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TLC

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

TLC is an American girl group from Atlanta, formed in 1990. The best-known line-up consisted of Tionne Watkins (T-Boz), Lisa Lopes (Left Eye) and Rozonda Thomas (Chilli). The name was an abbreviation of the first names of the original members. The singer Pebbles became their manager and brought them to L.A. Reid and Babyface's label LaFace. In 1991 Chilli joined, and the nicknames were chosen so that the letters TLC still fitted.

Music and breakthrough

The debut Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip (1992) was a mix of funk, hip-hop and R&B, in the style of new jack swing. Watkins sang low, Thomas higher and Lopes rapped. With their bright clothing and playful, self-assured lyrics they stood out at once. The second album CrazySexyCool (1994) sounded more mature and smoother, with deep grooves and hip-hop beats. Creep and Waterfalls became number one hits. Waterfalls, with a soulful arrangement and a personal rap by Lopes, warned against drug dealing and unsafe sex and became their biggest hit. On FanMail (1999) came No Scrubs and Unpretty.

Influence

Behind the scenes things often went wrong. The group earned little from its success, Watkins suffered from sickle cell disease and Lopes struggled with alcohol. In 2002 Lopes was killed in a car accident in Honduras. Watkins and Thomas carried on as a duo. TLC is one of the best-selling American girl groups and paved the way for groups such as Destiny's Child.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Waterfalls from 1994. Notice the warm soul sound with horns, T-Boz's calm singing, and how Left Eye's rap gives the song a personal turn halfway through.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists