Keep it CrazySexyCool: The essential TLC playlist

When TLC first came on to the scene back in 1992, their first single “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” was peak ‘90s R&B era with the song production and fashion sense. Their style was filled with baggy clothes, big hats, and bold colors, proving that was a group that could always make a statement. This single was the group's introduction to the music world and showcased how a group could work with two vocalists and an MC.

On the group’s sophomore album CrazySexyCool, the ladies returned with a more mature sound and fashion style while keeping their authenticity. The album’s first single “Creep” gives a woman’s perspective about learning about her lover’s infidelity, and ultimately cheating back on them to fulfill her own needs. The hit song earned TLC a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

One of the group’s most popular songs is the lead single “No Scrubs,” from their third album Fanmail. Produced by Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs, and written alongside Xscape members Kandi Burrus and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, "No Scrubs" reflects on dealing with men who can’t live up to their standards or potential. 

Left-Eye’s life was tragically cut short in 2002, and some people questioned whether the group would be able to sustain after her loss. The group decided to drop their fourth album 3D a few months after her passing. The album’s lead single “Girl Talk” was a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

After Left-Eye's passing in 2002, TLC continued to perform shows, but they didn't release a new album until 15 years later. In 2017, the group teamed up with hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg on their single “Way Back.” The track finds them reflecting on seeing an ex-lover and wanting to rekindle the relationship again.

Typically when artists release Christmas songs, they typically do their own rendition of a holiday classic. While there have been a number of “Sleigh Ride” songs throughout the years, none of them compare to the joyful track by TLC. Of course, a few bells jingle throughout the song, but the group once again showcased their fun-loving spirit to get people in the holiday mood. 

Although their first single was an uptempo bop, they returned with their second single “Baby-Baby-Baby” as a slow jam. The single was all about telling their lovers that they can have their love as long as they treat their hearts and minds right as well. The Babyface and L.A. Reid-produced track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

TLC kept the sexiness going on their fourth single from CrazySexyCool, properly titled “Diggin’ On You.” The raspy tone of T-Boz on the verses alongside Chilli’s smooth vocal on the bridge, lend for a sensual listen. 

For fans who enjoy songs about girl power, then “Silly Ho” should be at the top of any TLC playlist. The song is all about the group showcasing their independence and not having a partner to validate or sexually exploit them.

The members of TLC were in their early 20s when they first come on the music scene and they had songs that were relatable to fans across all age groups. Their hit single “What About Your Friends” was all about defining true friendship, loyalty, and trustworthiness—things that could sometimes get put into question when people gain a little success.

Coming off the success of their hit song "No Scrubs," TLC went with a different route on their follow-up single “Unpretty.” This time around, producer and songwriter Dallas Austin laced the group with a more pop-alternative sound. The acoustic-driven song has the group singing about women dealing with insecurities and self-worth.

TLC teamed up with producers Daryl Simmons and Babyface on their slow jam “Hands Up.” The song tells the story of a woman letting her partner hang out with his friends, but she ends up seeing him partying in the club instead—leaving her to question if she truly knew him as a person. 

“Red Light Special” was the group’s second single from their sophomore album CrazySexyCool. The group teamed up with Babyface on production and songwriting and the single showed the group in a sexier and sensual side. They never shied away from singing about what they wanted, and it was evident in the lyrics and the music video.

Sometimes people succumb to other people telling lies about them, and unfortunately, a lie could break a person’s spirit emotionally. On TLC’s track “Dear Lie,” the group is singing about trying to take the power back after a lie on them was told.

One of the group’s most popular singles is “Waterfalls.” The song tells the story of individuals living life but advises people to be cautious with their decisions because it could lead to certain consequences and outcomes. On the hook they sing, "Don't go chasing waterfalls / Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to / I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all / But I think you're moving too fast." 

TLC teamed up with Jermaine Dupri on the Fanmail album cut “My Life.” Since the beginning of their career, TLC influenced fans with lyrics about power and liberation. They do just that on "My Life" as the lyrics reflect on being told what to do since birth, but continuing to do their own thing.

When TLC first came on the scene, they were criticized by many people about their fashion style—baggy clothes, bold colors, and condoms as accessories. “Hat 2 da Back” was a response to the critics that they’re going to wear what they want, even if it was going against societal norms. It was also fitting to have a cameo in the music video from rap group Kris Kross, a duo that was notoriously known for wearing clothes backward.

One of the standout album cuts on CrazySexyCool is the Jermaine Dupri-produced track, “Kick Your Game.” The song is a story about the ladies going out and seeing someone that catches their eye, and they're checking to see if the potential suitor will kick some “game” and show their interest too.

On TLC's 3D album, one of the standout tracks is “In Your Arms Tonight.” The group teamed up with The Neptunes, bringing in that signature Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo sound of the 2000s as the ladies sing about having a good time with a lover, especially since tomorrow is never promised.

Throughout the group’s career, they kept their features on other artists’ tracks pretty limited. So it came as a surprise when rapper J. Cole recruited the group on his single “Crooked Smile.” The song is an ode for people to appreciate one’s inner beauty.