Rozonda Thomas

Rozonda Thomas
Rozonda Thomas | Source: Pinterest

Profile Summary: Rozonda Thomas

  • Full Name: Rozonda Ocelean Thomas
  • Stage Name: Chilli
  • Birthdate: February 27, 1971
  • Age: 54 years old (as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Mixed (Native American, African-American, Middle Eastern, East Indian)

Career & Achievements

Music with TLC

  • Group: Member of TLC, the best-selling American girl group (over 65 million records sold).
    • Albums:
      • Ooooooohhh… On The TLC Tip (1992): Debut album, peaked at #14 on Billboard 200.
      • CrazySexyCool (1994): Diamond-certified; hits “Waterfalls” and “Creep” (Grammy-winning).
      • FanMail (1999): #1 on Billboard 200; “No Scrubs” earned three Grammys.
      • 3D (2002): Final album with Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
    • Grammy Wins:
      • 1996: Best R&B Album (CrazySexyCool), Best R&B Performance (“Creep”).
      • 2000: Best R&B Album (FanMail), Best R&B Performance & Song (“No Scrubs”).

Acting & Television

  • Film/TV:
    • A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000), Snow Day (2000), Marshall (2017).
    • Guest roles on The Parkers, Living Single, and Single Ladies.
  • Reality TV: Starred in What Chilli Wants (2010), documenting her search for love.

Solo Projects

  • Began a solo album in 2000 (paused for TLC’s 3D); and released singles like “Dumb, Dumb, Dumb” (2023).

Early Life & Education

  • Parents:
    • Ava Thomas (mother, Native American/African-American).
    • Abdul Ali (father, Middle Eastern/East Indian); met him at age 25 after being raised solely by her mother.
  • Education: Graduated from Benjamin E. Mays High School (1989).
  • Pre-Fame: Backup dancer for R&B group Damian Dame before joining TLC in 1991.

Personal Life

  • Relationships:
    • Dallas Austin (music producer): Son Tron Austin (b. 1997); the relationship ended post-pregnancy.
    • Usher (singer): Brief romance in the early 2000s.
    • Currently single, focusing on motherhood and career.
  • Advocacy:
    • Fought cyberbullying in 2013 after a gossip site targeted her son; the petition led to article removal and policy changes.

Controversies

  • Cyberbullying Campaign: Spearheaded a Change.org petition against MediaTakeOut.com for harassing her son about his sexuality.

Legacy & Cultural Impact

  • TLC’s Influence: Pioneered 90s R&B/pop fusion, addressing social issues (e.g., HIV in “Waterfalls”).
  • LGBTQ+ Ally: Supported LGBTQ+ causes; TLC’s music resonates with queer communities.
  • Fashion Icon: Known for tomboy style with baggy pants and condom-accessorized outfits (Left Eye’s influence).

Trivia

  • Nickname: “Chilli” reflects her fiery personality.
  • Dance Skills: Backup dancing roots shaped TLC’s choreography.
  • Philanthropy: Supports youth programs and anti-bullying initiatives.

Legacy: Rozonda Thomas remains a symbol of resilience, blending groundbreaking music with advocacy. Her journey from Atlanta dancer to global superstar cements her as a 90s icon and enduring voice for empowerment. 🎤💫

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