TLC‘s status as one of the greatest girl-groups of all-time is undeniable.
However, disaster, dodgy decisions, and dodgier business deals have plagued the trio from their debut right up until today.
It’s an unfortunate trajectory for a Grammy winning ensemble, yet one that continues to be the reality of TLC.
Because, in a shocking move, today has seen surviving members Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins and Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas launch a Kickstarter campaign which asks fans to help them fund the recording of their final album.
Full story below…
Insisting that they’re not strapped for cash, the ladies instead tout the campaign as the perfect way of getting “our fans getting involved.”
T-Boz explained in the statement:
“At this point we’ve got the fans who have been with us since day one. With this album on Kickstarter we can bring them all together as our collaborators. I can’t think of a better way to create our last album.”
Minimum donations start $5, which immediately awards donors an instant-grat track. As is routine with such campaigns, the “rewards” get more alluring the more one contributes. VIP concert tickets, a spot in a fitness class with Chilli or some of T-Boz’s costumes are just some of the incentives given to encourage higher hand-outs.
The campaign will reportedly go live today, something the duo’s official social media accounts have begun teasing:
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With all due respect, this is a mucky, smelly mess.
An act with TLC’s talent and success narrative should not be reduced to asking fans for money. Because, whichever way it’s diced, sliced, or spiced, that is exactly what they’re doing here.
In all fairness to the group, it’s clear “something” went down following the airing of their VH1 biopic in 2013. Many will recall that they re-signed with L.A Reid, this time under Epic Records, and released a greatest hits compilation which was billed a prelude to a new full-length album. All went eerily quiet, though, once Reid’s ex wife (and the group’s former manager) Pebbles took public aim at them for her depiction in the movie. Suffice to say, the ladies are no longer with Epic.
Still, in an industry where “perception is everything”, thinly-veiled requests for money only serve to dent the TLC legacy.
Like, is a “final album” even necessary? Their discography is almost flawless as it is and there are many things T-Boz and Chilli could and should be doing in the industry that could help elongate their careers. Presenting and creating new groups being immediate examples. And if indeed an album is what they desire, then why not take a cue from SWV and use the vehicle of reality TV?
This just feels like an unfortunate and unnecessary chapter in a story that’s already compelling as it is.
That said, we’ll readily eat crow and support the music if the ladies pull “it” off, but we’re not holding our breath.
I think there at a point like “We Don’t Really Wanna Waste Our Time & Money To Flop” So Yall gonna Have to Pay Us For It lol
Imma make you Beg for it!!
ew.
This is not a good look. Especially in this day and age where your worth is based on relevancy and how much money you have. These kids will not support you if they can’t look up to you and be proud of you.TLC fans are busy being grown ups. It’s sad but blacks only support when you are hot and then drop you when you are not. Which sucks cause black artists have it the hardest.
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Wow, I’m surprised record label deals aren’t trying to throw offers at them. This is sad and shocking. Smh. So beneath them I would think. Smh.
You don’t f**** with Rihanna. I hope that’s a lesson to everybody. #BajanMagic
Shut up! They are one of the Best Selling Female Groups of all time and their music is ICONIC I say no more
Preach sis!
You totally missed the point of the reality of what these stars have to deal with. Nothing to do with Rihanna.
They should just tour. Kids are not interested in new music by 35+ year old(s)… Its just a sad time in the music world today. Hope things go well for them
Damn, this is sad! Didn’t grow up on TLC but I think their discography is amazing. The truth is, no one from the younger generation is checking for them like that as their fanbase lies primarily within the 30 and above demographic. Sam is right, this will definitely put a dent on their legacy. Plus, when a lotta these young kids see stuff like this, they will clown them mercilessly as they are not aware of the impact they’ve made in music and pop culture. Wish them luck though.
Lord what’s next Beyonce will stop paying to be nominated at the grammys
this is sad…..you gotta learn manage ur money. TLC have sold more records than the likes of RiTA ORA, they ar one of the biggest groups of all time. They have diamond albums. Rita does not… Rita is multimillionaire in terms of liquid and assets. That why she gets the last laugh. What is the point of selling 100 million records and winning grammy’s but ending up broke.
Fukin hell what has Rita got to do with TLC I knew you would comment. How’s Rita she had her 5 c**** a day yet
You don’t know if that rumor is true,but we do know TLC is broke!
Are you Rita’s personal banker
the Headline is HILARIOUS! LOL however i love my TLC and would love to her new music from them, times have changed however people get there music out there, more power to them
Let’s be real here. TLC has been done since 2002.
U came for rihanna…….ypu cant have my coins sis………
Why are people so quick to criticize them and not the people who continue to make money off of them and steal from them? F*** LA Reid greedy ass. I want to hear their version of Posh Life so bad!
So,they didn’t make any money from the TV movie? Why should people have to donate and then turn around and buy the album? The Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child would never!Aren’t they on epic? What is LA doing? So many questions lol! Flops or not,every former member of TSG and DC3 & DC4 CAN AFFORD TO FINANCE their albums! What’s the point of being #2 bestselling girl group of all time, when you made 10% total of what you earned lol and you’re still broke!
Instead of LA Reid wasting money on Ciara’s THIRD flop. He should be reinventing TLC, and funding their album. That’s the least he could do after what his wife did to them.
This is a bad… Not a good look at all
Sam just stfu u queen. Did u vet this b4 u posted this SHYT!!!!???
I hope it’s not true but,c’mon once Lisa Lefteye Lopes died they should of put that group to rest back in 2002-2003 they are doing nothing more but just embarrassing there legacy at this point.If Lisa was still alive this would’ve never happen because she was the very smart and more popular one,out of the group,she did alot of the creating and so fourth,the other two also had a slight hand at decision making but the person to give the last go ahead was Lisa, It reminds me of the saying You were once great with me but now that I’m gone you can’t do s*** without me. I guess there was an underlying when she said TLC is forever. Basically reading between the lines of once I’m gone. Everything is gone the group,popularity,creativity, gone. They are iconic legends with a great legacy and by going this route they are f****** it up, Lefteye is rolling over in her grave,they just need to let it go.
Lol it’s sad but I’m sorry I’ve never been a TLC fan but I purchased an album when “Left Eye” past away & it’s alright not my style of Destiny’s Child releases a new Album I’M THERE FOR IT!!
They just don’t want to spend their own money. This is a bunch of crap.
This is so sad. I was/still am a HUGE TLC fan. It’s no secret that money hasn’t ALWAYS been an issue with them. I do think a new TLC album would be nice. They could make the album cover and music videos with cartoons (like the band Gorillaz) and use unheard Left Eye vocals, however, with album sales as low as they are, I can’t do anything but wish them well.
smh goodBYE not going to get my coins again smh.. they already said on the Breakfast Club that they can’t even get Left Eye’s unreleased raps on their tracks because Lisa’s estate won’t give them the rights… so what’s the point. I am rooting for them, but honestly I don’t think this is a good idea.
TLC is being enough to go at least a theatre or arena tour. You got burned, once again, signing with LA Reid, AGAIN.
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You didn’t learn the last time and you didn’t learn again.
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Anyway the best recommendation I can make is a tour or vegas gig, their name is big enough for that.
Holy s*** this is embarrassing.
Dang!! I’m my baby’s voice, “that is fusched up”.
Spice Girls performed at the Olympics
Destiny’s Child performed at the Super Bowl
TLC are greedy and too lazy to go independant.
If you really were all about the music, just drop an online EP / mixtape!
They don’t have to beg with me. I donated. I ‘m gonna get something out of it. Reality tv. That has not helped SWV. Actually it has helped very few. (Tamar and k Michelle- who struggling sinew artists).
Watch other artist are gonna start doing it. S*** T&C have already reach $43k.
Are u gonna report on that GrapeJuice….
Sips grape tea…..