For years, Left Eye was known to her fans as the spunky member of the mega-group, TLC—a spirited firecracker of a woman who knew what she wanted and always found a way to express it.
But it wasn’t until after her tragic death at 31 years-old, that the world truly got a glimpse of the other side of her, largely courtesy of VH1’s acclaimed documentary, “Last Days of Left Eye.”
Showing an introspective side of Lisa Lopes while on retreat in Honduras, the film displayed her vulnerabilities and allowed a glimpse into her complex world of unbridled creativity. It became vividly clear during her last days alive that Lopes was not only in a transformative period of her life but that the world would soon benefit from her newfound musicality. Now, nearly seven years after her untimely death, that vision has come into fruition.
Eye-Legacy, a solo album that shows the direction that Lopes was moving in before her death, will be released on Mass Appeal/Koch Records on Jan. 27. Released by her family, they hope that it give longtime fans a further glimpse into Lopes’ musicality.
“We hope people understand the message in Lisa’s music and appreciate her as not just a member of TLC but as a solo artist as well,” the Lopes family said in a statement. “This album is Left Eye’s musical gift to her fans and adds to the beauty of her legacy.”
Chilli, who rose to stardom alongside Lopes as one-third of the mega group, TLC agrees. “I think [Lisa’s] fans are always excited to get new music,” she says. “I’m happy that her family is keeping her dream alive, especially as far as solo projects like this. I know this is something she would’ve wanted to do.”
Although Chilli says that she and T-Boz weren’t involved in the overall production of the album, as far as picking songs, they do make an appearance on Eye-Legacy. The 12-track project will also feature Chamillionaire, Tupac and Bobby Valentino among others and will highlight Lopes’ talent as both a songwriter and producer.
“She loved to produce,” Chilli says, adding that if she were alive today, that’s probably what she would be doing. “She [also] probably would have continued developing groups and I believe we would all be working on TLC projects as well.” Previously, Lopes released a solo album, Supernova, which was only released in Europe and was scheduled to release an album on Death Row under the name N.I.N.A., although no material ever materialized. With her final album, her family and friends are eager to keep building onto her memory.
“I know her fans will appreciate getting new music from her,” Chilli says, “but honestly I think Lisa’s legacy speaks for itself. She will never be forgotten.” –jacinta howard
For more information on Left Eye, visit lefteyelegacy.com.
