals and hip-hop beats attracted huge crossover audiences.

Despite the group fracturing just a few years into their run, 702’s early success went unmatched by their peers. Even today, their album tracks and deep cuts remain fan favorites.

702‘s Influence on Girl Groups of the 90s and Beyond

Though fame was short-lived, 702 made an undeniable impact on 90s R&B and future generations of girl groups:

They set a new standard for harmonizing – Misha, Irish and Kameelah’s silky smooth vocal layering on tracks like “Get It Together” raised the bar. Their harmony arrangements became a blueprint.

Their sound crossed genres – 702 blended R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop seamlessly. This fusion paved the way for crossover girl groups like Destiny‘s Child.

They exuded youthful confidence – 702’s empowerment anthems and mature image at just 15-16 years old was ahead of their time. It inspired younger millennials.

Their songwriting was forward-thinking – Tracks like “Steelo” incorporated clever samples and production. As artists, 702 pushed boundaries.

They garnered industry respect – For a young trio, 702 were nominated for major awards and drew praise from peers for their talent.

702 proved that with teamwork and tenacity, three teenage singers could take the music world by storm. Almost 25 years later, fans still consider them one of R&B’s most talented girl groups.

702‘s Enduring Musical Legacy

While fame was relatively short-lived, 702‘s impact has resonated for over two decades and counting:

• Providing a blueprint for success that inspired artists like Destiny’s Child
• Earning widespread critical acclaim despite just two studio albums
• Recording innovative R&B hits that still sound fresh today
• Cementing their status as pioneering 90‘s girl group icons
• Launching the careers of breakout vocalists like Irish and Misha
• Bringing youthful energy and confidence to mature R&B themes
• Reuniting in their 30s and 40s to keep performing beloved hits
• Bridging musical generations with an uplifting message

702 exemplified resilience in overcoming brief turmoil to make captivating R&B-pop anthems that united young fans. Decades later, their songs remain mainstays on throwback playlists.

Through studio mastery, vocal chemistry, and relentless passion, 702 left a lasting musical legacy still cherished today.

Conclusion – The Full Story of Misha, Irish, and 702

Well there you have it, my friend! The complete history of 702, its legendary members, their meteoric rise in the 90s, and enduring musical impact.

We uncovered how talented teens Misha and Irish were brought together by chance, not by blood, to form a girl group for the ages alongside Kameelah.

Though drama, tragedy, and reunion later followed, the core bond between these gifted vocalists has survived the test of time. Their story is one of friendship, loss, healing, and the transcendent power of music.

I hope reliving the magic of 702’s seminal hits reignited fond memories. We just don’t make catchy R&B classics like “Get It Together” anymore. But 702’s legacy lives on through continual rediscovery by old and new generations of fans.

So the next time someone asks if Misha and Irish were actual sisters, you can set the record straight on the real story while paying tribute to their musical sisterhood in 702. Legends never truly fade away.

Let me know if you want to take another nostalgic deep dive into a favorite 90s group! Until then, keep celebrating the wonderful world of R&B.