By Janae Price
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Fall Festival is the biggest party to hit Hempstead year round. From the sidesplitting, hilarious Kathy Griffin to the futuristically jazzy sounds of Janelle Monae, this year’s Fall Fest seemed to be all about girl power. One could not think of a better group to carry on this theme than the ones who gave a new meaning to the words crazy, sexy, cool – TLC.

From the early 90s to the mid- 2000’s, TLC was one of the most iconic all-female music groups in history. They have sold more than 23 million copies worldwide, topped the Billboard charts and won five Grammy’s. From “No Scrubs” to “Waterfalls,” two of their most famous songs, the trio blended together R&B and hip hop to create their catchy chart toppers.

Their music focuses on empowering women and “keeping it real” about issues facing young people in their time. In one of their first music videos for the song, “What about Your Friends,” Lisa Lopes, also know as Left Eye, who is now deceased, wore a condom on her left eye.

According to TLC’s lead vocalist Tionne Watkins, also known as T-Boz, they wanted to make taboo subjects, like sexuality, into fashion statements so more young people would feel comfortable with them.

“Kids back then would be afraid to go buy a condom, but then when they saw TLC wearing them, oh their popular, and they wear them on their clothes and their eyes, let me get one too,” according to T-Boz.

The group also relayed messages about positive body image and self-acceptance, as heard in their hit song “Unpretty.” Group member Rozande Thomas, also known as Chilli, said that strong female role models, such as their mothers, kept them on the right track with messages of self-love and respect.

“We are always going to speak up for respecting yourself, never sell yourself short for a dream,” said T-Boz, words that are great advice for any young person forging ahead to pursue their dreams.