What Happened to Crystal From TLC? Who is Crystal Jones?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jun 06, 2023
TLC
TLC, originally formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1991, emerged as one of the most iconic girl groups in American music history. Comprising Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, the group achieved remarkable success throughout the 1990s, securing an impressive nine top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Among these were four chart-topping singles: "Creep," "Waterfalls," "No Scrubs," and "Unpretty." TLC's musical journey also encompassed the release of four multi-platinum albums, including the renowned CrazySexyCool (1994), which attained diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Renowned for their distinctive blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, TLC made an indelible mark on the music scene. Their songs often carried socially conscious messages, fearlessly addressing controversial subjects. Moreover, TLC's members were celebrated for their outspoken personalities and groundbreaking fashion choices.
The group faced significant challenges amidst its soaring popularity. Lopes struggled with mental health issues and tragically passed away in a car accident in 2002. Watkins and Thomas persevered as TLC, releasing their fourth album, 3D, that same year. While the album garnered commercial success, it fell short of reaching the astronomical heights of their earlier releases.
Although TLC disbanded in 2005, the group reunited in 2017 for a highly successful world tour, reigniting fervor among their devoted fan base. Watkins and Thomas, continuing as TLC, have plans to unveil new music in the future.
TLC's groundbreaking contributions shattered barriers and reshaped the landscape of popular music. As trailblazers for female artists, they paved the way for subsequent generations of girl groups. Their music remains relevant and continues to inspire fans, solidifying their enduring legacy.
What Happened To Crystal From TLC?
After her departure from TLC, Crystal chose to step away from the music industry and live a life away from the public eye. However, in 2013, she resurfaced to share her side of the story following the premiere of the VH1 biopic, "Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story." The movie claimed that Crystal was replaced in the group due to her inability to sing, but she vehemently denied this in a 2013 interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Crystal insisted, "Everybody who knows me knows I can sing. So that wasn't true."
According to Crystal, the 2013 biopic inaccurately depicted her departure from TLC. She clarified that there was no audition with L.A. Reid as shown in the movie. Instead, they auditioned for singer Perri "Pebbles" Reid, who had recently formed a production and management company. Crystal explained that Pebbles began using manipulative tactics to try and become their manager. Problems arose when the group met with a lawyer to sign contracts.
Crystal recalled the moment when she asked if she could take her contract home for her mother to review, but Pebbles denied her request. She hoped for some loyalty from her bandmates Tionne and Lisa, expecting them to inquire about her hesitation to sign. However, no one questioned it. Crystal chose not to sign, thinking that her bandmates would ask why, but to her dismay, nobody ever did.
From that point on, Crystal described the situation as "downhill." The group started having meetings without her, and eventually, they informed her that they no longer wanted her in the group. She also revealed that T-Boz and Left Eye began distancing themselves from her during the contract dispute.
"They would travel with Pebbles," Crystal explained. "They filmed the video for Pebbles' song 'Backyard,' and if you watch closely, you'll see them in the background, but I'm not there. The reason is that they told me at the last minute. I was a new mom with a four-month-old baby, and they informed me just hours before leaving, making it impossible for me to join them. They started doing things like that."
Who is Crystal Jones?
Crystal Jones, an African American singer, songwriter, and former member of the R&B group TLC, played a pivotal role in the group's early years. She was one of the founding members, along with Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Together, they worked on creating TLC's signature sound that combined elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
However, Jones departed from the group shortly before the release of their debut album, "Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip." Although her time with TLC was cut short, her contributions to their formation and the development of their unique musical style remain an important part of their history.
As one of the founding members of TLC, along with Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Jones played a significant role in the group's formation. Jones and Watkins became friends while attending high school in Atlanta and began performing together. They later joined forces with Lopes to create the trio known as TLC.
During her time with TLC, Jones contributed to the development of the group's distinctive sound, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Their debut album, "Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip," was released in 1992, but Jones departed the group shortly before its release for reasons that have been subject to debate.
Despite her short tenure with TLC, Jones made valuable contributions to their early work and was recognized as a co-writer on several of their early songs, including "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" and "What About Your Friends."
Following her departure from TLC, Jones pursued a solo career and released her album "The One" in 1999. She also remained involved in the music industry by working as a vocal coach and assisting in the development of other artists.
Crystal Jones is fondly remembered as an important figure in TLC's formative years and a talented singer and songwriter in her own right. While she may no longer be actively involved in music, her impact on one of the most successful girl groups in history continues to be recognized and celebrated by fans of TLC and R&B music
Crystal Jones From TLC
Crystal Jones is renowned for being one of the original members of the highly successful R&B group TLC, which achieved widespread acclaim during the 1990s and early 2000s. Together with Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Jones played a vital role in crafting the group's distinctive sound, which seamlessly blended elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
Jones departed from TLC before the release of their debut album, "Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip," under circumstances that have been subject to varying accounts and disputes. However, during her tenure with TLC, Jones significantly contributed to the songwriting and development of some of their early hits, including notable tracks like "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" and "What About Your Friends."
Following her departure from TLC, Jones embarked on a solo career, releasing her own album titled "The One" in 1999. Additionally, she remained active in the music industry behind the scenes, serving as a vocal coach and lending her expertise to the development of other aspiring artists.
While maintaining a relatively low profile in recent years, Jones briefly appeared in the VH1 biopic "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story" in 2013, where she provided insights into her departure from the group. Despite her relatively brief time with TLC, Jones made a lasting impact in shaping their early musical identity and contributing to their status as one of the most successful girl groups in the annals of music history
What Happened To Crystal From TLC - FAQs
Crystal Jones left TLC before the release of their debut album due to reasons that have been disputed.
Yes, Crystal Jones played an important role in helping to write and develop some of TLC's early hits.
Crystal Jones pursued a solo career and released her album "The One" in 1999. She has also worked behind the scenes in the music industry as a vocal coach and artist developer.
Crystal Jones made a brief appearance on the VH1 biopic "CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story" in 2013, where she discussed her departure from the group.
The exact reason for Crystal Jones leaving TLC is not entirely clear and has been disputed.