Review of the Lisa Lopes Biography on VH1

Lisa (Left Eye) Lopes was 1/3 of the female mega-group TLC. TLC was the highest selling female R&B; group of the 90’s. Their appeal was universal.

I remember many people in my high school loved them. But, I was shocked to find when I went to college that many people loved TLC there too. Growing up in a predominantly African american school system, I didn’t think TLC was such a crossover band. While other groups like Jodeci, Jade, and Boys to Men were never heard of by my fellow college classmates; some of these kids owned like every TLC record and a few copies in single form.

TLC was not only a cute band, with a style of dress that was not overly sexy and trashy; but they spoke lyrics of female empowerment that were not always typical of pop culture. They preached constantly about safe sex, and female independence.

TLC’s fame grew throughout the 90’s and into the new millennium. The ladies matured and continued to put out songs that would always make the listener stop and listen to the lyrics. Even if you weren’t that into the song or the group, you always wanted to know; “what are they talking about now?” That to me is the mark of a good musical group. Everyone knew who they were and what they were about. And no matter what, they were always at least trying to do something positive.

Lisa (Left Eye) Lopes is mostly well known for setting her boyfriend’s house on fire and then going on what many called a strange retreat and dying mysteriously on that same trip. Many people called what she was going through a melt down like they have described for Mariah Carey and Dave Chappelle.

First off, as being someone who has gone through similar experiences as all of these individuals; and having experienced a bout of confusion and disillusionment about life that I couldn’t seem to shake; I think this is a common experience for many people who have gone through a lot of things in life or who are experiencing extreme pressure from a circumstance outside their control. For famous people, I think both things apply. For a non-famous person like myself; pressure from community and loved ones created this in me.

Sometimes you get over these things and you become stronger. But, I can see how some people don’t make it out to the other side. It’s a hard place.

I was very happy to see this documentary. Lisa decided to film it in order to allow people to get to know her better. I think it really succeeded in doing that for me. Her life was very interesting and the setting fire to the boyfriends house–though not an acceptable course of action–is understandable.

The events surrounding her death were mysterious to say the least. She had constant premonitions towards the end; but she didn’t really know what they meant.

Overall, she was just an amazing talented, beautiful young woman who was at the worst, human. This documentary removed the baggy bright colored clothes and glasses she wore as a member of TLC; and showed the simple young black girl hiding underneath. She was not so mysterious. But, the demonic events surrounding her death were. I found this to be a respectful portrayal of her life and I think it was worth viewing. It’s honestly got a very “Blair Witch,” feeling to it; except I don’t think it’s a movie. But, nowadays; you never know.