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Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas

Rozonda ChilliAKA Rozonda Ocelean Thomas

Born: 27-Feb-1971
Birthplace: Atlanta, GA

Gender: Female
Race or Ethnicity: Black
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Singer

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: One third of TLC

An Atlanta native, Rozonda Thomas was working as a dancer for the Damian Dame troupe when she was fingered to become the replacement for Crystal Jones in the newly-formed R&B trio TLC. Under the guidance of singer-turned-manager Pebbles, the group landed a deal with the Arista affiliate LaFace Records and -- utilizing the writing and production serives of L. A. Reid, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and Dallas Austin -- issued the successful debut Ooooooooh... on the TLC Tip in 1992. With the release of the next album, 1994's CrazySexyCool, the trio became one of the top acts of the decade, but by the following year the singers were mired in scandals, internal squabbles, a legal battle with now-former manager Pebbles, and the ever-expanding greed of their "handlers". By July of 1995 TLC was forced to file for bankruptcy, despite its enormous commercial success.

With numerous obstacles to be sorted out, it was several years before work on the third album, Fanmail, could begin. Further delays arose when, at the beginning of the recording sessions in 1997, a public dispute arose between the band and producer Dallas Austin over the considerable cost of his services; the ill-will generated by the incident was amplified by the fact that Austin and Thomas were in a relationship at the time, and had recently had a son together. The album eventually surfaced in 1999, matching the popularity of the previous efforts despite the difficulties behind it.

After the release of Fanmail, Thomas began sessions for her first solo record, but its completion was later put on hold in favor of beginning work on a new TLC effort. These sessions were also brought to a premature end when bandmate Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was killed in a car accident in Honduras; an album of the completed material was eventually released as 3D in 2002. With both musical projects unresolved, Thomas subsequently turned her attention to her occasional acting career, appearing on the television series That 70's Show, The Parkers, and Strong Medicine.

Father: Abdul Ali
Mother: Ava Thomas
Boyfriend: Dallas Austin (producer, one son)
Son: Tron (b. 1997)
Boyfriend: Tyson Beckford (model)
Boyfriend: Usher (singer, together 2001-04)

    TLC Vocalist 1991-present
    Grammy Best R&B Album (with TLC) (1995)
    Grammy Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal (with TLC) (1995)
    Grammy Best R&B Album (with TLC) (1999)
    Grammy Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal (with TLC) (1999)

    FILMOGRAPHY AS ACTOR
    Marshall (20-Sep-2017)
    Ticker (23-Jun-2001)
    A Diva's Christmas Carol (13-Dec-2000)
    Love Song (1-Dec-2000)
    Snow Day (29-Jan-2000)
    Hav Plenty (11-Sep-1997) · Kris
    House Party 3 (12-Jan-1994) · Sex as a Weapon


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