TLC’s Chilli Remembers Losing Out on Magazine Covers Over the Claim That Black Artists ‘Didn’t Really Sell Well’

TLC soared to unthinkable heights with the success of timeless hits like Waterfalls and No Scrubs, leading the trio to sell over 85 million records worldwide as the best-selling girl group in America. But the climb to the top came with its own set of obstacles.

During her acceptance speech for TLCs Legacy Award on Tuesday, Chilli got emotional as she recalled some of the groups hardest moments and their biggest triumphs as women of color in the music industry.

When you are a woman of color, its real hard its a huge struggle, she told the audience of tastemakers and breakers at Varietys Power of Women luncheon. Ill always remember when No Scrubs came out and it was actually our first number oneI always wanted to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazinewe didnt get the cover. I wont say who [got the cover], its okay because he deserved it too but we also did. The message was the last time we had someone Black on the cover, it didnt really sell well.'

She continued, I have to say that just because you hear many nos does not mean that you dont have the talent because you do we never stopped believing in ourselves and each other.

Chilli then pivoted her speech to give thanks to TLCs longtime manager Bill Diggins, who was spotted getting tear-eyed in the crowd. She went on to highlight his loyalty after the death of Lisa Left Eye Lopes in 2002 when the group was overwhelmed by grief and financial burdens.

Bill Diggins believed in us when we were on top of the world, Chilli said, getting emotional herself. And when everything happened losing our sister and no one believing in us anymore, thinking that it was overhe never felt like that.

In her closing remarks, Chilli said she and bandmate T-Boz (who was not present at the event) forever keep our sister Lisa Left Eye Lopes memory alive through everything that we do. Addressing the rumors that the band had always been on the lookout for a replacement, Chilli joked, We never ever even thought about replacing even after she burned the house downby the way it was an accident!

TLC washonored at this years Power of Women event, presented by Lifetime, alongside Rosie Perez, Judy Blume, Natasha Lyonne, Kelly Ripa and Michaela Ja Rodriguez. Chilli was introduced by Tom Poleman, chief programming officer and president of national programming for iHeartMedia, who gave a few remarks about TLCs lasting impact. Poleman was followed by a preview of the first trailer for TLC Forever, a two-hour documentary detailing the rise and enduring legacy of the band.