Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins, member of the iconic 90s girl group TLC, is making waves with a reimagined version of their hit song ‘Creep.’ The new rendition, titled “So We PrEP,” is not just a musical endeavour but a powerful statement in support of HIV prevention. In a collaboration with Gilead, Watkins has lent her voice to raise awareness and promote sexual health within Black communities through this revamped track. The initiative aims to spark conversations about protection, pride, and empowerment in the context of HIV prevention.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TBoz-Creep-112125-d1ee6013fd85401fa926b6347957e478.jpg)
TLC, comprised of T-Boz, Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas, and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, has always been at the forefront of addressing important social issues through their music. With hits like “Waterfalls,” which tackled the AIDS epidemic in the 90s, the group has a history of using their platform to shed light on critical health issues. The reimagining of “Creep” as “So We PrEP” continues this tradition of advocacy and activism, reflecting TLC’s unwavering commitment to social causes.
Watkins emphasises that the essence of TLC’s message remains unchanged over the years. In her exclusive statement to PEOPLE, she reaffirms the group’s dedication to empowering individuals to love themselves and speak their truth. By revisiting a classic song and infusing it with a contemporary message of sexual health and HIV prevention, TLC is once again leading the charge in initiating crucial conversations within the community.
The significance of “So We PrEP” extends beyond its musical reinterpretation. The track serves as the centrepiece of Gilead’s Care for the Culture campaign, a movement aimed at addressing HIV prevention in Black communities. Statistics provided by Gilead underscore the urgency of this initiative, with Black individuals accounting for a disproportionate number of new HIV diagnoses despite representing a smaller percentage of PrEP users.
Through leveraging T-Boz’s cultural influence and the timeless appeal of TLC’s music, the campaign endeavours to challenge stigma surrounding HIV prevention and promote a message of empowerment. By recontextualising a familiar tune within the realm of sexual health advocacy, the initiative seeks to engage and educate communities in a relatable and impactful manner, fostering a dialogue rooted in love, truth, and understanding.
The legacy of TLC resonates not only through their musical achievements but also their unwavering commitment to social justice causes. With four Grammy wins under their belt and a discography that continues to inspire generations, TLC’s impact transcends the realm of music. Even after the tragic loss of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in 2002, the group’s message of empowerment and advocacy lives on through initiatives like “So We PrEP,” reaffirming their status as pioneers in using music as a tool for social change.
As Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins ventures into this latest endeavour, reimagining a beloved classic for a contemporary cause, her dedication to raising awareness and promoting positive change remains unwavering. Through “So We PrEP,” TLC’s timeless music takes on a new significance, serving as a beacon for advocacy and empowerment in the ongoing fight against HIV, all while staying true to the group’s core values of love, empowerment, and community engagement.