 | This article contains too many or overly lengthy quotations. (May 2018) |
| "Creep" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by TLC | ||||
| from the album CrazySexyCool | ||||
| Released | October 13, 1994 | |||
| Recorded | 1993 | |||
| Studio | DARP Studios, Atlanta | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 4:29 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | Dallas Austin | |||
| Producer(s) | Dallas Austin | |||
| TLC singles chronology | ||||
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| Alternative cover | ||||
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:TLC_-_Creep_%2796_single_cover.png) 1996 cover for European releases and re-issues | ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Creep" on YouTube | ||||
"Creep" is a song recorded by American singing group TLC for their second studio album, CrazySexyCool (1994). Dallas Austin, who tried to write the track from a "female perspective", wrote and produced it. It is based on member Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins's experience with infidelity. The lyrics portray the singers as women who cheat on their unfaithful lovers for "some affection". This context was controversial within the group, and strongly opposed by member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, who threatened to wear black tape over her mouth on its accompanying music video.
LaFace and Arista Records released the song as the album's lead single on October 1994, and it gained both critical acclaim and commercial success. Music critics praised Austin's work and TLC's new musical direction, and commercially "Creep" became the group's first number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100. It topped the chart for four consecutive weeks and was later certified platinum in sales. Following its European debut/re-issue in early 1996, the song reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and New Zealand and the top forty in other countries. Included in the remixes was a new rap verse written by Lopes which warns listeners of safe sex issues. "Creep" appeared on many best-of lists and received a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The trio contacted Matthew Rolston to film a music video after seeing his work for Salt-N-Pepa. The resulting video was later deemed one of the most iconic pop videos of all time, notably for the famous satin pajamas costumes and the choreography. With changes in both musical style and image, the song marked a major reinvention in TLC's career. They performed it during several live concerts and television events, and the track being used in films and TV series, and covered and sampled by artists including American rock band The Afghan Whigs and singer Zendaya.