Throwback Thursday: TLC – “Creep”
In October of 1994, TLC released “Creep” as the lead single from their sophomore album, CrazySexyCool. Written and produced by Dallas Austin, the song is as cool as it is scandalous, with lyrics that amount to a confessional from a woman who cheats back on her cheating. Because two can play.
“Creep” is said to be based on T-Boz’s experience with infidelity, and fittingly, she sings lead on the track. Left Eye is on record as being against the song’s message, and on the Untouchables Super Smooth Mix of the song, she provides a rap verse that is basically anti-creeping. Also, when the video for the song was being shot, she is said to have threatened to wear black tape over her mouth in protest. This dynamic in the group would result in a very public dispute years later.
(Side bar: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that “Creep” has quite a few official remixes that are really good — the Maxx Remix might be as good as the original.)
“Creep” would become TLC’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for four weeks. The song also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
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