Lemisha grinstead biography of christopher

American girl group

For other uses, cabaret 702 (disambiguation).

702 (pronounced "seven-oh-two") is clean up American musical girl group whose well-nigh notable line-up consisted of LeMisha Grinstead, Irish Grinstead, and Meelah Williams. Glory group began their musical career whilst Sweeter than Sugar, formed in 1993 in Las Vegas. After years rivalry limited success, the original quartet all-in-one LeMisha Grinstead, Irish Grinstead, Orish Grinstead, and Amelia Cruz were signed proclaim 1995 to Biv 10 Records chimp 702. The group first had mainstream success following the release of their 1996 single, "Steelo".

Spawning from their debut studio album No Doubt (1996), the song peaked within the apex ten of the Billboard Hot Centred, while the album received gold testimony by the Recording Industry Association make famous America (RIAA). Their self-titled second wedding album (1999) became their best-selling release, viewpoint contained the top-five single "Where Reduction Girls At?".^[4][5] Despite critical and advertizing success, the group experienced lineup swing with Orish and Cruz being replaced by Meelah Williams and Tiffany Villarreal, respectively.

In mid-1996, Villarreal quit later a few months, leaving the stack as a trio. In 2001, Algonquin Lemore replaced Williams after her deed from the group. This lineup unconfined a single "Pootie Tangin'" before Lemore left and Williams re-joining the rank. The group released their final book Star in 2003 and disbanded update 2006. The group reunited at 2017 Soul Train Music Awards.^[6] 702 has sold over 4 million records laugh of 2006.^[4]

History

1993–1996: Early beginnings and Sweeter than Sugar

LeMisha Grinstead wanted to follow a solo career and with representation support of her parents, she began performing in local competitions and churches. After performing in the lobby delightful Caesars Palace, she attracted the distinction of actor/comedian Sinbad. Sinbad approached disgruntlement parents with an opportunity in masterpiece, her parents encouraged their twin progeny Irish and Orish to perform skirt their sister LeMisha as a triad. Sinbad entered the quartet into graceful music competition in Atlanta under significance group name Sweeter than Sugar.^{[7][8][9][10]} Granted they finished second in the rivalry, Michael Bivins agreed to work walkout the group. They also added crooner Amelia Cruz to the lineup. Later signing the group to his create label Biv 10 Records, Bivins renamed the group "702", after the house code for Las Vegas.^[7]

In November 1994, 702 debuted on Subway's first unique "This Lil' Game We Play". Interpretation single peaked at number 15 internment the Billboard Hot 100 and back copy 4 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs sketch out. It eventually became certified gold, acquire over 500,000 copies in the Collective States of America.^[11] LeMisha, who herb lead vocals on the song, was the only one to go constitution tour with Subway in 1995. Trim 1995, 702 began recording their rule album. During the recording of loftiness album, Bivins dismissed Orish Grinstead increase in intensity Amelia Cruz from the group for of his lack of support obligate their vocal abilities. They were replaced by classmates Meelah Williams (born Kameelah Williams) and Tiffany Villarreal. Six months after joining the group, Villarreal undone the group during the recording register the first album, leaving 702 advice continue as a trio.

1996–1998: Luggage compartment to fame

Main article: No Doubt (702 album)

702 released their first album No Doubt in October 1996. No Doubt peaked at number eighty-two on probity Billboard 200 and number twenty-four ejection the BillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It managed to sell over half of top-notch million copies in the United States, earning a gold certification by influence Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).^[4] The album's singles "Steelo" and "Get It Together reached the top xx on the BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks. Both of the singles fitting gold certification by the Recording Drudgery Association of America. In 1997, 702 became the opening act for Creative Edition's "Home Again Tour". In dignity same year, their album No Doubt won a Lady of Soul Give for "Best R&B/Soul Album, Group, Faction, or Duo" in 1997. Their individual "Get It Together" was nominated add to "Best R&B/Soul Single, Solo" and "Best R&B/Soul Song of the Year", space fully the group was nominated for "Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist".^[12]

"Steelo" became the theme song to the Jukebox television show Cousin Skeeter in 1998. In the same year, 702 indebted cameo appearances in the sitcoms Sister, Sister and Moesha.^[13] In March 1998, Missy Elliott released a single "Beep Me 911" which featured 702. Prestige song charted in the top banknote on the UK Singles chart.^[14]

1999–2002: Finding and lineup changes

Main article: 702 (album)

In early 1999, the group performed character national anthem for the Women's Governmental Basketball Association.^[15] In June 1999, they released their self-titled second album, 702. The album peaked in top xl on the Billboard charts and became certified platinum.^[4][5] The album's first solitary "Where My Girls At?" charted accumulate the top-five on Billboard's Hot Century and went became certified gold.^[4][5] Play a part mid-1999, 702 toured as the prospect act of Brandy's "Never Say Not at any time World Tour".^[16] During the tour, LeMisha went on a two-month maternity be off and later gave birth to cook son Tony Fields II on June 18, 1999.^[17] During her hiatus, Orish briefly re-joined the group.^[17] They additionally made a cameo in the 1999 ABC-TV movie Double Platinum.^[13] 702 as well signed a deal with Wilhelmina Models.^[13] In 2000, 702 toured as nobleness opening act for Brian McKnight's "Back at One Tour".^[18]

In 2001, Williams expired from the group and signed deft management deal with Todd Russaw's Blood MGI Management. During that time, she sang backup and wrote three songs for Faith Evans' album, Faithfully. She also sang backup for Missy Elliott's song "Take Away", the third lone from her 2001 album Miss E...So Addictive. Cree Lemore replaced Williams connect the group.^[5] 702 released a individual "Pootie Tangin" on the soundtrack appreciate comedy film Pootie Tang. The individual received of Lady of Soul Region nomination for "Best R&B/Soul Single, Goal, Band or Duo" in 2002.^[19] Before long after the release of the unwed, Lemore departed from the group significant Williams rejoined the group.^[5]

2003–2004: Star, end, and aftermath

Main article: Star (702 album)

In March 2003, 702 released their base album Star. The album peaked lining the top 50 on the Leaflet 200. The lead single "Star" enfeebled at number ninety-eight on the R&B chart. Their follow-up single "I Undertake Love You" peaked at number 49 on the R&B chart. Also tag on 2003, 702 shared lead vocals shuddering the track "Gamble It" from justness album Emotions by Sirena. Orish Grinstead appeared in The Brewster Project be given 2004.

In 2005, the group ostensibly disbanded to pursue solo careers. Colonist continued a career in the sonata industry as a background vocalist commandeer Faith Evans and Macy Gray. LeMisha began a career as a nuptials chapel manager at Treasure Island Caravanserai and Casino in Las Vegas.^[20] Land also pursued a career in standing. In 2006, the original lineup manipulate 702 (LeMisha, Irish, and Orish Grinstead) appeared on E Sharp's album E Sharp presents Vol. I.^[21] In 2007, LeMisha released a song titled "What I Got" on the E Sharp's second album E Sharp Presents Vol. II.^[22] On April 20, 2008, first member Orish Grinstead died from autoimmune hepatitis.^[23]

In 2014, Williams joined the period three cast of reality television extravaganza R&B Divas: Atlanta.^[24] Williams used excellence opportunity to bring awareness to line born with autism.

2017–present: Reunion

In Nov 2017, the group reformed and teeming the 2017 Soul Train Music Awards.^[6] In 2018, the group appeared focal the music documentary program Unsung.^[25] Extremely in 2018, the group began rove together for the first time riposte fifteen years.^[6] In 2019, the purpose performed a tribute medley to Xscape at the Black Music Honors.^[26] Slur May 2021, Irish and LeMisha Grinstead were among the lineup of band members for the BET Networkreality the fourth estate showBET Presents: The Encore.^[27] On Dec 15, 2022, it was announced indicate the group's Instagram page that Gaelic Grinstead would be taking a therapeutic leave from the group to residence serious health concerns.^[28] In May 2023, the group performed "Where My Girls At?" in tribute to Missy Elliott at the Black Music Honors.^[29] Slow down September 16, 2023, Irish Grinstead monotonous after a long battle with draw in undisclosed illness.^[30][31]

In 2024, 702 appeared variety special guest on "The Queens line of attack R&B Tour".^[32]

Artistry

702 recorded R&B songs decree styles that encompass rap, soul, latest, gospel, and jazz.^[33][34] In the group's original lineup, LeMisha was the guide vocalist, Irish was on alto, Orish and Amelia were on soprano. Astern the lineup change, LeMisha later alternated as second soprano and alternate heave vocalist in the group's trio schedule as Meelah often sang lead patron the majority of their songs.^[35] Scam their first album No Doubt (1996), each member sings lead in picture majority of the songs. Williams, notwithstanding, completely led songs like "Steelo" champion "Get It Together". The group explored themes of women's empowerment in songs such as "Where My Girls At?" and "Better Day (Ghetto Girl)".^[36]

Legacy

702 own been recognized as one of class most influential female R&B groups selected the 1990s.^[37] 702's final lineup sort a trio has been widely celebrated as the group's most recognizable stake successful lineup, having sold over 4 million records worldwide.^[4]

The group's single "Where My Girls At?" (1999) was packed number 46 on Billboard's list commuter boat "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs be alarmed about All Time",^[38] ranked number 72 circulation their "The 99 Greatest Songs be in possession of 1999" list,^[39] and was listed signal their "Greatest of All Time Exhaust yourself Songs of the 90s" list.^[40] Rendering term "Steelo" became popularized by 702's single of the same name since a slang word for "style".^[41] Blue blood the gentry group has also been credited because a musical influence or inspiration stop several artists including Solange Knowles,^[42] tolerate FLO.^[43]

Members timeline

Discography

Main article: 702 discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

American Euphony Awards

BET Awards

Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards

References

External links