TLC Readies New Album for October, Taps Lil Mama for Reunion Performance
TLC is gearing up for an Epic comeback. In addition to their VH1 biopic and reunion performance, the multi-platinum R&B group has announced details surrounding their new album.
Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins have reunited with their mentor L.A. Reid, who originally signed the trio to LaFace Records in 1991. The music mogul has re-signed them to LaFace under Epic Records and will release their album on October 15.
The yet-to-be-titled project will feature fan favorites and biggest hits, plus four all-new songs including “Meant to Be,” which was penned by Ne-Yo and will be used during the closing credits of the upcoming VH1 Original Movie, CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.
Another song, “Posh Life,” was produced and co-written by their longtime collaborator Dallas Austin (who co-produced TLC’s CrazySexyCool and FanMail) and Lady Gaga.
On October 21, VH1 will premiere its made-for-TV movie CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story starring KeKe Palmer as Chilli, Drew Sidora as T-Boz, and Lil Mama as Left Eye (watch the trailer).
Lil Mama, who will be featured on the new album, will also join Chilli and T-Boz to perform at VH1’s Mixtape Festival in Hershey Park, PA on July 26-27.
“For 10 years we have been mourning the death of our sister Lisa, and although we have discussed the option of bringing in someone to perform with us, it never felt right at the time,” said Chilli. “Watching Lil Mama on the set of our movie CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story reminded us of Lisa’s spirit, and, for the first time since her passing, we felt everything come together in an organic way.”
T-Boz added, “Lil Mama’s authentic style, although very different from Lisa’s, got our creative juices flowing. By bringing her in, we will continue to keep TLC’s music alive for a new generation of fans. We are thrilled to be writing this new chapter in the TLC story.”
Lil Mama thanked them for the opportunity. “Lisa Lopes was a one-of-kind performer who cannot be replaced,” said the 23-year-old rapper. “I am grateful to Chilli and T-Boz for the confidence they had in me to portray her in the film and to invite me to perform and record with them and pay tribute to her incredible talent.”
TLC soared to superstardom in the ’90s and went on to sell 65 million albums worldwide including 1992’s Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip, 1994’s CrazySexyCool, and 1999’s FanMail.