The Unforgettable Rise of TLC: The Story Behind America’s Greatest Girl Group

Inside the Iconic Journey of TLC, America’s Greatest Girl Group

TLC had no idea Prince would introduce them at the MTV 1999 Video Music Awards, calling them his “favorite group” before their live performance. TLC singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas recalls, “We were shocked, just like when he surprised us on our ‘FanMail’ tour in New York by popping out on stage with his guitar.”

Though many years have passed since their unforgettable performance of “No Scrubs” at the VMAs, TLC’s hits like “Waterfalls,” “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “Unpretty,” and “Creep” remain timeless. Formed in Atlanta in 1990 as a female counterpart to Bell Biv DeVoe, TLC went on to sell over 65 million records worldwide, surpassing their male inspiration.

The final lineup of TLC featured singers Chilli, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, and rapper Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. The group’s journey was marked by the tragic death of Lopes in a car accident in 2002 at age 30. TLC’s story has been recounted in the 2013 VH1 biopic and the 2023 documentary “TLC Forever,” which highlights their influence on artists like Questlove and Dave Grohl.

After taking a break, Chilli and T-Boz returned to touring in 2015, solidifying TLC’s place alongside The Supremes, Spice Girls, and Blackpink as one of the greatest girl groups in history.

Why TLC’s Music Endures

When asked why TLC’s music still resonates, Chilli explained, “It’s the lyrics—what we sing about is relatable over time—and the beat is fun. When you have a catchy beat and lyrics that connect, you have something special.”

Prince’s Praise

Having Prince call TLC his favorite group was an unforgettable moment. “It was amazing,” Chilli said. “The fact that someone like him thought we were his favorite meant a lot.”

Musical Inspirations

Growing up in Columbus, Georgia, Chilli was influenced by a range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and Elton John. She fondly remembers exposing her son to diverse music genres, even jazz with Kenny G.

Behind the Scenes of “Waterfalls”

Chilli shared a fun memory from the filming of the “Waterfalls” music video. She disliked wearing heavy makeup, often wiping it off halfway through filming. Shooting the video at Universal Studios, where parts of “Jaws” were filmed, was both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for T-Boz, who couldn’t swim.

TLC’s Unbreakable Bond

Unlike other groups, TLC never replaced Lisa after her passing. “No one could ever fill Lisa’s shoes,” Chilli emphasized. “Replacing her was never an option because TLC is just the three of us.”

Creating the Hit “No Scrubs”

The first time Chilli heard the track for “No Scrubs,” she knew it was a hit. “I heard the opening riff and knew I had to record it,” she said. Despite the song’s immense success and over a billion streams on Spotify, Chilli admits she never expected it to become such a lasting anthem.

TLC’s music continues to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide, proving that the group’s impact on pop culture is as strong as ever.