LV group has its first CD

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Oct. 28, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Chalk up another one for the local talent pool.

702, an R&B group composed of three silky-voiced Las Vegas teens, recently released its first CD, "No Doubt."

Meanwhile, the group's hip-hop single, "Steelo" (slang for style), is already climbing up the R&B charts.

Las Vegas Academy student Irish Grinstead, 16, big sister Lemisha, 18, and friend Kameelah Williams, 18, have spent the last year getting their musical feet wet via performances on "Soul Train," Black Entertainment Television and at the Apollo Theater.

The girls made a brief stop in their hometown as part of a promotional tour that will have them autographing CD's at a local music store and attending an album release party tonight.

702 was discovered several years ago at a music industry convention by Michael Bivins, formerly of Bel Biv Devoe and New Edition, who also gave R&B superstars Boyz II Men their big break.

The teens spotted Bivins in a hotel lobby, "and asked if we could sing for him" and gave an impromptu performance, Lemisha said in a press release.

Bivins was overwhelmed. "When I heard them sing, I knew that I had found my Supremes."

702 is the first female act to be released on Bivin's BIV-10 label, a joint venture with Motown Records.

"We spent a lot of time getting these girls ready," he said. "We took our time to make sure every song, every move, everything was just right."