When R&B girl group TLC first formed in 1991, singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas was only 20 years old. It would be a few years before the group would break records with its sophomore album, “CrazySexyCool,” and go on to sell over 60 million records worldwide.
But Chilli, 54, says she always knew that TLC would be one of the greatest acts in music history.
“I was like, we’re going to be the biggest girl group ever.”
Chili, along with group member Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, will bring the ultimate TLC fan experience to Day 2 of Evolution Festival in Forest Park on Sunday. The festival takes over the park for the third consecutive year with headlining performances from Long Beach ska punk rockers Sublime, on Saturday, and Grammy Award-winning singer and musician Lenny Kravitz on Sunday.
Joining a lineup that includes Public Enemy, Sam Fender, Father John Misty and Corinne Bailey Rae, Chilli says fans can expect a high-energy set full of classic TLC songs and fun choreography. While the group doesn’t perform the same show every tour, Chilli says they don’t venture too far from the songs’ original renditions to ensure fans leave satisfied.
“As artists, sometimes we can become more tired of the song than anybody else because we’re the ones who have to perform it all the time,” she says. “But you have to keep in mind that people are coming to see you and to hear the song that they love, the way they love it.”
In addition to upbeat, fem-positive tracks like the 1999 Grammy Award–winning hit “No Scrubs,” festivalgoers can expect to see TLC dive into ballads like “Red Light Special” and “Waterfalls.” Chilli says many of the group’s songs hold life lessons they’ve tried to impart to listeners. “Unpretty” describes overcoming personal insecurities and embracing self-love, something Chilli says all young people experience in their lives.
“‘Unpretty’ is just another one of those timeless songs because of the lyrics,” she says. “It’s something that will last forever because it’s basically talking about human nature.”
The group is showcasing the human side of being a celebrity in its upcoming musical production “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical.” The production, which debuts at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., in June 2026, follows the story of the original trio — which included Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes — who died in 2002, as they navigate fame, success and life in the spotlight.
Chilli says the group’s manager, Bill Diggins, has spearheaded production operations while she and T-Boz tour. But the pair have remained hands-on through the creation process, revealing details that the public may not know and depicting the group through a musical lens that’s “not like what people might expect.”
“The main thing about it, which is what I love the most, is that people will see the love between the three of us… and just that sisterhood,” she says. “Because we’re sisters.”
Twenty-three years after Lopes’ death, Chilli says sisterhood remains an important part of the TLC brand. Left Eye died in a car accident while volunteering in Honduras. Replacing her was never an option, considering that she was more than a group member but Chilli and T-Boz’s hand-picked family.
“Lisa was our sister alive, and is still our sister, even though she’s not here anymore,” Chilli says.
TLC released two more albums after Left Eye’s death: the 2002 album “3D” and a 2017 self-titled LP. While the group may release future singles and record cuts for movie soundtracks, Chilli says they have no intentions of releasing another TLC album.
“It’s possible that something could come about, but not an album,” Chilli says.
Instead, Chilli and T-Boz are enjoying the tour life. Chilli is prioritizing health, wellness and family as she watches her son, singer and songwriter Tron Austin, pursue a music career of his own in the alternative rock genre. She says he grew up watching her string melodies together and recently released his single “Fallen Days,” bringing a fresh approach to nostalgic, ’90s-style rock ’n’ roll.
“He’s just getting started,” she says. “He’s found his voice, and I just couldn’t be more proud of him.”
She’s also enjoying time working on projects with her boyfriend and actor Matthew Lawrence. Chilli and the “Boy Meets World” star recently completed a project with Hallmark. She’s also working on new TLC endeavors with T-Boz and maintaining her own personal projects. Chilli says life hasn’t slowed down for her, but that the chaos of stardom is more organized than when she was an industry novice.
“When you first get started, you don’t know,” she says. “All you know is that you are who you are, (and) you want to perform in front of people. That’s your dream.”
With nine Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hits, four multi-platinum albums, and one diamond-certified album, TLC’s dreams have come true on and off stage. As one of history’s most legendary R&B groups, with bold lyricism and positive messaging, Chilli says she hopes future generations can listen to TLC’s songs and learn from them.
“The most important part is that people can listen to our songs and feel good about themselves,” she says.
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Jasmine Osby | Post-Dispatch
Music reporter
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