Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins

T-Boz made her mark in the music industry as a founding member and one-third of the Grammy Award-winning group TLC. Along with Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas, Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins shot to fame with the group's exuberant debut single "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" (1992). They also commanded attention with their brightly colored outfits, use of condoms as accessories, and sassy sensuality. TLC was unlike any other girl group that came before them, yet each member brought her own distinct style and personality. T-Boz brought a hip-hop swagger to Left Eye's wild rapping and Chilli's sexy R&B vocals. Despite legal issues with their management, TLC bounced back to the top of the charts with their landmark album CrazySexyCool (1994), featuring the hit singles "Creep" and "Waterfalls." Although she suffered from sickle cell anemia since childhood, T-Boz remained a strong force not only in the group, but also as a spokesperson for the disease. Along with her bandmates, she empowered young women to take control of their lives. TLC earned more accolades for its third album FanMail (1999), but the group's success came to an abrupt end when Left Eye died from a tragic car accident in Honduras in 2002. T-Boz and Chilli continued recording and touring as TLC, but it was clear that the group was never the same again. Having paved the way for hit-makers like the Spice Girls and Destiny's Child, T-Boz and her group mates were undeniably true pioneers in R&B/hip-hop music.