Robbie Pardlo, born August 13, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an American R&B and hip-hop singer best known as the lead vocalist of the Grammy-nominated trio City High. The group rose to fame in the early 2000s with their hit single “What Would You Do?,” a socially conscious anthem that charted at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Raised in Willingboro, New Jersey, Pardlo’s music career began with early collaborations, including background vocals for Whitney Houston. As part of City High, Pardlo’s voice became emblematic of a generation tackling issues like poverty, abuse, and addiction. His personal life mirrored those themes—battling alcoholism, drug addiction, and depression.
Despite achieving sobriety in 2010, Pardlo reportedly relapsed before his death on July 17, 2025, due to heart failure complications. He was 46. He is survived by his wife Anika and children Lyric and Chord-Andrew, leaving behind a legacy of raw vocal power and truth-telling artistry.
Robbie Pardlo Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Joseph Pardlo Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1978 |
| Date of Death | July 17, 2025 |
| Age | 46 (at time of death) |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
| Known For | City High, “What Would You Do?,” Grammy Nominee |
| Hometown | Philadelphia, PA; raised in Willingboro, NJ |
| Residence at Death | Willingboro, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Education | University of the Arts (Philadelphia), Willingboro HS |
| Instagram ID | @mr.pardlo |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Robbie Pardlo Early Life
Robbie Pardlo was born in Philadelphia and raised in Willingboro, New Jersey, the son of Gregory Pardlo Sr., a former air traffic controller dismissed during the 1981 PATCO strike, and Marion Pardlo. His older brother, Gregory Pardlo, later won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry.
As a student at Willingboro High School, Robbie formed friendships with future City High members Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby. Known for distributing homemade cassette recordings in choir class, his early passion for music was evident. He briefly attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia before turning his focus to a professional music career. Pardlo was originally signed as a solo act by Wyclef Jean’s Booga Basement label before City High was formed.
Robbie Pardlo Education
| Field | Details |
| School | Willingboro High School, NJ |
| College | University of the Arts, Philadelphia (did not graduate) |
| Other Training | Self-taught musician and producer |
Robbie Pardlo Family Details
| Field | Details |
| Father | Gregory Pardlo Sr. |
| Mother | Marion Pardlo |
| Siblings | Gregory Pardlo (Pulitzer Prize-winning poet) |
| Marital Status | Married to Anika Pardlo |
| Children | Lyric Pardlo, Chord-Andrew Pardlo |
| Other Relatives | Aunt Cynthia Boyer |
Pardlo’s personal life included a turbulent relationship with Claudette Ortiz (1998–2001), ending after the group disbanded. He later married Anika Pardlo, and they had two children. His family supported him throughout his addiction and recovery journey.
Robbie Pardlo Career Highlights
Pardlo’s early breakthrough came as a background vocalist for Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love” (1999). Shortly after, he co-founded City High, a trio known for its one and only self-titled album released in 2001.
The group’s debut single, “What Would You Do?,” addressed poverty and abuse, earning a 2002 Grammy nomination. Other hits included “Caramel” featuring Eve. The album went gold and peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard 200. After the group disbanded in 2003, Pardlo briefly joined First Take, an R&B quartet, and collaborated with Lil’ Kim and others.
| Milestone | Details |
| Breakthrough | “What Would You Do?” with City High (2001) |
| Major Awards | Grammy Nomination (2002) for Best R&B Duo/Group |
| Notable Work | “My Love Is Your Love,” “Caramel,” First Take |
| Collaborations | Whitney Houston, Lil’ Kim |
Robbie Pardlo Net Worth and Income
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000–$1 million (2025 estimate) |
| Income Sources | Music sales, royalties, collaborations |
Robbie Pardlo Controversies
In 2010, Pardlo appeared on A&E’s Intervention, revealing his battle with alcoholism and drug use after City High’s breakup. The episode (Season 7, Ep. 9) detailed his struggles with depression, volatile behavior, and relationship tensions with Claudette Ortiz. Following rehab, he achieved sobriety by October 2010.
However, in 2025, unconfirmed reports suggested he had relapsed before his death, with friends and family citing recent health concerns. These claims remain speculative.
Robbie Pardlo Recent Updates
2023–2024
- Social Media: Posted politically charged videos and reflections on R&B.
- Health: Family noted signs of declining health leading up to 2025.
2025
- Death (July 17): Pardlo died from heart failure complications in Willingboro, NJ, surrounded by family.
- Tributes: Artists and fans shared memories across social media. @CultureRiz called him a “90s R&B legend.”
- Memorial Plans: Services are being arranged by his wife Anika and their children.
- Legacy Moments: Remembered for his vocals, honesty, and Philadelphia Eagles fandom.