The Tragic Fate And Current Lives Of City High Group Members: Where Are Ryan Toby, Claudette Ortiz, And Robbie Pardlo Now?

The early 2000s R&B landscape was forever changed by the arrival of City High, a trio that fearlessly tackled complex social issues with their raw, narrative-driven music. Formed in Willingboro, New Jersey, the group—composed of Claudette Ortiz, Ryan Toby, and Robbie Pardlo—shot to global fame under the mentorship of Fugees founder Wyclef Jean. Their debut single, "What Would You Do?", earned them a Grammy nomination and cemented their place as one of the most compelling voices of the era, but internal drama and personal struggles led to a swift breakup in 2003. Today, as of late 2025, the story of City High is a poignant mix of recent tragedy, enduring solo careers, and the complex legacy they left behind.

The curiosity surrounding the group has peaked following a major, heartbreaking update that brings the trio’s story to a definitive, sorrowful conclusion for one of its members. This deep dive explores the group's history, the dramatic love triangle that tore them apart, and the very latest on the surviving members, including Ryan Toby's 2024 career updates and Claudette Ortiz's long-awaited solo aspirations.

City High Group Members: Complete Biography and Profile List

City High was a Grammy-nominated American R&B and hip-hop trio best known for their single "What Would You Do?". The group was active from 1999 to 2003, releasing one self-titled album. Their unique dynamic was built on the contrasting vocal styles of its three members, all of whom met while attending Willingboro High School in Willingboro, New Jersey.

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• Full Name: Maurice Ryan Toby
• Role in City High: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter. Often handled the rap verses and co-wrote many of the tracks.
• Date of Birth: November 26, 1976
• Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey
• Pre-City High Fame: Gained initial recognition as an actor, notably playing Ahmal in the 1993 film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
• Post-City High Life: Married Claudette Ortiz. Continued a prolific career as a Grammy-nominated and Multi-Diamond selling songwriter and record producer, in addition to acting.

• Full Name: Claudette Ortiz
• Role in City High: Lead Female Vocalist. Her soulful voice defined the group's R&B sound.
• Date of Birth: July 21, 1981
• Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey
• Pre-City High Fame: Discovered by Ryan Toby and Robbie Pardlo while in high school.
• Post-City High Life: Appeared on the reality television series R&B Divas: Los Angeles. Focused on motherhood and family, and has been reportedly working on her debut solo album for years.

• Full Name: Robbie Pardlo
• Role in City High: Rapper, Singer, and Co-Founder. Known for his distinctive rap and singing style.
• Date of Birth: c. 1979
• Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey
• Pre-City High Fame: Co-founded the group with Ryan Toby.
• Post-City High Life: Struggled with personal issues, including addiction, for years following the group's breakup.
• Tragic Update: Passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 46.

The Shocking Reason Behind City High’s Breakup and Internal Drama

The quick rise and even quicker fall of City High is a classic example of mixing business with highly volatile personal relationships. The group officially disbanded in 2003, shortly after the release of their self-titled debut album. The core reasons for the split were multifaceted, involving a devastating love triangle and the personal struggles of one member.

The Claudette-Robbie-Ryan Love Triangle

At the heart of the drama was a complicated romantic entanglement involving all three members. Initially, Claudette Ortiz and Robbie Pardlo were in a relationship while the group was forming. However, during the height of their success, Ortiz and Ryan Toby began a relationship, eventually marrying and having children together. This shift created immense tension within the trio, which was exacerbated by the pressures of touring and fame.

The love triangle was often cited as the primary catalyst for the group’s demise. The shift in dynamics made the professional environment untenable, leading to Robbie Pardlo's increasing isolation and eventual departure from the group. Ortiz was often unfairly blamed for the breakup, despite the complex nature of the relationships.

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The Meaning of “What Would You Do?” and Its Legacy

City High's biggest hit, "What Would You Do?", was a powerful, narrative-driven song produced by Wyclef Jean. Released in 2001, the track peaked at No. 8 on the US Pop charts and No. 13 on the R&B charts. The song is a three-part story told from different perspectives, focusing on a young woman who turns to prostitution or stripping to provide for her child.

The song's raw and non-judgmental approach to a sensitive topic was revolutionary for the time, earning it a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song's topical authority is massive, touching on issues like poverty, single motherhood, and the difficult choices people make to survive. It remains their defining work and a major entity in early 2000s R&B, showcasing the trio's immense talent for storytelling.

Where Are City High Group Members Now? (Latest 2025 Updates)

The lives of the City High members took dramatically different paths after the 2003 breakup. While Ryan Toby and Claudette Ortiz moved into solo ventures and family life, Robbie Pardlo faced a much darker struggle that tragically concluded in 2025.

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Robbie Pardlo: A Tragic and Recent Loss

In a devastating update that has shocked fans, Robbie Pardlo passed away very recently on July 17, 2025, at the age of 46 in Willingboro, New Jersey. While an official cause of death was not immediately released by the family, sources close to Pardlo indicated that he had been hospitalized due to complications from heart failure. The singer had publicly struggled with addiction issues in the years following the group’s breakup, and reports suggest he had a relapse prior to his passing. He is survived by his wife, Anika Pardlo, and their children, leaving behind a legacy as a talented vocalist whose life was cut short by his personal battles.

Ryan Toby: The Prolific Songwriter and Actor

Ryan Toby has successfully transitioned his talent into a highly respected career behind the scenes and in front of the camera. As of mid-2024, Toby remains incredibly active in the entertainment industry.

• Songwriting Success: Toby is a Grammy-nominated and Multi-Diamond selling songwriter and producer. He has penned hits for major artists, solidifying his status as a prolific entity in contemporary music.
• Acting Career: He is still widely recognized for his role as Ahmal in the iconic 1993 film Sister Act 2, and he continues to take on various acting roles.
• New Music in 2024/2025: In June 2024, Toby was featured in a BET article discussing his ongoing music career and teasing new projects, indicating that fans can expect more solo work from him in the near future.

Claudette Ortiz: Reality TV and Solo Aspirations

Claudette Ortiz has maintained a lower profile, focusing on family and a slow return to the spotlight. Her post-City High career highlights include:

• Reality Television: Ortiz was a cast member on the TV One reality series R&B Divas: Los Angeles. Her time on the show offered a glimpse into her life as a mother and her attempts to relaunch her music career.
• Solo Music Career: Despite various setbacks and the demands of motherhood, Ortiz has consistently expressed her desire to release a debut solo album. Reports have circulated for years that she is preparing this project, which would be her first major release since the City High era.
• Personal Life: Her marriage to Ryan Toby eventually ended, but she has continued to focus on raising her children while pursuing her artistic ambitions.

The story of City High—Ryan Toby, Claudette Ortiz, and Robbie Pardlo—is a compelling narrative of immense talent, sudden fame, and the destructive power of personal drama. Their music, particularly the Grammy-nominated "What Would You Do?", continues to resonate with a powerful, timeless message. The recent passing of Robbie Pardlo serves as a somber reminder of the struggles that followed their brief moment of glory, but the continued work of Toby and Ortiz ensures that the group’s unique contribution to R&B and hip-hop culture remains a vital entity.