Tionne T-Boz Watkins crept into the hearts of millions as the sultry-voiced singer of TLC.

Also comprised of crooner Rozonda Chilli Thomas and rapper Lisa Left Eye Lopes, TLCs albums CrazySexyCool (1994) and FanMail (1999) catapulted the trio into music history as one of the best-selling female acts of all time. Chart-topping hits such as Waterfalls, No Scrubs and Red Light Special earned the female group numerous accolades since the 1990s, including four Grammys, five MTV Video Music Awards and five Soul Train Music Awards.

Lopes perished in a car crash in Honduras in 2002, but Watkins and Thomas continued creating music, including a self-titled, crowd-funded EP that includes the single Way Back featuring Snoop Dogg, which they released this year.

Strong as ever even as a duo, TLC headlines I Love the 90s: The Party Continues tour, which makes a stop in Scranton at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. Other acts on the bill include Coolio, Tone-Loc, Young MC and Rob Base.

During a recent phone interview from the road, Watkins previewed what fans can expect to see and hear at the show.

Q: What city am I catching you in?

A: I am melting like the Wicked Witch of the West in Las Vegas. Its so hot here.

Q: TLC has always been really brave about facing social issues in your performances and songs. With politics and injustices making news every day, can audiences expect to see some of that trademark outspokenness on this tour, too?

A: Well, youll definitely hear it on this album, for sure on (the song) American Gold. But we always have something to say, no matter what. (Laughs) I think it just naturally comes across from us being who we are, so we still stand up strong for everything when we sing it, always.

Q: TLC also always inspired with the looks of your videos and live shows, so is the live act still a big spectacle, or is it more stripped down?

A: Nah, we still give you a production. We got the lights ... the dancers, the band. Its a full production always. Well never stop that.

Q: How are you feeling these days? How is life on tour? (Watkins has sickle cell anemia.)

A: I cant complain. I just have to take care of myself daily, so I do oxygen before and after the show. Theres a lot of Gatorade and water with electrolytes. I have to do certain things to stay on top of it. I wont pretend that its easy, but if I pace myself and watch the things I do, and do what my doctor says, I stay pretty healthy. I have my physical therapist and masseuse out here; they keep me in shape pretty good, too, rubbing out all the kinks ... because Im always dancing.

Q: These days, it seems like artists band together for tours like I Love the 90s, which feel almost like mixtapes. What is it about this music that stays fresh and never gets old for listeners?

A: I think about that time, everybody has that era where you just remember that song, like Oh my god, it makes me feel You remember that song by Will Smith, Summertime? Every time you hear it, you go, I remember that summer. I was at the park. I think of that time, it was such good music, organic, and it was refreshing. Lyrically, the content was strong. I think it was just a good era of music. And I think its kind of like everybody grew up with it, so theyre still bumpin to it. My daughter even be out there like (singing Montell Jordans) This Is How We Do It.

Q: Whats your favorite moment during live performances, being in front of all those people singing along with you?

A: Its to see the fans faces. Theres a couple of times that moment when they first get to see you and that energy its just like they lose it. Its really cool. When their favorite jam comes on, they might hear the horns to (Creep) and theyre like, Ahh! You can tell some of them, its either (that) thats their jam, theyre reliving their high school days or This is the song that makes me feel great about myself. So you just feel all the different emotions. And all their faces, its cool to look at when the lights arent blinding me.

Q: With this Kickstarter EP, you have made it known this is probably going to be the last TLC album. But has your mind changed at all being on this tour and seeing the response from fans? You just sound like youre having so much fun. Its hard to believe this could really be the last.

A: When we say our last, we dont mean the last of TLC, but yes, it is the final album studio album. That doesnt mean we wont do a residency. The thing thats so great is we have a body of work now that has lasted 25 years, and hopefully this new music will make it go even longer, but that doesnt mean well be going away. So Ill still be performing, you can still rock with us, but I doubt its going to make me change my mind to go in the studio to make another studio album, honestly. This industry is a little crazy for me, so I really think this has to be it.

Q: Finally, I have a few silly questions for you from some superfans. What music do you listen to when youre taking a nice, relaxing bath?

A: Oh, thats a good one! I love Marvin Gaye, I Want You, and theres a song called So Beautiful

by Musiq Soulchild and also Sade, Cherish the Day. Soft music like that calms me, because I have two (kids) that follow me, so thats my relaxing music.

Q: Any new music youre excited by?

A: I would say Bruno Mars because he is killing right now. Hes covering all the funk. Unfortunately, Prince ... and all them are not here anymore, and hes covering that whole genre of music. So when 24K Magic came out, I was like, Ohhhh! I almost threw my phone out the window. So yes, I would say Bruno, all day.

Q: Last question. Were you prepared for how iconic your haircut would remain to this day? I know a few girls who definitely went into salons and asked for The T-Boz.

A: That is so awesome because I used to argue for that haircut, because in my head, I thought it was awesome. So Im like, Oh my god, this is going to be cool, and I remember them being like, What do you mean, sideburns? Youre going to look like Elvis Presley. So thats why I tell people, if you like something about yourself, even if people cant see your vision, be yourself. Do what you want, because it ended up well for me. People started talking about it, and it ended up being iconic. So I never thought it would go that far, especially when I would see men with my haircut (laughs), and that was like the best ever. That is one of my favorite haircuts ever.

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369;

@pwildingTT

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If you go

What: I Love the 90s: The Party Continues tour, featuring TLC, Coolio, Tone-Loc and more

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton

Details: Tickets start at $29.35 and are available at the box office, livenation.com and 800-745-3000.

The rest is here:

TLC, Coolio and more '90s hitmakers unite for nostalgic tour - Scranton Times-Tribune