TLC is one of the most famous female rap groups of the 1990s of the XX century. The group is notable for its musical experiments. The genres in which she performed, in addition to hip-hop, include rhythm and blues. Since the beginning of the 1990s, this group has made itself known with high-profile singles and albums, which were sold in millions of copies in the United States, Europe and Australia. The last release was in 2017.
The beginning of the creative path of TLC
TLC was originally conceived as a typical production project. American producer Ian Burke and Crystal Jones had a common idea - to create a female trio that would combine a combination of modern popular music and soul of the 1970s. The genres are based on hip-hop, funk.
Jones organized a casting, as a result of which two girls got into the group: Tionne Watkins and Lisa Lopez. Both of them joined Krystal - it turned out to be a trio, which began to create the first test recordings in accordance with the selected images. However, after an audition with Antonio Reid, who was the head of a major record company, Jones left the group. According to her, this was due to the fact that she did not want to blindly sign a contract with the producer. According to another version, Reid decided that she fit into the trio and offered to find a replacement for her.
TLC's first album
Cristal was replaced by Rozonda Thomas, and all three were signed to the Pebbitone label. The group was engaged in a number of producers, together with whom work began on the first album. Subsequently, it was called Ooooooohhh and was released in February 1992.
The release was a significant success and quickly received "gold" and then "platinum" certification. In many ways, this effect was achieved by the correct distribution of roles. And it's not just about producers and songwriters. The fact is that each girl in the group represented her own genre. Tionne was responsible for the funk, Lisa rapped, and Rozonda showed the R&B style.
After that, the team received a stunning commercial success, which did not make the life of the girls cloudless. The first problem was internal conflicts between performers and producers. Despite a significant number of concerts, insignificant fees were paid to the participants. The result was that the girls changed managers, but still had a contract with Pebbitone.
At the same time, Lopez struggled with a strong alcohol addiction, which caused many problems. In 1994, she set fire to her ex-boyfriend's house. The house burned down, and the singer appeared before the court, which ordered her to pay significant compensation. This money had to be given to the whole group together. Nevertheless, the group's commercial success, as well as its popularity, continued to increase.
At the peak of glory
The second release of Crazy Sexy Cool was released in 1994, the production staff of which was completely transferred from the debut album. Such cooperation again led to an impressive result - the album sold well, the girls were invited to all kinds of TV shows, TLC concerts were organized in several countries.
The group got into all sorts of tops with the new album. To date, the release has been certified diamond. Several singles from the album topped the world charts for many weeks. The album was successful.
The videos filmed for the release deserve special attention. The Waterfalls video clip (with a budget of more than $1 million) received several prestigious awards in the video production industry. Thanks to the album, the TLC group won two Grammy awards at once.
By 1995, the trio had become very popular, but this did not solve the previous problems. Liza, as before, had problems with alcohol, and in the middle of the year the girls declared themselves bankrupt. They attributed it to Lopez's debt (the one the band paid for the girlfriend's burning someone else's house). And also with the costs in connection with the treatment of Watkins (in connection with the disease, diagnosed in childhood, she regularly needed medical attention).
In addition, the singers said that they receive ten times less than it was originally envisaged. The label responded that the girls don't have the financial problems they talk about and called it a desire to get more money. Litigation lasted for a year. As a result, the contract was terminated, and the group bought the TLC trademark.
A little later, the contract was re-signed. However, this time already on those conditions that were more suitable for the performers. Left Eye (Lopez) began to simultaneously engage in solo work and write a number of hits with famous rap and R&B artists of the time.
Group conflicts
The team started recording the third studio release, but here they have new troubles. This time there was a conflict with producer Dallas Austin. He demanded complete obedience to his requirements and wanted to have the last word when it came to the creative process. This did not suit the singers, which eventually led to a disagreement.
Lopez created her own successful Blaque project, which became popular in the late 1990s. The album sold well. And Left Eye has now become famous not only as a performer, but also as an excellent producer.
Due to controversy, the third Fan Mail release did not come out until 1999. Despite this delay (four years have passed since the release of the second disc), the record was very popular, securing the status of one of the most popular female groups for the trio.
As after the previous success, there were regular failures after the new one. A conflict has matured within the team, mainly related to dissatisfaction with the roles within the team. Lopez was unhappy that she only rapped, while she would like to record full-fledged vocal parts. As a result, she planned to release a solo album. But due to the unsuccessful single The Block Party, it was not released in the United States.
Further work of the group
Lisa's debut solo album turned out to be a "failure". She decided not to give up and set to work on the second disc. But his release was never destined to take place. April 25, 2002 Lopez died in a car accident.
Rosanda and Tionne after some time decided to release the last, fourth release of "3D". On several tracks you can also hear the voice of Left Eye. The album was released at the end of 2002 and proved to be commercially successful. The girls decided to continue their career as a duo. Over the next 15 years, they only released individual songs, participated in various concerts and TV shows. Only in 2017 did the fifth final release "TLC" (of the same name) come out.
It was released on the singer's own label, with no major label support. Funds were collected by fans of creativity, as well as famous stars of the American scene. In just two days after the announcement of the fundraiser, more than $150 was raised.
In addition to full-fledged releases, the band has also released a number of recordings from live performances and compilations. The last album was released in 2013.
