Historical Figure
Lisa Lopes
1971–2002
American rapper (1971–2002)
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Biography
Lisa Nicole Lopes, also known by her stage name Left Eye, was an American rapper and singer-songwriter. She was a member of the R&B girl group TLC, alongside Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas. Besides rapping on TLC recordings, Lopes was the creative force behind the group, receiving more co-writing credits than the other members. She also designed some of their outfits and the stage for their FanMail Tour and contributed to the group's image, album titles, artworks, and music videos. Through her work with TLC, Lopes won four Grammy Awards.
Timeline
The story of Lisa Lopes, told in moments.
Born Lisa Nicole Lopes in Philadelphia. Her father, a U.S. Army sergeant, taught her piano and harmony. She was performing in talent shows by age five.
Formed TLC in Atlanta with Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas. LaFace Records signed them. Lisa took the stage name "Left Eye" after a boyfriend said it was her most attractive feature.
TLC's CrazySexyCool sold 23 million copies worldwide. "Waterfalls" hit number one. The group became the best-selling American girl group in history. Then filed for bankruptcy. Their contract paid them almost nothing.
Set fire to the sneakers of her boyfriend, NFL player Andre Rison, in his bathtub. The fire destroyed his $2 million mansion. She pleaded guilty to arson, received five years probation and a $10,000 fine.
TLC's FanMail won two Grammys. "No Scrubs" was inescapable. Lisa was the group's rapper, creative spark, and troublemaker. She once publicly challenged her bandmates to solo albums to see who was really the star.
Killed in a car crash in La Ceiba, Honduras, at 30. She was there filming a documentary about spirituality. Her Mitsubishi Montero swerved to avoid another vehicle and rolled several times. She was the only fatality.
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