TLC released “Waterfalls” in 1995, and the single won two MTV Video Music Awards.
The song appeared on CrazySexyCool, TLC’s second studio album, and was written by Marqueze Etheridge, Organized Noize members Rico Wade, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, and TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Its lyrics tell cautionary stories involving illegal drugs and unsafe sex, giving the polished R&B production a serious social message.
The music video became especially notable for its visual effects and its depiction of HIV/AIDS awareness. “Waterfalls” won awards including Video of the Year and Best Group Video at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. It is sometimes confused with “No Scrubs,” another major TLC single, but that song came from the group’s later album FanMail.