10 Quick Questions for TLC’s Chilli and T-Boz

You mentioned Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Can you share a favorite memory of her?

Chilli, T-Boz and Left Eye formed TLC in 1989 and became a best-selling American girl group.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Chilli: We accomplished so much when she was here. But I miss everything about Lisa. Just how she used to joke around and how creative she was in the studio. We all collaborated together, but Lisa was very, very talented when it came to stuff like that. That artistry side of her — it was amazing.

T-Boz: I just miss her, period. But some of the funniest times were when we used to have food fights in the studio. Chilli never wanted to play. I miss those times. Running down the hallway, ding-dong ditching — knocking on people’s doors and running — stuff like that. Just all the good times and all the laughter. I miss all that.

T-Boz, you were diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and have worked to raise awareness of the disease. Do you have advice for someone going through a health challenge?

T-Boz: I want patients to know they are their biggest advocate. You have to understand your body to convey that to a doctor. It’s so important to get the right doctor who has the right bedside manners. If you don’t find one, keep looking until you do, because that can be the saving grace to save your life. And don’t ever think a disease defines you. That’s not who you are, it’s just something you have.

Chilli, do you have any advice for supporting a loved one going through something tough?

Chilli: Honestly, I think that number one, you just have to know the person and how they may want help or not. Some people, you call, you check, you ask questions or whatever. But T, she knows if she needs me for anything, I will do it. No matter what it is. I don’t care what I’m doing. I will drop it all and I will be there for her. I think the most important part is just letting them know that you’re there, and if they need you, you’re going to make it happen.

Both of you are moms. Has motherhood impacted your music and artistry?

T-Boz: I think it has, because when you’re happy and your home life is awesome, it just makes other aspects of your life better. Kids are so pure and so loving. No matter what goes on and what kind of bad day you had, they can brighten your day just by looking at them. That’s something special that kids possess.

Any advice for staying youthful and fit as you age?

T-Boz: We drink a lot of water. No alcohol, no smoking and I’ll let you [Chilli] say the rest.

Chilli: OK, so I’ll add caffeine on there, none of that. You just have to eat right and work out. If you don’t move, you get stiff. I don’t care what it is. If you love dancing, then let that be the way that you exercise. I think a lot of people don’t work out because it just doesn’t seem fun. Stay on top of your facials. Find yourself a really good esthetician. Get some sleep, try to be stress-free as possible. You can’t get you a man that’s going to stress you out, ladies. It’ll age you.

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You have collaborated with some major artists. Is there anyone on your wish list?

Chilli: Bruno Mars. Tionne feels the same way.

T-Boz: I do.

What advice would you give your younger selves?

Chilli: I would say the best advice I would give my younger self is that it’s business, not personal. Don’t take it personal.

T-Boz: I’m just happy I learned from my mistakes. I don’t know what I would tell my younger self, because I think it made me who I am. Everything happens for a reason. If you know better, you do better. And when something happened to me, it only needed to happen once, honey. I got it the first time.