Post by Journey2herpast on Jul 14, 2005 10:17:14 GMT -5
Sometimes referred to as "New Jill Swing." Atlanta-based hip-hop/R&B trio TLC formed as the female equivelent to the "New Jack Swing" sound of the early '90s. Assembled by successful singer/producer Pebbles, the group comprised Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.
Their 1992 debut album on LaFace Records, Oooooohhh... On The TLC Tip, was a immediate success with its blend of T-Boz's lead vocals, Chilli's harmonies and Left-Eye's raps. " Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," "What About Your Freinds" and "Baby-Baby-Baby" all became Top 10 hits. In addition, the group's liberated feminist mentality and in-your-face sexuality brought them raves, respect and controversy, further fueled by their penchant for using brightly colored condoms as fashion accessonies.
Shortly before the release of their second album, CrazySexyCool, in 1994, Left-Eye made headlines by herself when she was arressted for burning down the house of her boyfreind, football player Andre Rison. The incident didn't hinder sales of CrazySexyCool as the record would eventually sell over 11 million copies. Feauring a more mature, laid-back sound, the album spawned three number one singles, "Creep," "Red Light Special" and "Waterfalls," and earned TLC two Grammys in 1996.
After a two-year hiatus, during which Lopes endured the fallout from her relationship with Rison, Watkins went public wit her battle of seickle-cell anemia and Thomas gave birth to a son, the trio returned in 1999 wit FanMail.