When it comes to the world of R&B and hip-hop soul, few names carry as much cultural weight as TLC. The Atlanta-born trio — composed of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas — became one of the best-selling girl groups in music history, blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop into something entirely their own. If you’re looking for the best TLC songs to add to your playlist, you’ve come to the right place — this definitive list covers their greatest hits and some of their most exciting releases across their career. Whether you’re discovering their music for the first time or revisiting your favorite anthems, these tracks represent the very best of what TLC has to offer. You can also explore more iconic songs across every genre on GlobalMusicVibe to keep your music journey going.
A Brief Look at TLC’s Legacy
Born out of Atlanta’s vibrant early 90s R&B scene, TLC burst onto the music world in 1992 with a sound and visual identity unlike anything audiences had seen before. Their debut album Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip introduced a bold, streetwise energy that mixed new jack swing with honest, socially conscious lyrics — and the group never looked back. Their studio albums — from CrazySexyCool to FanMail and beyond — each pushed the boundaries of R&B while incorporating elements of hip-hop, funk, and pop in ways that felt fresh and forward-thinking. Beyond their music, TLC were cultural pioneers who used their platform to speak openly about female empowerment, body image, safe sex, and mental health at a time when few mainstream acts dared to do so. Their influence on pop and R&B culture remains immeasurable, and their music continues to resonate with listeners across generations all over the world.
No Scrubs
Released in 1999 as part of their landmark album FanMail, “No Scrubs” became one of the defining anthems of the late 90s, topping charts in multiple countries and earning the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The song’s message — a sharp, unapologetic rejection of men who lack ambition — resonated deeply with millions of listeners and helped cement TLC’s status as voices of a generation. Its infectious production by Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs remains instantly recognizable to this day, making it arguably the most iconic song in the group’s entire discography.
Waterfalls
“Waterfalls,” from the 1994 album CrazySexyCool, stands as one of TLC’s most emotionally complex and socially conscious songs, addressing the devastating consequences of drug dealing and unsafe sex with striking honesty. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks, becoming one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s. Its haunting chorus and Left Eye’s rapid-fire rap verse made it a cultural milestone that continues to move listeners decades later.
Creep
“Creep” is one of TLC’s most daring and memorable hits, telling the story of a woman who seeks emotional fulfillment outside of a failing relationship without apology or shame. Released from CrazySexyCool in 1994, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the group’s most enduring signature tracks. Its laid-back, hypnotic production and T-Boz’s cool, assured vocal delivery gave it a timeless quality that has kept it in rotation on R&B playlists for thirty years.
Unpretty
From the FanMail album, “Unpretty” showcases TLC’s willingness to tackle self-image and societal beauty standards long before such conversations became mainstream. The ballad reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999 and connected deeply with fans who found comfort in its vulnerable, honest message about feeling inadequate in a world obsessed with appearance. Chilli’s tender vocal performance carries the song with remarkable emotional depth, making it one of the group’s most enduring and empowering records.
Red Light Special
“Red Light Special” is one of TLC’s most sensual and mature tracks, a slow-burn R&B ballad that demonstrates the group’s range beyond their more hip-hop-influenced material. Released from CrazySexyCool in 1994, the song was a commercial hit and became a fan favorite for its intimate mood and sophisticated arrangement. T-Boz’s smoky vocal delivery is at its very best here, making the track a standout in any discussion of great TLC music.
Diggin’ On You
This smooth, feel-good track from CrazySexyCool is a perfect example of TLC at their most effortlessly charming, blending jazz-influenced production with breezy, romantic lyrics. “Diggin’ On You” reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the more beloved deep cuts from what many consider the group’s greatest album. Its relaxed groove and warm harmonies make it the kind of song that feels like a summer afternoon captured in three minutes.
What About Your Friends
One of TLC’s earliest hits, “What About Your Friends” appeared on their 1992 debut album Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip and immediately established the group as a fresh, assertive voice in R&B. The song’s theme — questioning the loyalty of friends and the importance of surrounding yourself with trustworthy people — was delivered with a confidence that felt far beyond the group’s years. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a beloved fan favorite from their debut era.
Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg
The debut single from TLC’s first album, “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” introduced the world to the group’s bold, playful, and liberated persona in a way that was instantly refreshing. Released in 1992, the song made waves not only for its catchy production but for its frank discussion of female desire at a time when such candor was rare in mainstream pop. The outfits the group wore during the song’s promotion became iconic visual symbols of their message about safe sex and female empowerment.
Hat 2 da Back
Another standout gem from Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip, “Hat 2 da Back” captures the playful, tomboy spirit that made TLC so distinctive in the early 90s R&B landscape. The song’s laid-back vibe and carefree energy reflected the group’s personal style — oversized clothing, bucket hats, and an attitude that was refreshingly authentic. It remains a nostalgic touchstone for fans who grew up with TLC’s earliest work and fell in love with the group’s unapologetic personality.
Damaged
Released from the 2002 album 3D, “Damaged” was TLC’s first studio release after the tragic death of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in April 2001, making it an emotionally charged listening experience from the very first note. The song’s introspective lyrics about emotional wounds and vulnerability felt deeply resonant in the context of the group’s grief, and T-Boz and Chilli delivered performances filled with raw, aching feeling. It stands as a powerful testament to the group’s resilience and commitment to their music even in the face of unimaginable loss.
Girl Talk
From the 3D album, “Girl Talk” brought TLC back to the fun, conversational energy that had defined some of their earliest work, celebrating female friendship and solidarity with a warm, upbeat production. The track showcased how naturally T-Boz and Chilli continued to carry the group’s identity while honoring the legacy Left Eye had helped build. It’s a joyful, lighthearted moment in a comeback album that masterfully balanced celebration with quiet, underlying grief.
Dear Lie
“Dear Lie” is a deeply emotional breakup song from FanMail that finds TLC at their most confessional, exploring the complicated feelings that arise when a relationship built on deception finally falls apart. The song’s lush production and achingly honest lyrics about self-delusion made it one of the most underrated tracks in the group’s entire catalog. It speaks to TLC’s consistent ability to find the emotional truth in complicated personal situations and translate it into something universally relatable.
Hands Up
A high-energy standout from the 3D album, “Hands Up” delivered the kind of club-ready production that proved TLC could evolve with the changing musical landscape of the early 2000s without losing their identity. The track’s bold, assertive sound was a statement of reinvention, showing that the group had no intention of coasting on nostalgia. It remains one of the most sonically ambitious songs in their post-Left Eye discography, and holds up remarkably well even by today’s standards. To get the most out of energetic tracks like this, pairing them with quality audio gear matters — you can browse the best headphones to find your perfect listening match.
Sumthin’ Wicked This Way Comes
This moody, cinematic track from CrazySexyCool shows a darker, more experimental side of TLC that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves from casual listeners. With its eerie atmosphere and unconventional structure, it stands apart from the more radio-friendly singles on the album while still feeling entirely cohesive with the record’s overall creative vision. It’s a hidden gem that rewards deeper listening and reveals just how adventurous TLC’s creative instincts truly were.
This Is How It Works
Featured on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack in 1995, “This Is How It Works” gave TLC an opportunity to contribute to one of the most celebrated film soundtracks of the decade alongside legends like Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige. The song is a sleek, sophisticated R&B track that demonstrated the group’s versatility and their ability to deliver quality material outside the context of their own albums. It remains a beautiful snapshot of TLC at their mid-90s peak and a reminder of just how seamlessly they fit alongside the biggest names in the genre.
All That Theme Song
TLC’s contribution to Nickelodeon’s beloved sketch comedy series All That is one of the more surprising entries in their catalog, but it perfectly encapsulates their playful, youthful energy and their natural ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Released as part of All That: The Album in 1996, the theme brought the group into the living rooms of an entirely new generation of young fans. It’s a fun, bouncy piece of pop-R&B that has endured as a nostalgic favorite for anyone who grew up watching the show throughout the 90s.
Way Back
Released in 2017 as a collaboration with Snoop Dogg, “Way Back” marked TLC’s triumphant return to music after a lengthy hiatus, serving as the lead single from their self-titled crowdfunded album. The song had a laid-back West Coast feel that suited both artists perfectly, and it signaled that T-Boz and Chilli still had something fresh and relevant to say in contemporary R&B. It was a heartfelt nod to their roots while also proving their ability to adapt to the modern era of music without compromising the authenticity that had always set them apart.
I’m Good at Being Bad
From FanMail, “I’m Good at Being Bad” brings back TLC’s confident, boundary-pushing attitude in full force with a sleek, futuristic production courtesy of longtime collaborator Dallas Austin. The song’s unapologetic celebration of feminine power and independence fits perfectly alongside the album’s broader themes of love, technology, and self-determination. It’s a bold, head-nodding track that reminded listeners exactly why TLC had always stood apart from their contemporaries in the best possible way.
My Life
“My Life,” also from FanMail, is a reflective, mid-tempo track that finds TLC in a deeply personal and contemplative mood, examining the challenges that come with fame, love, and personal growth in the public eye. The song’s production is rich and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the introspective nature of its lyrics and giving the album one of its most quietly moving moments. It rounds out the FanMail era beautifully and reveals a layer of emotional maturity in the group’s songwriting that often goes unappreciated by those who only know the bigger singles.
Meant to Be
Released in 2013 as part of the anniversary album 20, “Meant to Be” is a gorgeous, understated ballad that showcases just how beautifully T-Boz and Chilli’s voices complement each other in the post-Left Eye era of the group. The song feels like a love letter to perseverance — both in relationships and in TLC’s own remarkable journey as a duo who refused to let grief define the end of their story. It’s a quietly powerful track that deserves a place in any definitive TLC playlist, and if you want to hear every emotional nuance, exploring the best earbuds available today is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts on TLC’s Greatest Hits
TLC’s influence on pop, R&B, and hip-hop cannot be overstated. They were among the first mainstream acts to openly address issues like female empowerment, body image, sexual health, and social responsibility in their music — and they did so with infectious melodies and undeniable charisma. Their ability to balance hard-hitting messages with genuinely addictive pop craftsmanship is a skill few artists before or since have been able to match. The pair of T-Boz and Chilli have continued making music in recent years, proving that TLC’s audience remains deeply passionate and loyal no matter how much time passes. Their catalog — from their explosive debut to their most recent releases — stands as one of the most important and consistently brilliant bodies of work in modern R&B history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TLC’s most famous song?
TLC’s most famous song is widely considered to be “Waterfalls,” which spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995 and became one of the best-selling singles of the entire decade. “No Scrubs” is a very close second in terms of cultural recognition and commercial impact, and both songs remain staples of 90s R&B radio to this day.
How many albums has TLC released?
TLC has released five studio albums: Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip (1992), CrazySexyCool (1994), FanMail (1999), 3D (2002), and their self-titled album TLC (2017). Their second and third albums in particular are considered landmark records in R&B history and appear frequently on lists of the greatest albums ever made.
Is TLC still making music?
Yes, T-Boz and Chilli have continued making music as TLC following the passing of Left Eye in 2002. Their 2017 self-titled album was released after a highly successful crowdfunding campaign and featured collaborations including one with Snoop Dogg. The duo has remained active in live performances and continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
What genre is TLC?
TLC’s music primarily falls into R&B and new jack swing, with significant elements of hip-hop, pop, and funk woven throughout their catalog. Their sound evolved considerably across their career, moving from the energetic new jack swing of their debut into the more polished, multi-layered R&B of their later albums.
What awards has TLC won?
TLC has won four Grammy Awards throughout their career, including Best R&B Album for CrazySexyCool and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for “No Scrubs.” They are among the best-selling female acts in music history, having sold over 65 million records worldwide across their entire discography.