CLEVELAND - Lisa Lopes was someone that lived life by her own rules. Once she became a global star as the most outrageous member of the mega-popular group TLC, her idiosyncrasies made headline news.But she was so much more than controversy.
Today marks the 7th anniversary of Lopes' sudden death in an auto accident. Professionally known as "Left Eye," Lopes and her cohorts Tionne Watkins (T-Boz) and Rozonda Thomas (Chilli) made music history during the 1990's with their super successful albums and cutting edge music videos. As a whole, TLC were confident, defiant and relateable for young women all over the country. "Left Eye" was always the eccentric one, but her unique style and demeanor earned her the unofficial title of most popular member as well as a legion of devoted fans.
In spite of a tumultuous, yet highly publicized relationship with then-NFL star Andre Rison (during which she infamously burned down his estate in 1994), Lopes continued to resonate with fans which made her sudden break (and brief estrangement) from the group years later seem like a good decision.
By the time she was killed in the Spring of 2002 in Honduras, Lopes had become a far more spiritual and reflective person. She was the only fatality in a vehicle of ten people, as well as the only one strapped in a seat belt.
I wasn't a big fan of TLC, but I admired and respected their music. "Left Eye" appealed to me because she seemed to have the same singular uniqueness as I, without regard for what others may have wanted her to be. She was a philanthropist and activist and truly cared about making the world a better place.
That was what truly set her apart.
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