3 Things Aspiring Artists Can Take Away From the TLC Biopic

Crazy, Sexy, Cool a biopic about the lives of three women coming together to form one of the most successful and dynamic groups ever, not only told their personal story but the tale of the woos in the music industry.

The TLC biopic was a classic, well-put together story of talent driven for success in a cut throat music industry. But sometimes when you’re young and not guided correctly business-wise, you can be taken advantage of.

Social media was on fire last night during the premiere of the TLC biopic. While Lil Mama’s, Drew Sidora’s, and KeKe Palmer’s top performances were hot topics, it was also the depiction of former TLC manager, Perri “Pebbles” Reid.

As depicted in the movie, Pebbles discovered the group. Originally it was T-Boz, Left-Eye, and Crystal, but Crystal was immediately replaced by Chilli (an upcoming backup dancer in Atlanta).  And there you had TLC. A perfect match that was destined for greatness but didn’t know the troubles that would come.

Executive Producers, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozondza “Chili” Thomas didn’t sugarcoat a thing for its audience.  They showed the music industry in its rarest form.

I remember the day when TLC announced they were broke. I was in shock just like everyone else asking how can a multi-platinum selling group be broke? Many thought it was because they were spending money frivolously, when in fact a shady contract was made right under them.

Lack of knowledge, inexperience, and ultimately being taken advantage of because of it, allowed them to see no reparation. After demanding answers, buying back their name, and getting new management, TLC was finally able to start seeing rewards for their hard work.

Artists should take a lot away from the TLC biopic.

The music industry is a cut throat industry, where unfortunately there are people who will tell you anything to sell you a dollar and dream because everyone wants to make it.

If you didn’t get the message, here are a few things aspiring artists should take from this story:

1. Know the business – Being immensely talented is great, I mean that’s why you’re there, but being naive about the business itself will set you downhill.

2. You are allowed a copy of your contract – With anything from shows to signing for a management deal, you are allowed to have a copy of your contract. So ASK FOR IT.

3. Consult – There is nothing wrong with consulting with other music business professionals or even an entertainment lawyer before signing or moving forward with anything.

4. Artists always get paid last. As Left-Eye explained, after everyone else gets paid, then you get paid. And if you’re in a group, think of how many ways that will be split.

5. Don’t sell yourself short. Always remain true to who you are.

6. All that glitters ain’t gold. Fame does not equal happiness. So please become an entertainer because you love it, not for the fame.

7. Never share lawyers with your manager or record label. That’s a big no no. Get your own.

8. And with Pebbles, well record company people can be very shady sometimes. Have people around you that you can trust!

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