NEED TO KNOW
Robbie Pardlo, former lead singer of the R&B group City High, has died. He was 46.
Pardlo died on Thursday, July 17, while surrounded by friends and family in Willingboro, N.J., TMZ reported. No official cause of death has been given at this time.
A representative for the late singer told the outlet that details on a memorial service will be shared with the public soon.
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Pardlo found fame with the group City High, which he formed with his classmates Claudettre Ortiz and Ryan Toby in 1999.
After the trio signed to Wyclef Jean’s label Booga Basement, they released their self-titled debut album, which included the 2001 hits “What Would You Do?” and “Caramel” featuring Eve.
The band’s early success earned them a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2002. Their success was short-lived, however, as they disbanded in 2003.
Before joining the band, Pardlo and Ortiz, 43, dated in high school. Ortiz then dated band member Toby, 48, and the pair tied the knot in 2004 before divorcing in 2007.
In January 2010, Pardo appeared on A&E’s Intervention where he opened up about his struggles wth alcoholism. He said that his alcohol dependency developed after City High split and his family shared their concerns for him and his young daughter Lyric at the time due to his issues, per Billboard.
Pardlo alleged that he fell deeper into alcoholism after Ortiz left him and began a relationship with Toby, according to the outlet. Ortiz denied that her marriage to Toby was the cause of Pardlo’s addiction while appearing in the reunion show of R&B Divas: L.A. in 2013.
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After City High, Pardlo formed the R&B band First Take and they performed with several stars such as Whitney Houston and Lil Kim, per TMZ.
The singer is survived by his wife Anika and two children, according to the outlet.
A contact for Pardlo did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
