TLC
TLC was a hugely successful R&B and hip-hop group that was active from 1991 until 2003. Originally called 2nd Nature, the group was founded in Atlanta, Georgia by Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Crystal Jones. Before signing to LaFace Records through a production deal with R&B singer Peri "Pebbles" Reid, the group's name was changed to "TLC," and Crystal Jones was replaced by Rozonda "Chili" Thomas. Over a decade of activity and four studio albums, TLC currently holds the title of being the best-selling R&B girl-group of all time, selling 22 million albums, scoring four #1 hits, and crossing over successfully to pop audiences. However, the group was just as noted for its controversy as it was for its success. History2nd NatureIn 1991, Atlanta teenager Crystal Jones put out a call for two more girls to join her in a hip-hop/R&B group to be called "2nd Nature". Her request was eventually answered by Tionne Watkins, a native of Des Moines, Iowa who moved to Atlanta with her family at an early age, and Lisa Lopes, a rapper and singer who had just moved to the city from her native Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with only a keyboard and $750. 2nd Nature eventually managed to arrange an audition with R&B singer Peri Reid, professionally known as "Pebbles," who had started her own management and production company, Pebbitone. Impressed by the girls, Pebbles renamed the group "TLC" and arranged an audition for the group with local record label LaFace Records, run by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Pebbles' husband, Antonio "L.A." Reid. L.A. Reid was impressed with Watkins and Lopes, but felt that Jones should be replaced; within a few months, former Damian Dame backup dancer Rosanda Thomas was brought in to replace Jones. The girls were signed to LaFace through a production deal with Pebbitone (with Pebbles taking the role of the group's manager), and almost immediately went into the studio with producers L.A. Reid & Babyface, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, and Marley Marl to produce their first album. Besides being an acronym for "tender loving care", the name "TLC" was based upon the first names of the original members of the group: Tionne, Lisa, and Crystal. Therefore, when Thomas joined, the girls were given nicknames: Watkins became "T-Boz", Lopes "Left-Eye," and Thomas "Chili." Ooooooohhh.... On the TLC Tip (1992)The first TLC album, Ooooooohhh.... On the TLC Tip, was released in February 1992 by LaFace. The songs on the album were a blend between hip-hop and R&B, similar to the "new jack swing" sound popularized by producer Teddy Riley in the late-1980s; TLC's sound was dubbed "new jill swing." The album was a success, going double-platinum in a year's time and launching a number of US Billboard Top Ten singles: "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," "Hat 2 Da Back," "What About your Friends," and "Baby-Baby-Baby." TLC's lyrics, chiefly written by Left-Eye and Dallas Austin, were playful, female-empowering anthems characterized by Left-Eye's quirky, nasal-toned raps, T-Boz's low-voiced lead vocals, and Chili's powerful vocals and harmonization. The musical formula was augmented by the girls' brightly-colored videos and curious costuming: each girl wore unwrapped condoms on their clothing (Left-Eye also wore one in a pair of glasses over her left eye), apparently advocating contraception. During TLC's first national tour as Hammer's opening act, the other bandmembers discovered that T-Boz had sickle-cell anemia, an aliment which she kept a closely-guarded secret until she became ill while TLC was touring the southwestern United States. T-Boz would continue to battle her condition, and eventually became a spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America in the late 1990s. At the conclusion of the tour, TLC decided to take more control of their careers and thus informed Pebbles that they no longer wished her to be their manager. Pebbles released the group from its management deal, but they remained signed to Pebbitone, and Pebbles continued to receive a share of their earnings. In 1993, TLC played the musical group "Sex as a Weapon" in the New Line Cinema film House Party 3, starring Kid 'n Play. CrazySexyCool (1994)Left-Eye had started dating Atlanta Falcons American football player Andre Rison shortly after the release of Ooooooohhh.... On the TLC Tip, and the two were by 1994 living together in Rison's upscale double-story home. Their relationship was allegedly filled with violent moments, and Left-Eye filed an assault charge against Rison on September 2, 1993, although Rison later denied battering her. Left-Eye was also battling alcoholism, having been a heavy drinker since her early teen years. After another fight between Left-Eye and Rison in the early morning hours of June 9, 1994, Left-Eye, tipsy from alcohol, tossed numerous pairs of Rison's newly purchased sneakers into a bathtub, doused them with gasoline, and lit them on fire. The Plexiglas bathtub quickly melted and set the structural frame of the house on fire. Although firefighters were called to the scene, the house could not be saved, because of the toxic fumes from the gasoline. Left-Eye was eventually arrested for and indicted on charges of first-degree arson; she was sentenced to five years of probation and required to enter alcoholism rehabilitation. Rison eventually reconciled with Left-Eye, and they continued dating on-and-off for most of the next few years. TLC re-entered the studio with Dallas Austin, Dupri, Babyface, Organized Noise, and Sean "Puffy" Combs to record their second album, CrazySexyCool, during the fall of 1994. Left-Eye was released from rehab to attend the recording sessions, but the finished album featured significantly less of her vocals. The album instead focused more on T-Boz's and Chili's contributions and a smoother, more fluid sound, similar to the most successful single from the first album, the US #2 hit "Baby-Baby-Baby." All four singles from Crazysexycool reached the Billboard Top 5, including "Red Light Special," "Diggin' On You," and the #1 hits "Creep" and "Waterfalls." "Waterfalls," an Organized-Noise produced record that featured an old-school soul-based musical arrangement, socially conscious lyrics criticizing drug dealing and unsafe sex, and an introspective rap from Left-Eye, became TLC's biggest hit ever, and its million-dollar music video—at that time the most expensive ever—was an MTV staple for many months. CrazySexyCool eventually sold over 11 million copies, becoming one of only seven R&B albums to ever receive a diamond certification from the RIAA, and won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. However, many were shocked when, in the midst of their apparent success, the members of TLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 3, 1995. They declared debts totaling 3.5 million dollars, much of it because of Lopes' insurance payments citing from the Rison arson incident and Watkins' medical bills, but the primary reason being that the three women were each taking home less than $35,000 a year after paying managers, producers, expenses, and taxes. They sought to renegotiate their contract wth LaFace--under their 1991 contract, they only received seven percent of the revenues from their album sales-- and to dissolve their association with Pebbitone. Both Pebbitone and LaFace countered that TLC simply wanted more money and were in no real financial danger, resulting in two years of legal hassles before the cases were finally settled in late 1996. TLC's contract was renegotiated, their production deal with Pebbitone and Pebbles (who had separated from husband L.A. Reid by this time) was rescinded, and the group was set to re-enter the recording studio in 1997. FanMail (1999)Preliminary work on TLC's third album, FanMail, was delayed when friction arose between the group and their main producer Dallas Austin, who was by this time dating Chili and helping to raise their young son Tron. Austin wanted $4 million and creative control to work on the project, resulting in a stand-off between the producer and the artists. During this period, Chili appeared in the independent film HavPlenty and T-Boz recorded the solo single "Touch Myself" for the Fled soundtrack and co-starred in Hype Williams' 1998 film Belly with rappers Nas and DMX. Left-Eye started her own Left-Eye Productions artist development company and signed Blaque, a TLC-like female R&B/hip-hop trio. TLC eventually began working with other producers for the FanMail album, until finally negotiating with Austin, who produced the bulk of FanMail and gave the album a futuristic, more pop-based feel. FanMail was another success for TLC, selling 6 million copies and featuring the US #1 hits "No Scrubs," the first to feature Chili alone on lead vocals, and "Unpretty," an alternative rock-styled song about self-love written by Austin and T-Boz. The videos for both songs were heavily fetured on MTV and BET, and three more singles received decent radio play without the support of a music video: "Silly Ho," "I'm Good At Being Bad," and "Dear Lie" (a video was shot for "Dear Lie," but it only played overseas). Like CrazySexyCool before it, FanMail won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album of 1999. During and after the release of FanMail, Left-Eye made it known to the press on multiple occasions that she felt that she was unable to fully express herself working with TLC and Dallas Austin. Her contributions to the songs had been reduced to periodic eight-bar raps, and studio session singers often took her place on the background vocals for the groups' songs. In its November 28, 1999 issue, Entertainment Weekly ran a letter from Left-Eye that challenged her groupmates to record solo albums and let the fans judge which of the three was the most talented:
The ladies eventually settled the feud, and The Challenge was never followed through. Left-Eye did, however, begin recording her solo album, Supernova. Personal TimeAfter the conclusion of the successful FanMail tour, the ladies took some time off and pursued personal interests. T-Boz married rapper Mack 10 in August 2000, and the couple had a daughter, Chase, that same year. They would remain together until 2004, when T-Boz, stating that Mack-10 frequently terrorized her, filed for separation. In 2000, she released a book entitled Thoughts.., which featured essays and anecdotes from her personal and professional life, and her poetry, including the two poems that were the basis for "Unpretty" and "Dear Lie." She also appeared on the soundtrack for the animated film Rugrats In Paris. Left-Eye did not attend T-Boz's wedding; when she also did not turn up for a scheduled press conference and a family gathering, T-Boz and Chili announced to the press that Left-Eye was missing, in hopes of finding her. For an entire week, no one was able to find or contact her. Her bandmates, family, and label worried until Left-Eye showed up on the August 14, 2000 broadcast of Inside Edition, stating that she and her new boyfriend Sean Newman had gone looking for wedding rings. Left-Eye and Newman eventually called off their wedding, and Left-Eye began dating Andre Rison once again. On June 14, 2001, Rison announced that he and Left-Eye were engaged, but the wedding plans were eventually cancelled. Chili and Dallas Austin separated in 2000, and Chili began a relationship with fellow LaFace recording artist Usher Raymond. The couple's high-profile romance ended in 2003; the breakup was the main subject mater of Usher's Confessions, which became his most successful album. Left-Eye's Solo CareerIn 2000, LaFace released Supernova, but only for international markets. A video was shot for the single "The Block Party" by Hype Williams, but the video, the single, and the album were never released in America, and overseas marketing of the album was only moderate. Perturbed by her label's lack of support, Left-Eye made the album available for listening via streaming audio on her website. In January 2002, she signed a solo deal with notorious label mogul Suge Knight, to record solo albums for his Tha Row Records under the name "N.I.N.A." ("New Identity Non-Applicable," and also slang for a handgun). She was to be marketed with a darker, more dangerous image than that of pop-friendly TLC, but no material was ever released by Tha Row during Left-Eye's lifetime. Since about 2001, Left-Eye had spent most of her time-off in self-discovery, including frequent trips to Honduras for spiritual cleansing. Dallas Austin got TLC back into the studio in early 2002 to begin recording their fourth album, and Left-Eye took her cleansing trips on her free days. On April 25, she and six others were riding through La Cieba in an SUV when Left-Eye suddenly swerved to avoid hitting an oncoming car. The SUV went into a spin and flipped over, rolling into a ditch. Left-Eye was the only passenger not to survive the crash; it was believed that she was not wearing her seat belt. Her funeral was held on May 3, 2002, with thousands of fans and admirers in attendance. 3D (2002)It was decided by TLC and Dallas Austin that they would complete the remainder of their fourth album, to be called 3D, which also featured production from Rodney Jerkins and Missy Elliott & Timbaland. The decision was also made that TLC would be retired after the release and promotion of 3D; Left-Eye would not be replaced. Left-Eye had already completed her vocals for six songs; the remainder were performed by T-Boz and Chilli alone, who gave reverence to Left-Eye on a number of the tracks. The first single for 3D was "Girl Talk," the video for which featured T-Boz and Chili alone in live-action segments and Left-Eye in animated segments. Its follow-up, "Hands Up," featured only T-Boz and Chili in its video. 3D was only a lukewarm success; the album only sold one million copies and "Girl Talk" (US #28) was the only single to reach the US Top 40; "Hands Up" never charted and a third single, "Damaged," made it to #53. TLC went on tour in support of 3D with just T-Boz and Chili. In June 2003, at Zootopia, an annual concert hosted by New York radio station Z100 held at Giants Stadium, TLC appeared in what was announced to be their last performance. The group, introduced by Britney Spears and Carson Daly, showed a video montage dedicated to Lopes, and went on to perform songs against video footage of Lopes performing the same songs, and wearing the same outfits, that were appearing onstage. In 2003, LaFace released Now and Forever: The Hits, a TLC greatest hits album with a new song, "Come Get Some," featuring Lil Jon and Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz. On June 25, 2004, T-Boz and Chili announced that they were pitching a reality television show to Fox Television, where contestants would compete for a chance to record a single and perform in concert with the two of them. Fox passed on the show, which was eventually picked up for development by UPN. TLC was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 28, 2002. Members
DiscographyAlbums
Singles and music videos
All singles had a music video shot for them except for the following: "Silly Ho", "I'm Good At Being Bad", "Damaged", and "Come Get Some". The videos for "Diggin' On You" and "No Scrubs" use remixed or alternate versions of the actual single: "Digin' On You" is presented in "L.A.'s Live Mix", and "No Scrubs" is presented in an alternate version featuring a rap from Left-Eye. "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" had a video shot for both the original version and the remix. References
This page about TLC includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about TLC News stories about TLC External links for TLC Videos for TLC Wikis about TLC Discussion Groups about TLC Blogs about TLC Images of TLC |
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"Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" had a video shot for both the original version and the remix. External links:. The videos for "Diggin' On You" and "No Scrubs" use remixed or alternate versions of the actual single: "Digin' On You" is presented in "L.A.'s Live Mix", and "No Scrubs" is presented in an alternate version featuring a rap from Left-Eye. Vertical Horizon Discography. All singles had a music video shot for them except for the following: "Silly Ho", "I'm Good At Being Bad", "Damaged", and "Come Get Some". In the middle of 2004, the band ended their relationship with RCA. TLC was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 28, 2002. A first single, "I'm Still Here", did moderately well, but faded relatively quickly and with little fanfare. Fox passed on the show, which was eventually picked up for development by UPN. A larger tour started in August, leading up to the release of the album. On June 25, 2004, T-Boz and Chili announced that they were pitching a reality television show to Fox Television, where contestants would compete for a chance to record a single and perform in concert with the two of them. Eventually the band went on a short tour in early 2003, and it was announced that Go would finally be released a year late, in September 2003. In 2003, LaFace released Now and Forever: The Hits, a TLC greatest hits album with a new song, "Come Get Some," featuring Lil Jon and Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz. It seemed everyone at RCA who had worked with the band on Everything You Want was no longer there, and the new employees weren't quite sure what to do with a band that did not quite fit the emerging trends of popular music. The group, introduced by Britney Spears and Carson Daly, showed a video montage dedicated to Lopes, and went on to perform songs against video footage of Lopes performing the same songs, and wearing the same outfits, that were appearing onstage. It was announced that the new album, Go, would be released in September of 2002, but as the date drew closer, it appeared that this would not happen. In June 2003, at Zootopia, an annual concert hosted by New York radio station Z100 held at Giants Stadium, TLC appeared in what was announced to be their last performance. However, some management changes at RCA prevented this. TLC went on tour in support of 3D with just T-Boz and Chili. They then took a break, then came back to the studio to record their follow-up, which they hoped would be released soon enough to take advantage of the huge popularity of Everything You Want. Its follow-up, "Hands Up," featured only T-Boz and Chili in its video. 3D was only a lukewarm success; the album only sold one million copies and "Girl Talk" (US #28) was the only single to reach the US Top 40; "Hands Up" never charted and a third single, "Damaged," made it to #53. The band, which had been touring constantly since the album was released, continued touring until well into 2001. The first single for 3D was "Girl Talk," the video for which featured T-Boz and Chili alone in live-action segments and Left-Eye in animated segments. The fourth single, "Best I Ever Had", was played moderately. Left-Eye had already completed her vocals for six songs; the remainder were performed by T-Boz and Chilli alone, who gave reverence to Left-Eye on a number of the tracks. A third single, "You're a God", also did very well. The decision was also made that TLC would be retired after the release and promotion of 3D; Left-Eye would not be replaced. The second single, "Everything You Want", skyrocketed to the top of the charts, and became one of the most played songs on the radio in 2000. It was decided by TLC and Dallas Austin that they would complete the remainder of their fourth album, to be called 3D, which also featured production from Rodney Jerkins and Missy Elliott & Timbaland. The first single, "We Are", made little impact. Her funeral was held on May 3, 2002, with thousands of fans and admirers in attendance. The band's first effort with RCA was 1999's Everything You Want (RCA re-released the three older albums as well, with new packaging). Left-Eye was the only passenger not to survive the crash; it was believed that she was not wearing her seat belt. There were many more auditions, but they eventually came back to Sean, and he officially joined Vertical Horizon. The SUV went into a spin and flipped over, rolling into a ditch. Ryan had never intended to join the band permanently, so the three other members held auditions for a permanent bass player. Their first audition was Sean Hurley, and everyone liked him immediately. On April 25, she and six others were riding through La Cieba in an SUV when Left-Eye suddenly swerved to avoid hitting an oncoming car. Their wishes came true, and the band was signed to RCA Records. Dallas Austin got TLC back into the studio in early 2002 to begin recording their fourth album, and Left-Eye took her cleansing trips on her free days. Also, by this time, the band was explicit in their intent to find a major record label; band members have said that it was no accident that the first track of Live Stages opens with the sounds of a large cheering audience. Since about 2001, Left-Eye had spent most of her time-off in self-discovery, including frequent trips to Honduras for spiritual cleansing. Live Stages signaled a departure from the original acoustic guitar-based music, and featured heavy emphasis on electric guitar. She was to be marketed with a darker, more dangerous image than that of pop-friendly TLC, but no material was ever released by Tha Row during Left-Eye's lifetime. This featured Matt, Keith, and Ed, as well as Ryan Fisher on bass. In January 2002, she signed a solo deal with notorious label mogul Suge Knight, to record solo albums for his Tha Row Records under the name "N.I.N.A." ("New Identity Non-Applicable," and also slang for a handgun). In 1997, a live album, Live Stages, was released. Perturbed by her label's lack of support, Left-Eye made the album available for listening via streaming audio on her website. More touring followed, and soon Matt and Keith were joined by Ed Toth on drums. A video was shot for the single "The Block Party" by Hype Williams, but the video, the single, and the album were never released in America, and overseas marketing of the album was only moderate. Guests included members of Jackopierce, as well as Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band on drums. In 2000, LaFace released Supernova, but only for international markets. The resulting album, Running on Ice, again had Matt and Keith playing acoustic guitar and singing, but with the addition of other guest musicians to play other instruments. The couple's high-profile romance ended in 2003; the breakup was the main subject mater of Usher's Confessions, which became his most successful album. By 1995, they were ready to record again. Chili and Dallas Austin separated in 2000, and Chili began a relationship with fellow LaFace recording artist Usher Raymond. Matt and Keith toured for several years after this, mostly appearing with similar bands such as Jackopierce. On June 14, 2001, Rison announced that he and Left-Eye were engaged, but the wedding plans were eventually cancelled. Both also contributed to writing all the songs, and both sang. Left-Eye and Newman eventually called off their wedding, and Left-Eye began dating Andre Rison once again. There and Back Again was recorded in Matt's old high school over a period of a few days, and Matt and Keith together played all the instruments appearing on the album, though they both mostly played acoustic guitar. Her bandmates, family, and label worried until Left-Eye showed up on the August 14, 2000 broadcast of Inside Edition, stating that she and her new boyfriend Sean Newman had gone looking for wedding rings. The acoustic rock band Vertical Horizon was formed in 1990 by Georgetown University undergrads Matthew Scannell and Keith Kane; after graduation in 1991 the duo relocated to Boston and, in 1992, self-released their debut album There and Back Again. For an entire week, no one was able to find or contact her. liberty.alphaquam.com : Liberty, a fan message board. Left-Eye did not attend T-Boz's wedding; when she also did not turn up for a scheduled press conference and a family gathering, T-Boz and Chili announced to the press that Left-Eye was missing, in hopes of finding her. www.verticalhorizon.com : Official site. In 2000, she released a book entitled Thoughts.., which featured essays and anecdotes from her personal and professional life, and her poetry, including the two poems that were the basis for "Unpretty" and "Dear Lie." She also appeared on the soundtrack for the animated film Rugrats In Paris. 2003 - Go. They would remain together until 2004, when T-Boz, stating that Mack-10 frequently terrorized her, filed for separation. 1999 - Everything You Want. T-Boz married rapper Mack 10 in August 2000, and the couple had a daughter, Chase, that same year. 1997 - Live Stages. After the conclusion of the successful FanMail tour, the ladies took some time off and pursued personal interests. 1995 - Running on Ice. Left-Eye did, however, begin recording her solo album, Supernova. 1992 - There and Back Again. The ladies eventually settled the feud, and The Challenge was never followed through. In its November 28, 1999 issue, Entertainment Weekly ran a letter from Left-Eye that challenged her groupmates to record solo albums and let the fans judge which of the three was the most talented:. Her contributions to the songs had been reduced to periodic eight-bar raps, and studio session singers often took her place on the background vocals for the groups' songs. During and after the release of FanMail, Left-Eye made it known to the press on multiple occasions that she felt that she was unable to fully express herself working with TLC and Dallas Austin. Like CrazySexyCool before it, FanMail won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album of 1999. The videos for both songs were heavily fetured on MTV and BET, and three more singles received decent radio play without the support of a music video: "Silly Ho," "I'm Good At Being Bad," and "Dear Lie" (a video was shot for "Dear Lie," but it only played overseas). FanMail was another success for TLC, selling 6 million copies and featuring the US #1 hits "No Scrubs," the first to feature Chili alone on lead vocals, and "Unpretty," an alternative rock-styled song about self-love written by Austin and T-Boz. TLC eventually began working with other producers for the FanMail album, until finally negotiating with Austin, who produced the bulk of FanMail and gave the album a futuristic, more pop-based feel. Left-Eye started her own Left-Eye Productions artist development company and signed Blaque, a TLC-like female R&B/hip-hop trio. During this period, Chili appeared in the independent film HavPlenty and T-Boz recorded the solo single "Touch Myself" for the Fled soundtrack and co-starred in Hype Williams' 1998 film Belly with rappers Nas and DMX. Austin wanted $4 million and creative control to work on the project, resulting in a stand-off between the producer and the artists. Preliminary work on TLC's third album, FanMail, was delayed when friction arose between the group and their main producer Dallas Austin, who was by this time dating Chili and helping to raise their young son Tron. Reid by this time) was rescinded, and the group was set to re-enter the recording studio in 1997. TLC's contract was renegotiated, their production deal with Pebbitone and Pebbles (who had separated from husband L.A. Both Pebbitone and LaFace countered that TLC simply wanted more money and were in no real financial danger, resulting in two years of legal hassles before the cases were finally settled in late 1996. They sought to renegotiate their contract wth LaFace--under their 1991 contract, they only received seven percent of the revenues from their album sales-- and to dissolve their association with Pebbitone. They declared debts totaling 3.5 million dollars, much of it because of Lopes' insurance payments citing from the Rison arson incident and Watkins' medical bills, but the primary reason being that the three women were each taking home less than $35,000 a year after paying managers, producers, expenses, and taxes. However, many were shocked when, in the midst of their apparent success, the members of TLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 3, 1995. CrazySexyCool eventually sold over 11 million copies, becoming one of only seven R&B albums to ever receive a diamond certification from the RIAA, and won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. The album instead focused more on T-Boz's and Chili's contributions and a smoother, more fluid sound, similar to the most successful single from the first album, the US #2 hit "Baby-Baby-Baby." All four singles from Crazysexycool reached the Billboard Top 5, including "Red Light Special," "Diggin' On You," and the #1 hits "Creep" and "Waterfalls." "Waterfalls," an Organized-Noise produced record that featured an old-school soul-based musical arrangement, socially conscious lyrics criticizing drug dealing and unsafe sex, and an introspective rap from Left-Eye, became TLC's biggest hit ever, and its million-dollar music video—at that time the most expensive ever—was an MTV staple for many months. Left-Eye was released from rehab to attend the recording sessions, but the finished album featured significantly less of her vocals. TLC re-entered the studio with Dallas Austin, Dupri, Babyface, Organized Noise, and Sean "Puffy" Combs to record their second album, CrazySexyCool, during the fall of 1994. Rison eventually reconciled with Left-Eye, and they continued dating on-and-off for most of the next few years. Left-Eye was eventually arrested for and indicted on charges of first-degree arson; she was sentenced to five years of probation and required to enter alcoholism rehabilitation. Although firefighters were called to the scene, the house could not be saved, because of the toxic fumes from the gasoline. The Plexiglas bathtub quickly melted and set the structural frame of the house on fire. After another fight between Left-Eye and Rison in the early morning hours of June 9, 1994, Left-Eye, tipsy from alcohol, tossed numerous pairs of Rison's newly purchased sneakers into a bathtub, doused them with gasoline, and lit them on fire. Left-Eye was also battling alcoholism, having been a heavy drinker since her early teen years. Their relationship was allegedly filled with violent moments, and Left-Eye filed an assault charge against Rison on September 2, 1993, although Rison later denied battering her. On the TLC Tip, and the two were by 1994 living together in Rison's upscale double-story home. Left-Eye had started dating Atlanta Falcons American football player Andre Rison shortly after the release of Ooooooohhh... In 1993, TLC played the musical group "Sex as a Weapon" in the New Line Cinema film House Party 3, starring Kid 'n Play. Pebbles released the group from its management deal, but they remained signed to Pebbitone, and Pebbles continued to receive a share of their earnings. At the conclusion of the tour, TLC decided to take more control of their careers and thus informed Pebbles that they no longer wished her to be their manager. T-Boz would continue to battle her condition, and eventually became a spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America in the late 1990s. During TLC's first national tour as Hammer's opening act, the other bandmembers discovered that T-Boz had sickle-cell anemia, an aliment which she kept a closely-guarded secret until she became ill while TLC was touring the southwestern United States. The musical formula was augmented by the girls' brightly-colored videos and curious costuming: each girl wore unwrapped condoms on their clothing (Left-Eye also wore one in a pair of glasses over her left eye), apparently advocating contraception. TLC's lyrics, chiefly written by Left-Eye and Dallas Austin, were playful, female-empowering anthems characterized by Left-Eye's quirky, nasal-toned raps, T-Boz's low-voiced lead vocals, and Chili's powerful vocals and harmonization. The songs on the album were a blend between hip-hop and R&B, similar to the "new jack swing" sound popularized by producer Teddy Riley in the late-1980s; TLC's sound was dubbed "new jill swing." The album was a success, going double-platinum in a year's time and launching a number of US Billboard Top Ten singles: "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," "Hat 2 Da Back," "What About your Friends," and "Baby-Baby-Baby.". On the TLC Tip, was released in February 1992 by LaFace. The first TLC album, Ooooooohhh... Therefore, when Thomas joined, the girls were given nicknames: Watkins became "T-Boz", Lopes "Left-Eye," and Thomas "Chili.". Besides being an acronym for "tender loving care", the name "TLC" was based upon the first names of the original members of the group: Tionne, Lisa, and Crystal. Reid & Babyface, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, and Marley Marl to produce their first album. The girls were signed to LaFace through a production deal with Pebbitone (with Pebbles taking the role of the group's manager), and almost immediately went into the studio with producers L.A. Reid was impressed with Watkins and Lopes, but felt that Jones should be replaced; within a few months, former Damian Dame backup dancer Rosanda Thomas was brought in to replace Jones. L.A. Impressed by the girls, Pebbles renamed the group "TLC" and arranged an audition for the group with local record label LaFace Records, run by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Pebbles' husband, Antonio "L.A." Reid. 2nd Nature eventually managed to arrange an audition with R&B singer Peri Reid, professionally known as "Pebbles," who had started her own management and production company, Pebbitone. Her request was eventually answered by Tionne Watkins, a native of Des Moines, Iowa who moved to Atlanta with her family at an early age, and Lisa Lopes, a rapper and singer who had just moved to the city from her native Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with only a keyboard and $750. In 1991, Atlanta teenager Crystal Jones put out a call for two more girls to join her in a hip-hop/R&B group to be called "2nd Nature". However, the group was just as noted for its controversy as it was for its success. Over a decade of activity and four studio albums, TLC currently holds the title of being the best-selling R&B girl-group of all time, selling 22 million albums, scoring four #1 hits, and crossing over successfully to pop audiences. Before signing to LaFace Records through a production deal with R&B singer Peri "Pebbles" Reid, the group's name was changed to "TLC," and Crystal Jones was replaced by Rozonda "Chili" Thomas. Originally called 2nd Nature, the group was founded in Atlanta, Georgia by Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Crystal Jones. TLC was a hugely successful R&B and hip-hop group that was active from 1991 until 2003. Our Georgia History: Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes (http://www.ourgeorgiahistory.com/chronpop/501). Our Georgia History: TLC (http://www.ourgeorgiahistory.com/chronpop/1327). "Does Going 'Broke' Mean Artist Really Doesn't Have Any Money?" (http://mbhs.bergtraum.k12.ny.us/cybereng/nyt/rapper01.htm) by Anita Samuels and Diana Henriques, February 5, 1996. 2004: "Come Get Some" (featuring Lil Jon and Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz). 2003: "Damaged" (US #53). 2002: "Hands Up". 2002: "Girl Talk" (US #28). 2000: "What It Ain't (Ghetto Enuff)" (Goodie Mob featuring TLC). 2000: "Dear Lie" (US #51). 1999: "Unpretty" (US #1) (a remix sampling of Dennis Edwards' "Don't Look Any Further" was issued to urban markets instead of the original version). 1999: "I'm Good At Being Bad". 1999: "No Scrubs" (US #1). 1998: "Silly Ho" (US #59). 1995: "Waterfalls" (US #1). 1995: "Diggin' On You" (US #5). 1994: "Red Light Special" (US #2). 1994: "Creep" (US #1). 1993: "Hat 2 Da Back" (US #30). 1993: "Get It Up" (US #42). 1992: "What About Your Friends" (US #7). 1992: "Sleigh Ride". 1992: "Baby-Baby-Baby" (US #2). 1991: "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" (US #6) (a 1992 remix features the first appearance of OutKast). 2003: Now and Forever: The Hits. 2002: 3D. 1999: FanMail. 1994: CrazySexyCool. On the TLC Tip. 1992: Ooooooohhh... Cheryl Jones (1991). Rozonda "Chili" Thomas (1991–2003). Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes (1991–2002). Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (1991–2003). |