Digging Into the Legacy of TLC’s ‘CrazySexyCool’ (30 Year Anniversary) 

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On November 15, 1994, an all-girl R&B trio released their sophomore album, ‘CrazySexyCool’. Their vibe took the world by storm, and 30 years on, we revisit the record that made TLC a global phenomenon.

How TLC came together

In 1990, a record producer had an idea to put together the all-female version of the new jack swing group Bell Biv DeVoe. Through a circuitous route, three singers were signed, sealed, and given apt nicknames. These were Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. Backed by powerhouse producers Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, they released their debut album ‘Ooooooohhh… On The TLC Tip’ in 1992, a fun, goofy, and moderately successful collection. It served as a deceiving appetiser, as the group went back to the studio in search of a more mature and defining identity.

‘CrazySexyCool’ epitomised all facets of TLC. Individually, it was easy to pigeonhole each artiste into the album name’s respective descriptors. But this record was also aspirational. The project was a desire to merge their strengths into a potent cocktail that would propel the trio into their next era.

The Rebirth of R&B Cool

Revisiting the album, it’s jarring to hear that the first introduction of the group isn’t even from the group themselves. ‘Intro-lude’ sees Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest priming listeners on what’s to come, as if there’s still male doubt over female artistry. If so, the men needn’t have worried. ‘CrazySexyCool’ would sell 23 million copies worldwide and became the second biggest LP ever by an American girl group. On re-listen, it’s clear the record is built on the foundation of four songs. These act as pillars to the project’s success. ‘Creep’ opens with a now-iconic late-night horn riff that lays the road on which T-Boz’s low, slinky tone would slither on. That theme would continue on ‘Diggin’ On You’ and ‘Red Light Special’. The two singles that leaned heavily into Babyface’s seductive R&B signatures.

None of them, however, experienced the headlining boom of ‘Waterfalls’. A cautionary tale on drug abuse and a snapshot of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the track utilised a kick-ass bass beat and spacious production from OutKast producers Organized Noize. It would top the Billboard charts for seven weeks straight and become their 4th Platinum hit in the US. Aside from an expensive music video shot in the same location as ‘Jaws’, it also contained a memorable Lopes verse that is impeccably written and rapped. The song cemented TLC as the vanguard of a rising mainstream R&B sound in the 1990s that included En Vogue and SWV. 

TLC’s Conflicted Legacy

Left Eye’s ‘Waterfalls’ rap also punctuates a surprising observation of the album: she is conspicuously absent on most of ‘CrazySexyCool’. Caught in a sea of substance abuse and a volatile relationship, the rapper was unable to attend most recordings. As a result, a vacuum of her incisive and poetic raps is felt throughout.

Another examination of the record reveals a giant lack of TLC’s own songwriting. While they were present on some tracks, most of R&B’s biggest producing names took the reins. The absence of creative control would taint ‘CrazySexyCool’. The group would later file for bankruptcy and accused their label of pocketing most of the project’s earnings. While the case was settled, the group would be forever altered. This was due to the death of Lopes, who passed away in a car accident in 2002.

While TLC continues to operate as a duo, the legacy of the album isn’t just measured in the millions. Instead, their influence can be seen in the path they forged for others. This includes Destiny’s Child, All Saints, Spice Girls, and the numerous all-girl K-pop groups charting their course right now. ‘CrazySexyCool’ has become the all-encompassing chi and vision for TLC’s successors, and their musical synthesis looks to have stood the test of time.  

TLC is on Instagram and X. Stream the album below and read more anniversary pieces here.

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