As TLC, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas earned the title of the best-selling American female group of all time with their long string of platinum hits, including “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs,” but how well do you know the trio’s discography? Here’s a rundown of their best songs that aren’t as well-known as their smashes.
“His Story”
From: Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip (1992)Partly inspired by Tawana Brawley, an African-American teenager who alleged in 1987 that four white men had raped her, “His Story” is a tale about toxic masculinity and the women whose sexual assault and harassment allegations are too easily dismissed by society.
“This Is How It Should Be Done”
From: Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip (1992)
Left Eye takes us back to the beginning on “This Is How It Should Be Done,” recalling her journey from Philadelphia to Atlanta, where she arrived with $750 and a keyboard, met T-Boz and Chilli and auditioned for LaFace to become the “L” of TLC. They get bonus points for sampling the Impressions’ R&B hit “We’re a Winner” and doing it justice.
“Depend on Myself”
From: Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip (1992)
On the set’s penultimate track, the threesome boast about being independent and in control of their own lives after some trifling dude tries desperately to win them over by promising to take care of them financially.
“Kick Your Game”
From: CrazySexyCool (1994)
Fellas, if you thought about stepping to T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli back in the day, you had to bring your A-game and come with something more clever than just your name. TLC’s chemistry is undeniable on “Kick Your Game,” and it’s one of the few instances where Jermaine Dupriand the trio join forces to create a funky groove for the ages, making it a highlight on CrazySexyCool, which ended up selling over 14 million units worldwide.
“Case of the Fake People”
From: CrazySexyCool (1994)
Taking influences from the O’Jays’ 1972 smash hit “Back Stabbers,” TLC’s “Case of the Fake People” is a classy send-off to all the opportunists out there, and it comes with a certain level of wisdom that’s expected on a sophomore project.
A Royal Point of View 