TLC get a throwback feature with “No Scrubs,” the lead single from their third album, FanMail, and it still deserves attention. The record runs just over three and a half minutes and lands fifth on FanMail. Producer Kevin She’kspere Briggs had written the track first, with different lyrics. Dallas Austin then gave it to TLC as the lead single for FanMail.
Kandi Burruss first wrote it on an envelope while sitting in her car. She and Tameka Cottle, both Xscape alumni, planned to record it together. Burruss found her angle while swapping stories about exes, and scrubs was big slang in Atlanta. Lisa Left Eye Lopes also shares a writing credit.
Chilli sang lead on “No Scrubs,” so it marked her first time leading a TLC single. The record spent four weeks at number one on the Hot 100 and became TLC’s third chart-topper. In the UK, it reached number three, still TLC’s highest placing there. Sporty Thievz answered with No Pigeons, and it climbed to number 12 while sending radio back to the original. Ed Sheeran later credited its writers on Shape of You.
Is this one already on your throwback playlist? Drop your verdict in the comments below.
