Robbie Pardlo of City High died in Willingboro with family by his side, leaving behind a legacy of early 2000s R&B and Hip-Hop storytelling.
Robbie Pardlo, the voice behind City High’s chart-topping anthem “What Would You Do?” died Tuesday (July 17) at age 46 in Willingboro, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed. While some reports have pointed to heart failure, his family has not confirmed any details.
Pardlo rose to fame in the early 2000s as one-third of City High alongside Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby.
Their debut single “What Would You Do?” became a cultural staple, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2002.
Their follow-up hit “Caramel” also cracked the Top 20 and featured a remix with rapper Eve.
After the group disbanded, Pardlo continued working in music. He performed with the group First Take and collaborated with artists like Whitney Houston and Lil Kim.
When Lil’ Kim brought out City High at Return Of The Queen Tour. RIP to Robbie Pardlo 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/MMgvNElBAL
— LIL KIM VIDEOS (@LilKimVideos2) July 18, 2025
A representative for the singer confirmed his passing to TMZ, adding that the family is planning memorial services and public tributes, with details to be announced soon.
Pardlo is survived by his wife, Anika, their two children, Lyric and Chord-Andrew, his mother, Marion and his brother, Gregory Pardlo—a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet.
Known for his love of storytelling through music, Pardlo helped shape a moment in early 2000s R&B and Hip-Hop that still resonates. City High’s music tackled real-life issues with honesty and emotion, and their lone album remains a time capsule of that era.
As of now, Ortiz, Toby and Wyclef Jean—who signed the group to his Booga Basement label—have not made public statements.
City High’s only album, released in May 2001, was praised for its raw lyrics and genre-blending sound. “What Would You Do?” originally appeared on the 1999 film “Life” soundtrack before becoming a breakout hit.
Memorial details are expected to be shared by the family in the coming days.
AllhipHop extends condolences to Pardlo’s family and loved ones.
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