*TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, 43, and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, 44, are seeking songwriters and producers for their Kickstarter-funded fifth and final album, and although few details are set, veteran producer/label executive Ron Fair — most recently Virgin’s chief creative officer — has signed on as executive producer, reports Billboard.
His track record (Christina Aguilera, the Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, among many others) suggests high-profile collaborations may be in the works.
“The return of TLC is surrounded by incredible positivity,” Fair says. “The entire creative community of artists, producers and songwriters is invited to the celebration.”
TLC reached its Kickstarter fundraising goal of $150,000 in just three days, collecting nearly $235,000 by Jan. 28 (led by a $5,000 contribution from Katy Perry).
TLC’s Chilli told Billboard that longtime collaborator Dallas Austin (who co-wrote the act’s breakthrough “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” as well as later hits “Creep” and “Unpretty”) will be involved in production, and that Ne-Yo — who penned its 2013 reunion track “Meant to Be” — will work with them if his schedule permits.
One person whose voice may not be represented on the album, however, is Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, who died in a car accident in 2002.
“When we did the last album, 3D, we were searching really hard to find [unreleased Left Eye verses] to go with songs we were working on,” says Chilli of the album that she and T-Boz completed after Left Eye’s death. “So probably not [this time], but I’m not going to say ‘no,’ because if something authentic can come together, we’re going to do it.”
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