702 (group)

702
Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1993 in Las Vegas, United States
Headquarters	Las Vegas, United States
Products	Music albums, singles
Number of employees	3 (at peak success)

702 (spoken as "seven-oh-two") is a female vocal group from the United States, primarily recognized for the members Misha Grinstead, Irish Grinstead, and Meelah Williams. The ensemble initially formed under the name Sweeter than Sugar in 1993 in Las Vegas. After achieving modest results with the original four-member lineup—Misha, Irish, Orish Grinstead, and Amelia Cruz—they secured a contract with Biv 10 Records in 1995 and rebranded as 702.

Their major commercial success arrived with the 1995 release of "This Lil' Game We Play", which climbed to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequently, Orish Grinstead and Amelia Cruz exited the group and were succeeded by Meelah Williams and Tiffany Villarreal. Following Villarreal’s departure, the trio scored additional acclaim with the 1996 hit "Get It Together" from their debut album No Doubt (1996). This album achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, while the single became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Their sophomore effort, self-titled 702 (1999), marked their highest-selling project and included the top-five single "Where My Girls At?".

In 2001, Cree Lemore briefly replaced Meelah Williams; this formation released "Pootie Tangin'" before Williams rejoined. Their last studio album, Star (2003), was followed by their disbandment in 2006. The group reunited for a performance at the 2017 Soul Train Music Awards. By 2006, 702 had sold in excess of four million records.

1993–1996: Formation and Sweeter than Sugar era

LeMisha Grinstead embarked on her musical journey supported by her family, performing locally until catching the eye of actor and comedian Sinbad after a show at Caesars Palace. Encouraged by Sinbad, LeMisha along with her twin sisters Irish and Orish formed a trio that participated as Sweeter than Sugar in an Atlanta music contest. Although they placed second, Michael Bivins agreed to mentor them, adding Amelia Cruz to expand the group and signing them to his label, Biv 10 Records. Bivins renamed the ensemble "702," inspired by Las Vegas’ telephone area code.

In November 1994, 702 appeared on Subway’s track "This Lil' Game We Play", which reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The single was certified gold by the RIAA for surpassing 500,000 sales in the United States. LeMisha led vocals and toured with Subway throughout 1995. During recording sessions for their debut album that year, Bivins removed Orish Grinstead and Amelia Cruz due to concerns about their vocal performance. They were replaced by classmates Meelah Williams (also known as Kameelah Williams) and Tiffany Villarreal. Villarreal left midway through recording six months later, leaving 702 as a trio.

1996–1998: Emergence into mainstream success

The group launched their first album No Doubt in October 1996. The record peaked at number eighty-two on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number twenty-four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It sold over 500,000 units in the US, earning gold certification from the RIAA. Singles such as "Steelo" and "Get It Together" both entered the top twenty of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and received gold status. In 1997, 702 supported New Edition on their "Home Again Tour" and secured a Lady of Soul Award for "Best R&B/Soul Album, Group, Band, or Duo." Additionally, they earned nominations for "Best R&B/Soul Single, Solo" and "Best New Artist."

A remix version of "Steelo" was selected as the theme song for Nickelodeon's television series Cousin Skeeter in 1998. That same year saw appearances by 702 on sitcoms such as Sister, Sister and Moesha. In March 1998, they featured on Missy Elliott’s single "Beep Me 911," which reached the top twenty in UK charts.

1999–2002: Breakthrough and Member Transitions

At the start of 1999, 702 delivered a rendition of the national anthem for the Women's National Basketball Association. Their sophomore album, titled 702, was released in June 1999 and secured a position within the top forty on the Billboard charts, eventually earning platinum status. The album's leading single, "Where My Girls At?", climbed into the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 and received gold certification. By mid-1999, the group supported Brandy as the opening act on her "Never Say Never World Tour." During this timeframe, LeMisha temporarily stepped away for maternity leave, prompting Orish to briefly rejoin the ensemble. Additionally, 702 made an appearance in the ABC television film Double Platinum and signed a contract with Wilhelmina Models. In 2000, they served as opening performers for Brian McKnight's "Back at One Tour."

In 2001, Williams departed from the group to join Todd Russaw's Pedigree MGI Management and lent her talents as a backup vocalist and songwriter on Faith Evans' album Faithfully, as well as providing backing vocals for Missy Elliott’s track "Take Away." Cree Lemore was brought in to replace Williams in 702. The group released "Pootie Tangin" for the soundtrack of the comedy movie Pootie Tang, which garnered a nomination at the 2002 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. Shortly thereafter, Lemore exited the group and Williams returned.

2003–2004: Star, Dissolution, and Subsequent Endeavors

In March 2003, 702 unveiled their third studio album Star, which reached within the top 50 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track "Star" peaked at number ninety-eight on the R&B chart, while its follow-up single "I Still Love You" climbed to number 49. That same year, 702 contributed lead vocals to "Gamble It" featured on Sirena’s album Emotions. In 2004, Irish Grinstead took part in The Brewster Project.

The group officially parted ways in 2005 to focus on individual pursuits. Following the split, Williams remained active in music by providing background vocals for artists such as Faith Evans and Macy Gray; LeMisha shifted her career toward managing a wedding chapel at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas; Irish pursued a profession in accounting. The original members reunited in 2006 for E Sharp’s album E Sharp presents Vol. I, with LeMisha contributing to E Sharp Presents Vol. II in 2007. On April 20, 2008, Orish Grinstead passed away due to autoimmune hepatitis.

In 2014, Williams participated in season three of the reality television series R&B Divas: Atlanta to promote awareness about autism in children.

2017–Present: Reunion and Recent Activities

In November 2017, 702 regrouped and attended the Soul Train Music Awards that year. The following year, they were featured in the music documentary series Unsung and embarked on their first tour together in fifteen years. In 2019, the group performed a tribute medley honoring Xscape at the Black Music Honors. In May 2021, Irish and LeMisha Grinstead appeared on BET’s reality series BET Presents: The Encore.

On December 15, 2022, it was announced that Irish Grinstead would be taking medical leave due to serious health issues. The group paid homage to Missy Elliott during their performance at the May 2023 Black Music Honors. Sadly, Irish Grinstead passed away on September 16, 2023 after battling a prolonged illness.

In 2024, 702 joined "The Queens of R&B Tour" as special guest performers.

Artistry

702 has an extensive catalog of 702 R&B tracks that cover a range of styles including rap, soul, contemporary R&B, gospel, and jazz. In the group's original formation, LeMisha served as the lead vocalist, Irish performed alto parts, and Orish along with Amelia handled soprano vocals. Following changes in membership, LeMisha shifted to second soprano and shared lead vocal duties at times, with Meelah frequently taking the lead on most songs. Their first album, No Doubt (1996), showcased each member as lead vocalist on various tracks; Williams fronted popular singles such as "Steelo" and "Get It Together." The group consistently highlighted themes of female empowerment in songs like "Where My Girls At?" and "Better Day (Ghetto Girl)."

Legacy

702 is widely acknowledged as one of the most impactful female R&B ensembles of the 1990s. The trio lineup from their later years achieved the greatest commercial success, having sold more than 4 million albums globally. Their 1999 hit "Where My Girls At?" earned spots on several prestigious lists, ranking #46 on Billboard's "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time," #72 on "The 99 Greatest Songs of 1999," and featured in the "Greatest of All Time Top Songs of the 90s." The track "Steelo" helped popularize the slang term for "style." Numerous artists, including Solange Knowles and FLO, have cited 702 as an influence.

Members timeline

Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2

Current members

Misha Grinstead (1993–2006), (2017–present)
Meelah Williams (1995–2001), (2002–2005), (2017–present)Template:Col-2

Former members

Irish Grinstead (1993–2006), (2017–2022; died 2023)
Orish Grinstead (1993–1995), (1999), (2006; died 2008)
Amelia Cruz (1993–1995)
Tiffany Villarreal (1995–1996)
Cree Lemore (2001)Template:Col-end

Discography

Studio albums

No Doubt (1996)
702 (1999)
Star (2003)

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

Year	Result	Category
2000	Nominated	Favorite Soul/R&B New Artist For: "702"

BET Awards

Year	Result	Category
2001	Nominated	Best Female Group For: "702"

Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards

Year	Result	Category
1997	Won	Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group, Band or Duo For: "No Doubt"
1999	Nominated	Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo For: "Where My Girls At?"
2000		Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group, Band or Duo For: "702"
2002		Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo For: "Pootie Tangin"
2003		Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group, Band or Duo For: "Star"
2003		Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo For: "I Still Love You"

External links