Why Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and TLC Were Powerful Feminist Icons in the Music Industry
Reflecting on Left Eye and TLC's boundary-breaking impact on pop culture.
TLC was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1990s. Their group name comes from the first letter of each member's name; Tionne “T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.
The group's debut ‘Oohhh... On the TLC Tip' was released in 1992. During this era, the group often sported baggy clothes, fitted caps and condoms. TLC wore condoms to encourage the youth to practice safe sex.
Also, the group showed mass media that women were not restricted to suggestive clothing and should express themself freely. TLC also introduced the world to the rap group Outkast. Outkast's first appearance was on the remix to TLC's ‘What About Your Friends’ in 1992.
Throughout the 90s, TLC went onto release the successful albums ‘CrazySexyCool’ and ‘FanMail’ in 1994 and 1999. Both albums propelled the group into superstar status.
Left Eye predominantly rapped but also added to melodies and background vocals. T-Boz often took lead vocals and Chilli took co-leading duties. Throughout the 90s it would be impossible to avoid earworms like; ‘Creep’, ‘No Scrubs’ or ‘Waterfalls’.
To date, TLC is America's best-selling girl group with over 85 million units sold. Left Eye’s controversial public image was in due part to her upbringing in an abusive household. These issues were amplified by her then-boyfriend Andre Rison often physically attacked Left Eye.
As a result, Left Eye battled anxiety, self-harming and depression. Despite her setbacks, Left Eye was always seen as a crucial role model for young girls and people of colour. Left Eye was bright-eyed, energetic and advocated for safe sex and gender equality.
During the making of their fourth album in 2002, Left Eye was busy recording vocals for the album as well as her second solo album ‘N.I.N.A’ for Death Row Records. As well as music, Left Eye was also putting together a documentary about her life in Honduras.
Tragically, on April 25th, 2002, Left Eye was involved in a fatal car accident while in Honduras. She was 30 years old.
Left Eye's N.I.N.A album was ultimately scrapped following her passing. A majority of her material was repurposed for 3D. Also, unused vocals from Left Eye's debut album 'Supernova' were used for 3D.
3D was released on October 10, 2002. The album was dedicated to Left Eye, specifically the song 'Turntable'.
Left Eye’s contributions to R&B and hip-hop music are momentous and will be forever remembered.
Stream TLC on Spotify and Apple Music here.
