Today, From The Vault journeys back to the early 90’s with the debut single from the best selling girl-group of all time. It’s TLC and their in-your-face anthem ‘Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg.’
Released at the end of 1991, ‘Beg’ was produced by the band’s most fervent collaborator, Mr Dallas Austin, and written by the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
An instructional anthem of sorts, the song urges women not to be afraid of being sexual beings, no matter how much society wants to villainize it. 20 years ago that was pretty envelope-pushing.
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Lionel C. Martin directed the super-loud video which displays the band in all its crazy-glory. Cross-colors, baggy clothing, and most importantly what became the ladies signature: they can be seen wearing condoms on their clothes.
The confidence and passion that the trio exude make it hard to believe that it was their first ever music video.
At a time when we’re still mourning the demise of Danity Kane and when groups like Little Mix are – from our vantage point – doing their best yet not enough, we can’t help but feel nostalgic about the good ole days when girl-groups were ruling the charts.
With a crowd-funded album on the way and a bevy of “current” producers on board, it seems TLC is ready to give the world that blend of crazy, sexy and cool that made them a Pop Culture fixture for the ages.
