Photo: (Getty Images)
It's time to get nostalgic for TLC, the bestselling female R&B group eva, because tonight at 9PM/8C, VH1 is airing its original movie "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story." Before you get a glimpse into the lives of Chilli, Left Eye and T-Boz, check out their most impactful music videos.
But first, take a look at a trailer for their film:
Looks SO GOOD, right? So whip out your colorful overalls, big hats and condom-over-left-eye glasses. Let's take a look at music videos from the trio that had meaningful messages, which still resonate all these years later.
The music vid for "Waterfalls" deals with some pretty serious subjects, including violence and HIV/AIDS. One of the characters in the video is killed during a drug deal gone bad, and another contracts HIV after he has unprotected sex. Rather than showing glitz and glamour like many music vids, TLC chose to show human struggles that are all too real.
Lots of people feel "unpretty," and TLC touched on the subjects of self-esteem and self-acceptance. In the vid, we see Chilli feeling pressured into getting cosmetic surgery she doesn't want, and another girl hurts herself while trying to lose weight. In the end, everyone is able to accept themselves and step away from unhealthy body ideals.
TLC stands out for its styles -- who can forget the baggy jeans and neon from the early 90s! And Left Eye had a thing for wearing condoms like an eyepatch. It might have been an unusual fashion choice, but it got people thinking and talking more about using protection. "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" is one of their music vids where you can see Left Eye's condom eyepatch in all its glory. The trio was forward thinking when it came to sex as well. If a woman wants some lovin', she can ask for it -- as long as she uses protection!
"Hat 2 Da Back" has lyrics that talk about the importance of being yourself: "Being that I am the kinda girl that I am/Nobody can make me do what I don't want to/I can be myself a lot and I'm proud of what I got/So I'll never change for you." Strong girls out there, we def got your back and so does TLC.
"Damaged" came out after Left Eye's passing, so it only stars Chilli and T-Boz. The vid gets gritty with its unflinching portrayal of domestic violence. After a woman is physically assaulted by her significant other, she finds the courage to go to the police and move forward with her life.
The music vid for "Baby, Baby, Baby" takes place in a college dorm, so is that TLC's nod toward education? Not sure if it's just a coincidence, but we like the idea. It's another song about confident women too. How doesn't want to croon to their crush, "Long as you know that I could have any man I want to/Baby that's actual and factual! "
Damn, we're all been there -- questioning friendships in our lives. Are they legit or not? Why did she talk about me? Why did he not invite to his party?! TLC asks questions we should all ponder about our BFFs: "Will they stand their ground? Will they let you down again?"
Welp, that's our trip down the TLC memory lane. For more good stuff on the colorful, condom-crazed, groundbreaking R&B artists, tune in tonight to "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story." at 9PM/8C on VH1.
