TLC, formed in Atlanta with Lopes, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, quickly gained fame. Their debut album featured hits like “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “What About Your Friends,” and “Baby-Baby-Baby,” showcasing their new jack swing and hip-hop influences. Lopes, known as “Left Eye” for her signature look, brought a unique rap element and flamboyant style to the group. Her verses became a signature part of TLC’s sound, contributing to songs like “Creep” and “Waterfalls” from their breakthrough album CrazySexyCool. These songs, with their blend of R&B and hip-hop, and Lopes’s distinct rap segments, are prime examples of early “left eye songs” that defined TLC’s sound.
CrazySexyCool was a massive success, featuring more hits like “Red Light Special” and “Diggin’ on You,” further solidifying TLC’s place in music. Lopes’s contribution extended beyond just rapping; she was an integral part of the TLC brand, and her “left eye songs” resonated deeply with audiences. Her stage presence and unique fashion sense made her a standout figure in the group, enhancing the overall appeal of their music.
TLC’s FanMail continued their dominance with chart-toppers “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty.” Lopes remained central to their sound, her rap verses and persona integral to these hits. “No Scrubs,” in particular, became an anthem, and Lopes’s rap added another layer to its message. Even “Unpretty,” a more introspective track, benefited from her distinctive vocal style. However, tensions within the group grew, and Lopes publicly challenged her bandmates, hinting at her solo ambitions. Despite internal issues, TLC continued to produce hits, each carrying the distinct flavor of “left eye songs” through Lopes’s contributions.
Lopes ventured into solo work with Supernova. While released overseas, it didn’t see a US release initially after “The Block Party” underperformed. Supernova, despite its commercial fate, represents a different facet of “left eye songs,” showcasing her individual artistic vision. Tracks from this album offered a glimpse into her personal and artistic growth beyond the TLC framework. Her exploration of solo artistry, though cut short, adds another layer to her musical legacy and the breadth of her “left eye songs.”
Lopes tragically died in a car accident at age 30. Posthumous releases, including TLC’s 3D and her solo album Eye Legacy, used her unreleased recordings, offering fans more “left eye songs” even after her passing. These albums, compiled from existing material, served as a testament to her unfinished work and the enduring demand for her music. These releases underscore her lasting impact and the continued interest in her musical contributions and her catalog of “left eye songs.”
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’s career, though brief, was impactful. Her “left eye songs,” both with TLC and in her solo work, remain iconic in the R&B landscape. From the early hits of TLC to her solo explorations, her unique style, rap verses, and flamboyant persona contributed significantly to music. Her legacy continues through her timeless music and the enduring influence of her “left eye songs.”
