All About Laughs
It’s hard not to think of TLC when Perri “Pebbles” Reid is mentioned. Pebbles is known for managing the superstar group TLC when they were signed to LaFace Records in the 90s until things went awry. When the group filed bankruptcy, widespread allegations of Pebbles’ awful contract with the group and the mismanagement of their finances soon began to take over. Undoubtedly, fans of TLC accept the narrative as she has left a bad taste in their mouths. News of her suing the late member of TLC, Left-Eye, isn’t helping her case either.
TLC stole the hearts of many fans when they dropped their 1992 debut album “Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip”, bringing them early success. Their 1994 sophomore effort, CrazySexyCool, propelled them into worldwide successes with more and more massive hits added to their belt.
But sadly, as with many major success stories comes the twist of events. To the surprise of many, news outlets began to report that the group filed for bankruptcy following millions of albums sold, successful world tours, and multiple awards won.
“I will never forget the day we were millionaires for literally five minutes,” T-Box told The Guardian in 2017. “Because the [check] was written to us and we had to sign it over, back to [Pebbles, their former manager]. But we won’t get into that since we’re still in a lawsuit.”
The group memorably stood in front of the press at the 1996 Grammy Awards and declared they were “not going to sugarcoat it any longer”, for they had been quiet long enough.
“We are broke as broke can be,” said Chili.
As the group pressed on, releasing another album FanMail which also sold millions of records, tragedy would strike in 2002 when Left-Eye passed away. T-Boz and Chili would continue to press on as a duo in the following years.
The group will go down as legends in music, having made many strides. All was documented in their VH1 produced biopic, which in turn would bring more trouble with Pebbles for the group (hence the aforementioned lawsuit).
Amidst reports of her suing the group, if petty had a name it would be Pebbles, as she was reported to be suing Left-Eye’s estate “for money owed since 1992”.
“Just cuz she not here doesn’t mean she ain’t gotta pay what she owe; Everybody pays what they owe. Ask TLC,” it was reported that Pebbles allegedly told a Vh1 correspondent, adding that they could afford to pay since they “just did a big movie.”
However, Pebbles wrote in a statement to her website that the reports were all false.
“In Loving Memory of the Late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes – My heart grieves that her name has been pulled into a situation that she is unable to defend.,” the statement read. “I ask that we give her soul rest and peace, in regards to this entire situation, I have the deepest respect to her and her family.
“The rumor is circulating that I am currently suing the estate Of the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. THIS IS FALSE. The rumors are fictitious and fallacious. I want to express my sincere appreciation to you all and solicit your continued prayers.”
