Left eye

Announcement, Appearance, Awards, Interview, News, Tribute

GloRilla Pays Homage to TLC’s Left Eye at 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Leon@TLCArmy's avatarLeon@TLCArmy Leave a comment

GloRilla had social media buzzing when she made her appearance on the red carpet at New York City’s UBS Arena on September 12 for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

GloRilla decided to pay tribute to the late TLC star, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, rocking a similar hairstyle to Lisa from her appearance at the 2000 Soul Train Awards,  where she served as the host that year.

“I sat with my stylist EJ [King] and we came up with a few ideas,” GloRilla tells Vogue. “This vibe just felt right.”

Left Eye’s Former Hairstylist Speaks On Late Rapper’s Edgy Looks
Left Eye at the 2000 Soul Train Awards

GloRilla and EJ enlisted designer Bent Kahina for the custom red carpet ensemble. Sadai Banks was tapped for makeup, and Coca Michelle for nails. Hairstylist and wig maker Tokyo Stylez was tasked with recreating Lopes’s famous hairstyle—marked by multiple three-plait braids morphing into rings, and heavy bangs.

“I’m a fan of a lot of great female artists that came before me, so I wanted to pay a tribute to them,” Glorilla says, adding that the opportunity to perform at the VMAs “meant everything,” to her. “I’m truly blessed!”

GloRilla at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Marie Brown (formerly Davis), was TLC’s original and long-term hairstylist. She was also responsible for many of Left Eye’s most iconic hairdos, including the afro-futuristic braids she wore at the 2000 Soul Train Awards.

“The circles are the little round pieces of styrofoam”, Marie tells Essence. “Styrofoam from Michael’s. You wrap them around, and they’re just braided on and connected onto her hair. I was just always trying to do something different. I was trying to always reach a different level with her and she was just free to do it.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_3xlBNOTcE/?igsh=YWo4M2xvdTl2dW52

GloRilla didn’t win any of the awards in her nominated categories, but she stole the show as she rapped her hit singles “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF”.

GloRilla, real name Gloria Woods, is very much a fan of TLC and is honored to share her appreciation for the ladies at every opportunity she can.

This isn’t the first time GloRilla has paid homage to Left Eye. She also paid tribute to Left Eye with her fashion choices at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.

GloRilla struck up a close relationship with the surviving members of TLC earlier this year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she was honored with introducing T-Boz and Chilli to the stage for a special performance.

TLC surprised the audience with a performance of their hit single, “Waterfalls,” featuring a guest appearance by Latto.

What were your thoughts on GloRilla paying homage to Left Eye. Did she pull off the look?

Announcement, Event, Interview, News

Left Eye’s ‘Supernova’ Album Will Be Released to Streaming Platforms ‘When The Time Is Right’, Says Her Sister Reigndrop Lopes

Leon@TLCArmy's avatarLeon@TLCArmy Leave a comment

This week marks 22 years since the tragic passing of the iconic, trendsetting and the center of TLC, the dearly beloved Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

It is an annual tradition for TLC and Left Eye fans to request the release of the debut solo album of Left Eye, ‘Supernova‘, to streaming platforms, on her birthday. And this was no different on the 22nd anniversary of her passing.

To put things into perspective, Left Eye’s album was partially released in 2001, excluding the United States after a lackluster reception to her solo single, “The Block Party“.

Following the tragic loss of Left Eye in April 2002, the future of her solo career was left in limbo, and the rights to her material were put on hold.

The Lopes family had released a tribute album in 2009 via Mass Appeal in the form of ‘Eye Legacy‘ — a compilation of remixed tracks taken from her original album, ‘Supernova’.

Left Eye’s posthumous album, ‘Eye Legacy’ (2009)

‘Eye Legacy’ received mixed reviews, and the majority of fans preferred to have the original album released in its entirety, the way in which Left Eye would have wanted. ‘Supernova’ was a body of work that she was proud of, and it should be kept intact and released to honor her wishes.

Left Eye’s younger sister, Reigndrop Lopes, finally gained control and ownership of the masters for the original ‘Supernova’ album in 2021. Fans have been excited at the news, and Reigndrop hinted that she may release the album on the date Lisa initially wanted it to be released on, August 16.

However, three years have passed since the announcement, and the album has yet to be seen on any streaming platforms. “My family own Lisa’s masters, so you don’t have to go to anyone else to ask them to put it out on streaming”, Reigndrop said in 2021.

“We’re working on it, we’re working on a lot of other stuff, so just be patient. Timing is everything, it’s going to come out when it’s supposed to come out. Just know that your voices are being heard and we’re working on it. A lot of things are happening at the same time which is overwhelming, so we have to pace it out. But it will be out, I promise”.

“We’re working to release ‘Supernova’ to streaming on the date that she originally wanted her album to be released”, Reigndrop announced in 2022. “And if you’re a real fan you already know what the date is, so I don’t have to say it”. Although she added that “plans can change”, she was adamant that,”That date meant something to Lisa, so we’re going to stick to that”.

When questioned about the topic of the album release in 2024, Reigndrop decided to clear the air and make it clear that nothing was set in stone. “Life happens and no promises were made!”, Reigndrop states. “Rest assured, it will be released at the right time. Sometimes things don’t happen when you want them to, but when they need to”.

So, the bottom line is, the album will be released on streaming platforms when the time is right. Reigndrop teased details of a Left Eye biopic in the works in 2022, and that she was working with executive producer Grammy and Oscar winning Elizabeth Hubbard.

The Lopes family will be hosting their first ever annual Left Eye Wellness Expo and birthday party on Sunday, May 26, 2024 to honor Lisa’s memory and legacy.

The location will be at The Atrium, 5479 Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

For further details, head over to the Left Eye Expo instagram page.

Interview, News, Tribute

Doja Cat Reveals Her Visuals Are Inspired by TLC’s Left Eye, Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes

Leon@TLCArmy's avatarLeon@TLCArmy Leave a comment

The Grammy award-winning hip-hop rap legend Doja Cat recently stopped by for a chat with the popular US YouTube talk show, ‘Hot Ones‘, to promote her latest album, ‘Scarlet‘, and it’s global number one, the record-breaking single, “Paint The Town Red“.

During the show appearance, Doja Cat was asked by the show host, Sean Evans, question’s about her ‘cartoonish’ animated visuals and what inspired her artistically. Doja Cat then revealed that amongst other greats from hip-hop during the 90’s including Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott, she was also inspired by the late, great, and often underrated, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

Doja Cat ‘Hot Pink’ promo (2019)

Sean praised Doja Cat for returning to her rap roots on her latest album after she received some criticism from critics claiming that she isn’t a rapper, as she effortlessly blends her bars with her singing skills on the majority of her hits, including the number one single, “Say So“, amongst many others.

He then quoted a 2019 interview she did with Elle magazine, in which Doja Cat reveals that her mom is responsible for her TLC inspiration. “My mom loves music and it poured into my childhood”, she recalls. “She played Jamiroquai over and over, the same damn song. What was it? ‘Virtual Insanity?’ She played a lot of Black Eyed Peas, a lot of India Arie, Erykah Badu, a lot of TLC.”

Doja Cat performs at Victoria’s Secret (2023)

In response to her wish to take things back to the 90’s when artists took more of an animated approach to their visuals, Doja Cat said, “Rap back in the day was a lot more [camp] — I don’t even know if it was better then or better now, I just get very excited when I see rappers that are interested in their visuals in a way that they are ready to so something new and twist things, and do something camp”.

Doja Cat then detailed who she found most inspirational from that magical 90’s era. “I feel like Busta [Rhymes] was a pioneer. His fashion back in the day was just ridiculously good and cool. I don’t know if he knows, but he’s cool. I feel like Missy [Elliott] is another big one, Left Eye is a big one — I feel like everyone was doing it really, really well back in the day, those were just a few I could name from the top of my head”.

Doja Cat in ‘Demons’ (2023)

Interestingly enough, Doja Cat’s left eye began to leak, leading her to comment, “I’m crying, and it’s just my left eye, and it had to happen on this day, too — and it’s not the [hot] wings”. Some fans believe this was a sign from Left Eye to signify her appreciation for being identified as one of Doja Cat’s inspirations. Who knows?

Doja Cat has given nods of homage to TLC in the past. She previously gave us “No Scrubs”-styled visuals in her music video, “Get Into It (Yuh)” in 2021. She was also styled like T-Boz in the video, with rhinestones on her face and bright red hair. This similarity was confirmed by her stylist.

Check out Doja Cat’s latest studio album, ‘Scarlet‘ out now!

Tickets to ‘The Scarlet Tour‘ are also on sale now!

History, Interview, Lifestyle, News

Monica Recreates Left Eye’s Mugshot For Halloween and T-Boz Shares Story Behind The Dress

Leon@TLCArmy's avatarLeon@TLCArmy Leave a comment

R&B superstar Monica went viral on social media on Oct 30, 2022 when she posted her Halloween outfit on her pages, posing as TLC‘s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes‘ mugshot after being arrested for arson in 1994 for burning the mansion of her then boyfriend Andre Rison.

Monica posted a picture of the VIBE cover that TLC took part in, posing as firefighters to let the world know that the members of TLC knew how to poke fun at themselves and would not be offended of situations like Left Eye’s arson incident being highlighted for Halloween.

TLC member Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins saw the post and gave Monica her approval as well as sharing a story about why Left Eye was wearing the floral dress she had on, which wasn’t her usual style. “Haaaaaaaa U crazy love it!!!!”, T-Boz replied on the post. “Funny story I dressed her that day…. And My Mama Said Why U Give Her That Ugly Ass Dress… And I Said That’s What She Picked”, T-Boz continued. “But Like WHY Did I Hv That Dress In The First Place lol Miss My Sister. Funny… U Did That”.

Monica was delighted with the response from T-Boz and shared the humor in the story behind Left Eye’s floral dress before sharing why she loves the ladies of TLC. “OMG YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DRESS… I can hear Ms Gayle saying this”, Monica exclaims. “And why did you have it? But ok ok lol I LOVE U!”.

Monica went on to explain to T-Boz what TLC has done for her over the years. “Watching you all work was so impactful to me as a child but your continued support then always helped me stay on track! Both yours and Lisa’s ability to stay true to who you are left a mark of authenticity and humility on me that I’ve kept close to my heart for decades!”

Although some fans found the portrayal distasteful, it was worth noting that Monica grew up in the industry with TLC and was very close to the members of the group, and was signed to the same label Arista Records.

Other celebrities also chimed in to show what they thought of Monica’s Left Eye Halloween 2022 outfit. Cardi B said Monica ‘Bodied’ the look, Jermaine Dupri reacted with a “Wow!!!”, Ludacris added laughing emojis and Fat Joe wrote, “My girl.”

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West‘s daughter North West also paid homage to TLC this year. North and her friends decided to recreate the iconic “No Scrubs” music video, with North playing the role of Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.

Responding to the super cute video, Chilli excitedly wrote, “#demtlcbabies nailed it!!!”, before also calling the recreation “toooo cuuute” in her Instagram story. T-Boz followed when she also shared it and wrote, “yyyyyyyeeeee. Okayyyyyy PrettyGirls … #NorthWest And Her Girls Smashed #TLC This Halloween @kimkardashian #demTLCGirls #DemTLCbabies Love The Love #tboz #Tbeezy #Nori”

The official TLC account also posted about the little superstar trio, sharing the same TikTok in a series of Instagram stories. “Yes! Looking incredible ladies!” the caption read. The account also said North West and her friends “nailed it,” before calling them “soo cute.”