As TLC fans and music lovers alike gather last minute RSVP’s for their “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” viewing parties, Chilli and T-Boz continue the footwork to promote their forthcoming biopic.
In an interview with Ebony magazine, the surviving group members reveal their reason for finally going forward with the biopic, what fans can expect to learn from it and their pointers for Lil’Mama to capture the essence of Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes.
Read excerpts from the interview below and watch the VH1 premiere of “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” Monday, Oct.21 at 9 pm EST.
EBONY: Why was it the right time for you guys to push the green light on this?
T-Boz: I think timing is everything. We had talked about it previously, and when Chilli had her situation at VH1 [the reality show What Chilli Wants] and bought it up to them, they loved the idea. We joined forces with L. A. Reid again. Why not? It just seemed like the perfect time, and everything is falling into place together at the right time.
EBONY: We’ve pretty much known about every trial and tribulation you guys have had. What will be learned from this biopic?
T-Boz: Instead of just hearing about the bankruptcy, you’ll get to really see first hand why we were bankrupt and where the money really went. I think it will give you insight into the main things that you heard about TLC. You’ll learn financially what took place, where’s the money and who was taking money.
Chilli: I think people will really get to see how human we really are, because when you are in the public eye, you’re perceived maybe like you’re not really so much like a human. We’re like everybody else. We hurt like everybody. We all have the same problems with family or friends, boyfriends, all that stuff. So I like the fact that people will see that we’re normal and went through—and still go through—stuff like everybody else.
EBONY: Keke and Drew told me that they spent time with you both soaking up your personalities, but Lil Mama was at a disadvantage. What did you guys give her to help her morph into Lisa?
T-Boz: Well, we spent a lot more time with her because she didn’t have somebody here to talk to like Drew and Keke, but it was amazing. She was so good and did so much research, and she has a lot of quirky and funny ways that Lisa has anyway. She was the first person we collectively saw, and we picked her together because we were like, “Oh my God!” She was so good we forgot she was Lil Mama. She was just… this actress.
Chilli: She killed it. It was crazy. We spent a lot more time with her just to make sure she had everything she needed. Because this story is told from our point of view, and there are things the three of us went through that our moms and our best friends don’t even know. They couldn’t have told Lil Mama certain things with us. Not her family, not some of her friends. No one could have done that because it’s really the TLC story.
Full interview here
