TLC sang both “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty.” The songs were released as singles from the group’s third studio album, FanMail, in 1999.
“No Scrubs” became one of TLC’s signature hits, criticizing men who lack ambition, money, or meaningful relationships. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Song. Its memorable use of the word “scrub” helped push that slang term into mainstream pop culture.
“Unpretty” followed as FanMail’s second single. Written partly from Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins’s poem about self-image, it addressed pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards. The song also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it TLC’s fourth chart-topper in the United States.
A common mix-up is confusing TLC with the individual members who performed within the group: T-Boz and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas provided the main vocals, while Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes contributed vocals and rap on some versions. “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty” are therefore correctly credited to TLC as a group.