HOT TOPICS: PEBBLES ON WENDY and orginal TL"C" CRYSTAL SPEAKS

Photo: Wendy Williams on BET

There are many sides to this TLC story/movie and although VH1 broke records with ratings, not all parties were pleased. Many spoke out to various media outlets to bring clarification on their behalf. Pebbles finally spoke (on Wendy Williams) about the accusations of her cheating TLC out of millions. She blamed confidentiality agreements, becoming a mom and other things that led to her silence for years. Pebbles claim the money went to BMG, Arista, Clive Davis and LA Reid. She could only speak about certain aspects however all pieces to this puzzle may be revealed in her book, she told Wendy that she’ll have.

VH1 Networks and the TLC movie painted a very tainted picture of Pebbles; she insists things shown or said are false, except her carrying Chanel handbags. She stated T-boz and Left Eye wanted Chilli out of the group- due to her fraternizing with producer Dallas Austin and not her as portrayed in the movie.

Pebbles suspected that Chilli was sleeping with her then husband, L.A Reid, but could not be certain and for years didn’t want to believe it- another detail to look for in the book. In response to the alleged lawsuit against TLC, Pebbles issued this statement:

Photo: pebbles2day.com

“In Loving Memory of the Late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez- My heart grieves that her name has been pulled into a situation that she is unable to defend. I ask that we give her soul rest and peace, in regards to this entire situation. I have the deepest respect for her and her family.
The rumors circulating that I am currently suing the estate of the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez.
THIS IS FALSE.
The rumors are fictitious and fallacious.
 I want to express my sincere appreciation to you all and solicit your continue prayers.”

Left Eye’s sister, Reigndrop took to the airs how the movie didn’t show the true essence of her sister Lisa. Some of the things she spoke about were:

·         In the ‘Creep’ video, Left Eye put tape on her mouth due to not agreeing with the songs’ message, not due to her not getting her way or a tantrum.

·         The family did sign off so the movie can use Left Eye’s ‘likeness’ in the film but that was the only involvement. T-boz or Chilli did not reach out to the Lopez family before, during or after the movie. (Reigndrop found out about production because a friend was an extra, which was her only time on set. She saw Lil Mama playing her sister in a scene and thought she did a great job. She discovered who portrayed her sister via social media. Reigndrip wished her family were invited to the production to give more voice/insight on Lisa’s behalf).

·         She mentioned Lisa’s creative involvement during the first album, ‘Aint too Proud to Beg,’ the condoms over the eye, the clothes, stage design on TLC’s first tour and putting fans names on the ‘Fan Mail’ album…all Lisa’s vision/creation.

Click here to read my brief interview with Left Eye's sister Reigndrop Lopez.

 

Photo: Crystal JonesTwitter

The original “C” of TLC, Crystal Jones stated on a radio show they never auditioned for LA Reid, only Pebbles. Pebbles took a liking to them and they had dinners and often went to her house etc. They were given lengthy contracts at a lawyer’s office and due to being 18-19yrs old not fully understanding it, she turned to Pebbles asking if she could take it home so her mother could review it. She recalled Pebbles saying “No, Absolutely not!" So she didn’t sign it which led her being replaced, not the movies version- allegedly according to Crystal. She also has a book in the works, memoirs of her life which TLC was a part of. (Note: Everyone waited to hear her vocal capabilities; but producers were notified that Crystal was not going to sing at that particular time)





Unfortunately situations like these happen so often, especially if you’re an up and coming new artist. So beware, read every page in your contracts because once you sign on the dotted line, you’re held accountable but remember the label is your bank and any money withdrawn will be deposited back with interests.

Sit back and watch movies like, ‘The Five Heartbeats’, ‘The Temptations’, ‘Cadillac Records’, ‘Dreamgirls’, ‘Sparkle’ and others which depict some sort of insight as to how grimy/shady the business can be. At the end of the day, it’s still business… so be smart, do your research and find companies/attorneys etc. that worked great deals for other artists in the game, and contact them i.e. referrals/word of mouth. However, there are other outlets to shine and showcase your talents which may not require record label backing. Good luck to all. ~xoxo UC

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS SITUATION? IF YOU'RE AN ARTIST WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO OTHER 'newcomers'. Comment below.



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