Ron Fair, Virgin Records chief creative officer, has agreed to be the executive producer for TLC‘s new album. The album is still in its beginning stages, according to Chilli’s recent Billboard magazine interview. During the interview, Chilli said the group is still searching for songwriters and music producers. She did mention that Dallas Austin is one of the confirmed songwriters and producers who will work on the project. Austin co-wrote and produced some of TLC’s biggest hits including “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “Creep,” and “UnPretty.”
As far as artist collaborations are concerned, Chilli explained she wasn’t sure who TLC may enlist to make an artist feature on the album. Fair’s extensive artist resume includes working with Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, the Black Eyed Peas, and Keyshia Cole. There is a possibility Fair will try to get one or more of those artists to do a feature on TLC’s new album. As previously reported, News Kids On The Block may be featured on the TLC album. The New Kids also announced they will be headlining The Main Event Tour this summer, and TLC and Nelly will join them on the road. Donnie Wahlberg spoke about the upcoming tour on Good Morning America, “We are bringing with us the biggest girl group in the history of music.” Wahlberg continued, “This is such a great bill and we have so many hit records and such huge followings that we just want to make it the party of the year.”
In regards to their Kickstarter album project, TLC more than reached their $150,000 goal. The ladies managed to raise $235,000 dollars in just three days, and pop star Katy Perry donated $5000 towards their album. Both T-Boz and Chilli thanked Katy Perry on social media for her contribution. NKOTB allegedly donated money (reportedly $10,000) to TLC’s Kickstarter project in exchange to do a song with the group. TLC’s Kickstarter project became the fastest most funded project in Kickstarter history. Both group members shared the historic news on social media. “I get off the plane 2 find out not only did we reach our goal but we’re the fastest MOST FUNDED POP PROJECT IN #KICKSTARTER HISTORY! Thx,” T-Boz said. Chilli tweeted, “We are officially the most successful pop project of all time on @kickstarter in 72hrs!!! #TLCFANS #thelove.” An official release date for the album has not been announced yet.