The Tragic Truth: Where Are The City High Band Members Now In Late 2025?

The R&B/Hip-Hop trio City High exploded onto the music scene in the early 2000s with their Grammy-nominated, socially conscious anthem "What Would You Do?," captivating audiences with a blend of raw storytelling and powerful vocals. The group—composed of Ryan Toby, Claudette Ortiz, and Robbie Pardlo—seemed poised for a long and successful career, but they disbanded shortly after their debut. Fans have spent years wondering what became of the talented trio, and as of late 2025, the answers are a mix of triumphant solo careers, new music projects, and heartbreaking tragedy.

The story of City High is one of immense potential, a single iconic hit, and the challenging realities of life after the spotlight. While one member is continuing a prolific career behind the scenes, another has recently released new solo material, and sadly, the group's narrative took a devastating turn this year with the loss of a founding member. This is the definitive, updated look at the lives and careers of the City High band members today.

City High Band Members: A Complete Biography and Profile

City High was an American R&B/hip hop trio formed in 1999 and signed to Wyclef Jean’s Booga Basement Records. The group's unique sound was a fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, often tackling complex social issues. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2001, and the group disbanded in 2003.

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• Maurice Ryan Toby (Ryan Toby)
  • Role in City High: Singer, Songwriter.
  • Born: November 26, 1976 (Age 49 in 2025).
  • Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey.
  • Pre-City High Career: Gained early fame as an actor, notably starring as Wesley Glen 'Ahmal' James in the 1993 film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
  • Post-City High Career: Grammy-nominated and multi-Diamond selling songwriter and producer, working with major artists including Will Smith and Mary J. Blige.
• Claudette Ortiz
  • Role in City High: Lead Singer, Model.
  • Born: July 21, 1981 (Age 44 in 2025).
  • Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey.
  • Pre-City High Career: Began as a model before being discovered by Wyclef Jean.
  • Post-City High Career: Television personality on reality shows, including R&B Divas: Los Angeles, and a solo recording artist.
• Robbie Pardlo
  • Role in City High: Singer, Songwriter.
  • Born: 1979 (Approximate).
  • Date of Death: July 17, 2025 (Age 46).
  • Hometown: Willingboro, New Jersey.
  • Legacy: Known for his distinctive voice on the group's biggest hits and his personal struggles that were often reflected in the group's music.

The Tragic Loss of Robbie Pardlo: A 2025 Update

The most significant and somber update regarding the City High band members in 2025 is the passing of Robbie Pardlo. The vocalist, known for his smooth harmonies and soulful contributions to the trio's sound, died on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the age of 46.

Unconfirmed Cause of Death and Personal Struggles

While the news of his death was reported by multiple outlets, no official cause of death has been publicly determined as of late 2025. However, it was widely known that Pardlo struggled with personal battles, including alcoholism and drug addiction, a fight that reportedly began during the group's peak fame and was exacerbated after the breakup.

Pardlo’s struggles were tragically intertwined with the group's music, particularly their signature hit. His passing sent a wave of shock and sadness through the R&B community, serving as a heartbreaking reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by artists in the music industry. The family is currently grieving, and a memorial service is reportedly being planned.

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Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby: Current Careers and New Projects

Following the dissolution of City High, both Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby successfully transitioned into different areas of the entertainment industry, with both making significant moves in 2025 and the years leading up to it.

Ryan Toby: A Grammy-Nominated Songwriting Powerhouse

Ryan Toby has quietly become one of the most prolific and respected songwriters and producers in the R&B and Hip-Hop genres. His career shift from performer to behind-the-scenes hitmaker has been exceptionally successful.

• New Album 'Passport': Toby returned to the spotlight as a solo artist with the release of his album, Passport, which features nine new songs. This project marks a significant solo effort, showcasing his maturity as an R&B/Soul veteran.
• Songwriting Credits: He holds a Grammy nomination and is credited on multi-Diamond selling records, often collaborating with high-profile artists. His work extends beyond music, as he frequently reflects on his early acting role in Sister Act 2 in interviews, maintaining a presence in both the film and music worlds.
• Production Work: Toby is involved with Hannah Eight Music, continuing his work as a producer and mentor, ensuring his influence shapes the next generation of artists.

Claudette Ortiz: From R&B Diva to Solo Artist

Claudette Ortiz, the captivating female vocalist of City High, has navigated a career path that includes reality television and a renewed focus on her solo music career.

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• Reality TV Stint: After stepping away from the music spotlight, Ortiz became a cast member on the reality series R&B Divas: Los Angeles. Her time on the show documented her life and career challenges, bringing her back into the public eye.
• Recent Music Releases: In the years following her television appearances, Ortiz has released new solo material. Singles like "Automatic" and "Reciprocation" have surfaced, demonstrating her commitment to her R&B roots and her desire to deliver new music to her dedicated fanbase.
• Collaborations: Throughout her career, she has worked with prominent figures like Nas, Ja Rule, and Mase, establishing her credibility as a versatile artist beyond the City High brand.

The Enduring Legacy of "What Would You Do?"

No discussion of City High is complete without examining their seminal hit, "What Would You Do?" The Wyclef Jean-produced track, released in 2001, was a commercial success and a cultural lightning rod.

A Song That Sparked Controversy

The song is not a simple R&B ballad; it’s a powerful piece of social commentary told through a narrative. It tells the story of a man encountering a woman who is working as a prostitute to provide for her child. Many listeners initially misidentified the woman as a stripper, but the lyrics clearly painted a picture of a woman driven to desperate measures by poverty and motherhood.

The track’s willingness to tackle themes of poverty, single motherhood, and the sex trade with empathy and moral questioning solidified City High’s reputation as a group that prioritized substance over simple pop appeal. It earned them a Grammy nomination and remains their most enduring legacy, a powerful question mark in the history of early 2000s R&B.

Will There Ever Be a City High Reunion?

The question of a City High reunion has been a topic of speculation for years, especially given the success of other early 2000s R&B groups. However, the recent, tragic passing of Robbie Pardlo in July 2025 makes any possibility of a full reunion highly unlikely.

While Ryan Toby and Claudette Ortiz remain active in the music industry—Toby as a successful songwriter and Ortiz as a solo artist—the original chemistry and dynamic of the trio are now permanently altered. Any future collaboration between the two surviving members would likely serve as a tribute to their late bandmate and a celebration of the music they created together, rather than a full-fledged revival of the City High brand.

The story of City High is a bittersweet one: a flash of brilliant, meaningful music followed by personal struggles and a legacy that continues to resonate. As fans mourn the loss of Robbie Pardlo, the work of Ryan Toby and Claudette Ortiz ensures that the spirit of their music lives on in new forms.