In the world of R&B music, the name 702 shines brightly, and at the heart of this sensational group are the Grinstead sisters – LeMisha and Irish. As they embark on their journey with BET Presents The Encore, a series that brings together legendary singers from the 1990s and early 2000s to form the ultimate supergroup, the sisters share their hopes, memories, and a deep connection that transcends time.
A Journey of Authenticity
Joining a series like BET Presents The Encore wasn’t a decision taken lightly by LeMisha and Irish. They had their reservations, particularly concerning how their story would be portrayed. Irish candidly shares her thoughts, saying, “I was thinking about the editing, like how authentic it will be. I hope it really shows my sister in her true light. I hope it shows me in my true light, and I hope the audience gets to really understand what was going on. I hope everything is as it happens…as it unfolds.”
Remembering Orish Grinstead
In the very first episode of the series, Irish and LeMisha open up about their beloved sister and former group member, Orish Grinstead. Orish tragically passed away in 2008 from kidney failure, leaving a void in their hearts that can never be filled.
Irish reflects on the experience, saying, “It was hard for me to hold that in for so long, and it was kind of relieving to be able to speak about it and to finally let it out my heart.” As Orish’s twin, she felt the loss deeply.
LeMisha adds her perspective, sharing, “I struggled with it just as equally, probably not as rough as Irish did, but it was just as bad for me losing Orish.” She recalls watching her sister deal with the early “warning signs” of “depression” while juggling the responsibilities of caring for her newborn son, Bryce, at the time.
The Bond of Sisterhood
Irish beautifully articulates how the loss of their sister Orish forever altered the “dynamic” of their entire family. She describes the trio of sisters, herself, Orish, and LeMisha, as “literally like triplets.” Their bond is a testament to the unbreakable ties of sisterhood.
702, with their chart-topping hits like “Steelo” and “Where My Girls At,” etched their names in music history before disbanding due to internal issues in the mid-2000s. The group consisted of LeMisha, Irish, and Orish Grinstead, along with lead singer Kameelah Williams. Orish had left the group just before the release of their 1996 debut album, “No Doubt.”
As LeMisha and Irish Grinstead embark on this musical journey, they not only carry the legacy of 702 but also the cherished memories of their sister Orish. Their story is one of strength, resilience, and the enduring power of family bonds.