“A Much-Needed Tool for Our Melanated Communities”
When you hear the name T-BOZ, you immediately think of one-third of the legendary, platinum-selling R&B girl group TLC—a group that didn’t just top charts, but transformed the music industry and empowered a generation with messages of strength, self-love, and resilience.
But behind the iconic voice and edgy persona is Tionne Watkins, a woman of remarkable depth, courage, and connection to culture. What many may not know is that T-Boz is also the proud daughter of James Watkins, Senior Vice President of MelaTech, and a former member of the original “The Drifters.” The blend of artistry and executive brilliance runs deep in her bloodline, and today, that legacy continues to evolve.
A Legacy Born in Music
T-Boz’s journey into music began in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was born, but truly took flight in Atlanta, Georgia. Diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at a young age, T-Boz defied odds and expectations, using her voice—both literally and figuratively—to carve out space in an industry that wasn’t always welcoming to Black women with a unique style and message.
In the early 1990s, T-Boz joined forces with Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and the late, great Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes to form TLC. With hits like “Waterfalls”, “No Scrubs”, and “Unpretty”, TLC became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Their sound was unmatched, their fashion bold, and their messages unapologetically real.
TLC wasn’t just music. TLC was movement.
A New Era with MelaTech
Fast forward to today, and T-Boz is once again lending her voice—this time in support of MelaTech, the revolutionary tech company that just launched the world’s first search engine designed specifically for melanated communities. As the daughter of MelaTech’s Senior VP, James Watkins, T-Boz has had a front-row seat to the company’s mission: creating a powerful digital space tailored to the culture, needs, and interests of people of color.
In a recent statement, T-Boz shared her thoughts on this historic launch:
“This is a great idea and so needed for melanated communities around the world. I’m excited to see a tool that celebrates us, supports us, and is made specifically with us in mind.”
She expressed her full support of MelaTech’s vision and revealed that she’ll be recording a video testimonial of endorsement very soon. It’s a partnership rooted in purpose and passion—and one that is bound to make waves.
A Backstage Celebration
The connection between T-Boz and MelaTech became even more personal when she invited MelaTech’s CEO, Corie Moment, along with his family, backstage after a TLC concert at Universal Studios in Orlando. It was a celebration of art, family, and innovation. Accompanied by her father, James Watkins—whose own roots in music go back to his days with The Drifters—T-Boz welcomed the MelaTech team like family, affirming a shared vision for the future.
Looking Ahead
With T-Boz’s support and the momentum of a groundbreaking platform like MelaTech, the future looks incredibly bright. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about cultural empowerment, representation, and reclaiming space in the digital age.
As T-Boz once said through her music: “You can’t hurry love, you just have to wait.” And now, it seems, the wait is over—for a search engine, a platform, and a movement made for us.
Stay tuned for her upcoming testimonial, and watch as T-Boz and MelaTech continue to make history—together.