Robbie Pardlo, the former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated R&B group City High, has passed away at the age of 46. He died on Thursday, July 17, in Willingboro, New Jersey, surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Pardlo’s brother, Gregory, shared a heartfelt message, saying, “I’ve been taking shelter in the love of family and in my brother’s memory. Even with his tough exterior and tattoos, my little brother will always be a sweet, goofy kid in my eyes.”
Pardlo formed City High in 1999 with his classmates Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby. The group started as a duo with Pardlo and Toby but soon welcomed Ortiz. They signed with Wyclef Jean’s label, Booga Basement, and released their self-titled album in 2001. The album featured the hit singles “What Would You Do?” and “Caramel” featuring Eve.
“What Would You Do?” was a motivational anthem for single parents and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2002 Grammy Awards. The second single, “Caramel,” peaked at number 18 on the Hot 100 and included samples from The Roots and Al Green.
City High disbanded in 2003, but Pardlo later joined the R&B quartet First Take, collaborating with stars like Whitney Houston and Lil Kim. Fans will remember him for his contributions to music and his vibrant spirit.
