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When it comes to R&B of the '90s in America, TLC were undoubtedly at the top of the heap, winning four Grammy Awards and selling mountains of singles and albums, back when artists used to sell albums.
Meanwhile in Japan, after breaking away from the group she belonged to, Namie Amuro went on to see massive success as a solo artist. A pioneer of '90s fashion trends, she was the darling of Japanese TV.
However, on both sides of the Pacific, these musicians would face tragedy. Amuro’s mother was murdered in 1999, and TLC lost member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in a car accident in 2002. Now, TLC are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their hit song "Waterfalls" by rerecording it with Namie Amuro filling in for Left Eye. The only problem was they forgot to tell the Lopes family.
According to TMZ, Left Eye Lopes’ sister Reigndrop Lopes expressed her and her mother’s discontent with the move saying that they would have appreciated being told ahead of time.
However, Reigndrop added that if the song was only sold in Japan, she’d be okay with it. It seems as though that’s the plan so far with the single being available only on Amazon Japan and iTunes Japan for 250 yen.
After giving the reworking of "Waterfall" a listen, the addition of Amuro is great in doses but should have been arranged differently. Her singing is very nice and all but the rap parts come across kind of stiff compared to Left Eye’s own. It seems like it would have been better to just use Lopes’ original recorded contribution and added an extra/original verse from Amuro.
Sources: Naver Matome, MSN Topics
Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Japanese band with American singer wants to turn music industry on its ear with free downloads -- Japanese women share their complaints about karaoke with men -- Number of Members in Japanese Music Groups Proportional to Level of Sucking
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16 Comments
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Maria
That's quite an oversight, but if there is no contact between them, and no financial dispute, I suppose they were not obliged to tell them.
Yes. It is. Isn't it.
smithinjapan
Telling the Lopez family would be a courtesy, and perhaps something they should have done as such, but if they simply forget while getting caught up in the hype, there's really nothing to be irked about. I very, VERY much doubt they forget about Lopez herself while working on the remake. As for working in the original parts by Lopez, it wouldn't fly as a remake on the whole.
I'm just curious how and why Amuro was chosen. I think it's great, and 'stiff' rapping or not I have no doubt it sounds good (not a TLC fan, but it brings back memories), but is there an angle somewhere -- ie. to sell in Japan? TLC is more or less done in North America, but could easily start up again in terms of popularity in Japan, so I'm curious.
GW
This is all about the $$$ pretty obvious
kimuzukashiiiii
But if they used her vocals, they probably would have had to give a percentage of the sales to her family (or whoever is her beneficiary) , which would mean less for them?
Sadly, I suspect thats why the family were not informed...
gogogo
Who cares, they are not legally required to tell them if they do a cover version.
DudeDeuce
It would probably only be popular in Japan anyways. Nobody is checking for TLC nowadays or shall I say TC. Their last album bombed and after Left Eye passed, they disappeared doing a few shows here and there.
dcog9065
Reigndrop? Dear god..
LFRAgain
I'll second that. Reigndrop? Her parents need to be slapped on principle alone.
Elbuda Mexicano
Oops!! Or a la Homer Simpson, Doh!!!!!
sighclops
¥250 for a digital song lol what a crock!
oginome
I don't know what the big deal is. The original 1995 recording hasn't been destroyed, this is simply a re-recording for the Japanese market to help TLC (has beens). Namie is the one who did them a favour. She's still massive in Japan, whereas TLC haven't been relevant in over a decade. This has got them more publicity than they've had in years.
Magnet
Heard the new version. Doesn't do the '90s high-school hit justice at all. At least they didn't get Karipamyupamyu to do it.
Vernie Jefferies
The Lopes family will still get royalties from the song even they if didn't use Left Eye according to TMZ. Also they have updated on this story.
TLC says their remake of 'Waterfalls' with a Japanese pop-star was NOT a slap in the face to Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes -- in fact, they claim they weren't allowed to use Lisa's rap, because they don't own the rights.
http://www.tmz.com/2013/06/28/tlc-waterfalls-lisa-left-eye-lopes-japan-remake-tribute/
dracpoo2
How did they become a part of this??? Aren't they still getting royalties?? Did they want to sing it themselves?
Probie
Who cares about TLC anyway??
They had ONE famous song. That's about it.
Now I know why they got that Legend award or whatever it was at the MTV Japan awards, I think it was, the other day.
I wonder if the Spin Doctors will win next year? Or Four Non Blondes?