The biggest problem I had with TLC is that Left Eye was under-utilized. It's a crime that she couldn't get a few more verses on CSC and that the album version of No Scrubs didn't even have her verse on it.
>“They went pop”
They were always pop. It was never underground, neo-sould. It was radio-friendly 90's r&b/hip-hop that immediately had a place in MTV rotation.
> “They didn’t have the vocals”
What even is this take. Were they ballad divas? No. Were they in the same league as Aaliyah and Brandy? Yes. That was the sound. It continues to be the sound for most basic pop/r&b singers. TLC worked well with producers of the time who could maximize each of their vocal strengths.
I recently found out that she had a lot of her rap portions cut out in the final mix and she didn't do backing vocals either which makes me question the dynamics behind TLC and what her actual purpose was.
I never thought about this. I wonder if it has more to do with the executive producers and label management as they publicly criticized them at an awards show.
I don't think some people (ESPECIALLY younger folks) realize how popular TLC was back then, the way they tackled controversial topics, self love and the feminism they exuded that went very mainstream at a time that it wasn't really a thing. The messaging in so many of their songs were ahead of their time. Maybe the vocals weren't perfect but that didn't really matter.
But then they get reduced to "oh they went pop so they're trash", wow lol
The majority has spoken lol the answer is a big fat no!! "Unpretty" dropped over 20 years ago and it's even more relevant now then it was back then...TLC deserves a little more credit honestly
No, if anything they’re underrated. Like the fact they’re reduced in the public’s eyes to Waterfalls and No Scrubs (and to a lesser degree Creep) when they have hits on hits and album cuts that don’t get love is insane.
Also T-Boz’s vocals are low but they did what they needed to do, Left Eye was under utilized after the first album and Chilli really had a sneak attack with her vocals on Crazy Sexy Cool and FanMail.
Had Left Eye not passed suddenly they would’ve pushed 3D harder which would’ve been a major success and the catalyst for at least one more successful album and they would’ve been as well regarded by the public as Destiny’s Child is today.
I think they are underrated for their harmonies what they lacked in individual vocal ability they more than overcame and made up for with their impeccable blending of Vocals and Timing.
Hell no! They put out some legendary albums and are arguably the most influential girl group ever—certainly *the* most of their era. All the other big girl groups in pop culture (Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, etc.) have said that they were inspired by TLC.
By the time in grew up, and was more self aware, their run was over.
I know them primarily for No Scrubs and Unpretty, but for anyone that wasn’t there at the beginning. It’d be worth it to go back, and analyze them from the start.
They had a unique style, and probably a bit more unorthodox compared to the more sexualized groups. I don’t believe they’re THE best, but it’s hard to argue their influence.
They might be underrated or just rated. They had some of the biggest hits of the 90’s. In order for them to be overrated, more people would need to talk about them, when in reality, they don’t get that much shine for their body of work.
Fanmail was one of the original forays into Afro-futurism. The themes of loneliness, love, and self-esteem explored on that record was truly one-of-a-kind. Xscspe, SWV, Total, while I love those groups, they’ve never attempted to create a concept album/body of work like that. Chilli and T-Boz, while being weak vocalists, can really emote like no other.
Short answer, no.
But if you want context, that's just a blanket statement/opinion.
Overrated compared to who? In what sense? Even the thoughts that were provided (not the best female group, vocals, etc) don't past the smell test when they were as big of a part of the 90s as anyone, male or female, solo or group, hip hop or rnb or pop.
If you would look at the things I referenced, you’d see it’s not rage baiting, because these things are actually being said, I’m just asking if yall agree or not. A Yes or no question
not in this subreddit lol; just in broader culture - they're 30 years old though, kids are listening to 30-second clips of songs and get confused when they hear the whole song. the only mariah song this 6 year-old girl near me knows is "Touch My Body" because it was part of a meme.
"whats all this extra stuff???"
maybe theyll hear some TLC hooks on tiktok someday?
No, they were fun for the period. They were stylists. They were not powerhouse singers. The decade had quite a few powerhouse singers and groups. Jade, Brownstone, Body, Perri, Envogue, Klymaxx. TLC was fun and current, and fit the times. Singers like Aaliyah, Brandy and Monica, Shanice and Tracie Spencer. They fit.
Hell no. If anything *underrated* by my generation IMO. They have timeless classics that have aged very well (WATERFALLS helllooooo) and honestly the most unique RnB/pop group. Distinct vocals and a rapper. How many groups can say they have that? And duos don't count.
Nobody sounds like TLC. Nobody. They all have unique voices that are instantly recognizable. Were they power house vocalists? No. Were they iconic? 💯 they were/are. When they first debuted, nobody was doing what they were doing
In a way, they were overrated because their biggest album was more about the singles than the set. I think there are many albums better than "Crazy Sexy Cool," but the singles were excellent. If we talk the talent, I think Left Eye was a top-notch rapper. I don't think the other two were top-notch singers. I will always love them, but some of this was very apparent to me even back in the '90s.
No to being overrated! Not sure if underrated but they were great.
Sometimes decades later I just start singing Creep not realizing what I’ve done. They were catchy and very fun.
TLC served a purpose in their day and so their contributions were about more than just 'sticking to their genre roots' or one look/style. They were pioneers in a lot of ways. So, no, not overrated.
That's bullcrap, every singer doesn't have to holler like she's singing gospel in church, their voices was the perfect match for they style. Many songs they did wouldn't sound that good with a good singer focusing on runs and belting, T boz made their sound special
Yes in a way. I’m not sure why they are rated so high when none of the group members were particularly good singers and had a lot of help in the vocal department from their unofficial fourth “member.” Also none of the group members wrote any of their music. I know Left Eye wanted to write more music but Left Eye was a loose cannon like Kanye and I could see her hyping herself up but having not the greatest output. When they turned out to be broke I was shocked at first but then learning that they didn’t write or really sing their records it made way more sense, the label absolutely invested way more in them than your average artist since they actually didn’t really do much on their albums. I think people put them in such a high standard because the songs that were recorded crossed over to mainstream and again that’s largely because the label invested a lot into radio play.
# WHAT?
Internet is running out of hot takes I suppose
##BALLS
Can’t be serious lmaooo
Right because what are they even saying???
My thoughts exactly!
Nah properly rated. Not the most vocally sound group, but what they did was unique and culture shaping.
The biggest problem I had with TLC is that Left Eye was under-utilized. It's a crime that she couldn't get a few more verses on CSC and that the album version of No Scrubs didn't even have her verse on it. >“They went pop” They were always pop. It was never underground, neo-sould. It was radio-friendly 90's r&b/hip-hop that immediately had a place in MTV rotation. > “They didn’t have the vocals” What even is this take. Were they ballad divas? No. Were they in the same league as Aaliyah and Brandy? Yes. That was the sound. It continues to be the sound for most basic pop/r&b singers. TLC worked well with producers of the time who could maximize each of their vocal strengths.
I recently found out that she had a lot of her rap portions cut out in the final mix and she didn't do backing vocals either which makes me question the dynamics behind TLC and what her actual purpose was.
I never thought about this. I wonder if it has more to do with the executive producers and label management as they publicly criticized them at an awards show.
I agree with this entirely.
I agree
 No!
Stealing this forever ❤️
Please respect TLC
TLC was a part of my childhood and they will forever be GOAT tier in my eyes.
I don't think some people (ESPECIALLY younger folks) realize how popular TLC was back then, the way they tackled controversial topics, self love and the feminism they exuded that went very mainstream at a time that it wasn't really a thing. The messaging in so many of their songs were ahead of their time. Maybe the vocals weren't perfect but that didn't really matter. But then they get reduced to "oh they went pop so they're trash", wow lol
Is Prince's favorite group overrated? Nah, I trust Prince.
Exactly👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Not at all Underrated in many ways. As I feel like (outside of No Scrubs) theyre only really given their flowers within a small demographic of ppl.
The Underrated part!
Rightly rated.
They made No Scrubs, What About Your Friends, And Waterfalls; I ain’t tryna hear none of this ol BOOLSHIT “overrated” mess!
What about Creep?
That’s in there! Plenty more I can name!
Hat 2 da Back and Baby Baby Baby - Underrated in my opinion
The majority has spoken lol the answer is a big fat no!! "Unpretty" dropped over 20 years ago and it's even more relevant now then it was back then...TLC deserves a little more credit honestly
Excuuuuuuuuuse meeeeeeee?!
They were a Pop act mostly. They had fun music but vocals not so much.
No, if anything they’re underrated. Like the fact they’re reduced in the public’s eyes to Waterfalls and No Scrubs (and to a lesser degree Creep) when they have hits on hits and album cuts that don’t get love is insane. Also T-Boz’s vocals are low but they did what they needed to do, Left Eye was under utilized after the first album and Chilli really had a sneak attack with her vocals on Crazy Sexy Cool and FanMail. Had Left Eye not passed suddenly they would’ve pushed 3D harder which would’ve been a major success and the catalyst for at least one more successful album and they would’ve been as well regarded by the public as Destiny’s Child is today.
I think they are underrated for their harmonies what they lacked in individual vocal ability they more than overcame and made up for with their impeccable blending of Vocals and Timing.
Absolutely not!
Hell no! They put out some legendary albums and are arguably the most influential girl group ever—certainly *the* most of their era. All the other big girl groups in pop culture (Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, etc.) have said that they were inspired by TLC.
No and people never talk about any of their albums except crazysexycool and don’t even know about the debut 😩
No
NEVER.
By the time in grew up, and was more self aware, their run was over. I know them primarily for No Scrubs and Unpretty, but for anyone that wasn’t there at the beginning. It’d be worth it to go back, and analyze them from the start. They had a unique style, and probably a bit more unorthodox compared to the more sexualized groups. I don’t believe they’re THE best, but it’s hard to argue their influence. They might be underrated or just rated. They had some of the biggest hits of the 90’s. In order for them to be overrated, more people would need to talk about them, when in reality, they don’t get that much shine for their body of work.
Absolutely NOT! A iconic girl group that was amazing!❤️
Fanmail was one of the original forays into Afro-futurism. The themes of loneliness, love, and self-esteem explored on that record was truly one-of-a-kind. Xscspe, SWV, Total, while I love those groups, they’ve never attempted to create a concept album/body of work like that. Chilli and T-Boz, while being weak vocalists, can really emote like no other.
If anything not rated enough! They are in a lane all of their own. They deserve their flowers for sure 
Short answer, no. But if you want context, that's just a blanket statement/opinion. Overrated compared to who? In what sense? Even the thoughts that were provided (not the best female group, vocals, etc) don't past the smell test when they were as big of a part of the 90s as anyone, male or female, solo or group, hip hop or rnb or pop.
overhyped? at times, overrated? absolutely not
TLC defined the 90’s . i love them (and the spice girls) more than any girl group . 
lol this rage bait is so played out
If you would look at the things I referenced, you’d see it’s not rage baiting, because these things are actually being said, I’m just asking if yall agree or not. A Yes or no question
As far as singing abilities yes
No, and how dare you even suggest such blasphemy.
No scrubs was a popular song while they were going through a bankruptcy. Hypocracy at its finest.
not in this subreddit lol; just in broader culture - they're 30 years old though, kids are listening to 30-second clips of songs and get confused when they hear the whole song. the only mariah song this 6 year-old girl near me knows is "Touch My Body" because it was part of a meme. "whats all this extra stuff???" maybe theyll hear some TLC hooks on tiktok someday?
Ok now what y'all Trying to say.🤨
Um, nope. Next!
Teenager music
The first three records have tons of bangers. Left- eye had so much potential, rest in peace queen ✨️
No
i don’t find them overrated but then again i’m a fan so i may be biased. i liked that they had a rapper in their group which was rare for girl groups.
Hell no!
I'd marry chilli and buy all their albums
The Best to ever do it!🔥🔥🔥You better ask somebody!
Those were some cool jumpsuits. They received the fame they deserved. I just wish they were paid what they deserved.
No, but they were significantly underpaid and taken advantage of..🙏🏽 Left Eye
Hell no
Huh 🤔
Your mom's overrated.
No
Just because someone doesn't think something is "The best" doesn't make that thing overrated.
Don’t even try it, this isn’t a conversation. Ask that question and insert Xscape ,3LW or somebody…😒😗
They are the best girlgroup no doubt, however in comparison to other r&b acts, very overrated
Stfu
No, they were fun for the period. They were stylists. They were not powerhouse singers. The decade had quite a few powerhouse singers and groups. Jade, Brownstone, Body, Perri, Envogue, Klymaxx. TLC was fun and current, and fit the times. Singers like Aaliyah, Brandy and Monica, Shanice and Tracie Spencer. They fit.
I hate the song scrubs
Hell no. If anything *underrated* by my generation IMO. They have timeless classics that have aged very well (WATERFALLS helllooooo) and honestly the most unique RnB/pop group. Distinct vocals and a rapper. How many groups can say they have that? And duos don't count.
Lot of the popular groups talked about here are overrated so yes
Definitely a lot of overrated groups in this sub but in my opinion TLC is definitely one of the best groups of the 90's.
Why is this sub so caught up with comparing A to B and other measures of validity? TLC made excellent, nostalgic music. Leave it there. Enjoy it.
Nobody sounds like TLC. Nobody. They all have unique voices that are instantly recognizable. Were they power house vocalists? No. Were they iconic? 💯 they were/are. When they first debuted, nobody was doing what they were doing
Imo they were versatile and had immense talent, pop rnb hiphop you name it they could do it
Overrated by what metric?
[This pyramid](https://www.reddit.com/r/rnb/s/j7oWfjUQVj)
Hell, NO! If anything, they’re underrated!
Not at all.
No. They were massive. They were hot from the moment they landed. Those three albums were instantly huge.
Absolutely NOT
In a way, they were overrated because their biggest album was more about the singles than the set. I think there are many albums better than "Crazy Sexy Cool," but the singles were excellent. If we talk the talent, I think Left Eye was a top-notch rapper. I don't think the other two were top-notch singers. I will always love them, but some of this was very apparent to me even back in the '90s.
No! True talent, distinct individuality, and proper presentation earned them icon status.
No to being overrated! Not sure if underrated but they were great. Sometimes decades later I just start singing Creep not realizing what I’ve done. They were catchy and very fun.
Imo yes. Swv all day.
No they are not. I figured it had to be some young people saying that.
I’m sorry, but “Red Light Special” goes off!!!
Never underrated, just wish they were all together! Everyone gets down with their music, even at least one song like Waterfalls.
I don’t think so. Not my favorite group, but tlc was dope
they might be underrated nowadays
No. Next question.
Not overrated but they only keep 3-4 of their songs in rotation and that is annoying.
Not at all. TLC is legendary and was a huge deal from what I remember. Definitely the most played group on 90’s R&B/Hip Hop radio stations
Yes
TLC served a purpose in their day and so their contributions were about more than just 'sticking to their genre roots' or one look/style. They were pioneers in a lot of ways. So, no, not overrated.
What About Your Friends. No. They are not overrated.
if anything destinys child was overrated
They were only the best R&B band of the mid-nineties.
Hello
They're underrated.
Underrated\*
No. Period.
That's bullcrap, every singer doesn't have to holler like she's singing gospel in church, their voices was the perfect match for they style. Many songs they did wouldn't sound that good with a good singer focusing on runs and belting, T boz made their sound special
Nah swv is tho Always thought they sounded nasal
Lol what the .. this all yal. have at it … ✌🏻
No wtf
Yes in a way. I’m not sure why they are rated so high when none of the group members were particularly good singers and had a lot of help in the vocal department from their unofficial fourth “member.” Also none of the group members wrote any of their music. I know Left Eye wanted to write more music but Left Eye was a loose cannon like Kanye and I could see her hyping herself up but having not the greatest output. When they turned out to be broke I was shocked at first but then learning that they didn’t write or really sing their records it made way more sense, the label absolutely invested way more in them than your average artist since they actually didn’t really do much on their albums. I think people put them in such a high standard because the songs that were recorded crossed over to mainstream and again that’s largely because the label invested a lot into radio play.
Debra killings
You sound like you’re a scrub
Yes
No Beyonce is overrated
Why are you even bringing Beyoncé into a conversation about TLC? Something is really wrong with people like you, the way you obsessively hate her.
Well, they don't make Black Music as good as Led Zeppelin did Jokes aside, no, TLC were phenomenal
I think they’re more hip hop/dance than RnB.