“Creep” by TLC

The narrator of this song (“Creep”) loves her boyfriend. However, she is compelled to cheat in search of ‘needed affection’. Indeed as illustrated in the second verse, her honeybun sometimes ‘pushes her away’.  And the fact that she still has feelings for him is what is compelling her to keep her extracurricular activities “on the down low”. In other words, she doesn’t want him to discover that she’s ‘creeping’ with another guy, as he wouldn’t be able to “handle it”.

Release Date of “Creep”

“Creep” is an R&B song from one of US’ dopest girl groups, TLC. This collective, which was put together in 1990, gained massive fame throughout the 90s and beyond.

The song is the second track and first single from the group’s sophomore studio offering entitled “CrazySexyCool”. The single officially hit the airways on October 31 of 1994.

This R&B tune enjoyed a dominant performance on multiple charts around the world. For example, it sat atop the US Hot 100, becoming the group’s first-ever single to achieve such height. In addition, the single peaked at #6 in the United Kingdom.

Awards and Accolades

“Creep” picked up many accolades for TLC. Notable among such accolades include the award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”, which it won at the Grammys in 1996. This track, alongside the group’s “Red Light Special”, was shortlisted for the “Best R&B Song” category at the same award event. However, both songs lost to “For Your Love”, a song performed by American music icon Stevie Wonder. The other tracks that were also shortlisted for the latter category include:

• “Brown Sugar”, performed by D’Angelo
• “You Can’t Run”, performed by Vanessa L. Williams

To add, “Creep” earned TLC the award for “Best R&B/Soul Single by a Group, Band or Duo”, which is one of three nominations it received at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards held in 1995.

When it comes to certifications, this single has been certified Platinum, Gold, and Silver in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom, respectively.

Credits and Covers

The members of the group played no role in the penning and production of this single. It was authored by American songwriter and record producer Dallas Austin, who was also responsible for producing the song.

Various versions of “Creep” have been recorded and performed by multiple recording acts. A notable cover version was done by The Afghan Whigs, an American rock group, in 1996. In 2019 Malaysian singer and songwriter Yuna released her version of “Creep”.

Movies

This R&B track was used in the soundtrack to “Waiting to Exhale”, a 1995 romantic film starring US music legend Whitney Houston.

TLC’s “CrazySexyCool” Album

On November 15 of 1994 TLC released “CrazySexyCool” through record labels, LaFace Records and Arista Records Inc. This project was promoted by four singles including another number-1 hit “Red Light Special”.

The third and final singles from this iconic project, “Waterfalls” and “Diggin’ on You”, were respectively issued in May and October 1995.

The album was a massive hit both in the US and beyond. It peaked at #3 and #4 the US and UK, respectively. Additionally, it sat atop the official album charts in New Zealand and ranked inside the top-10 official album charts in the following nations:

• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Australia
• Switzerland

In addition to its remarkable chart-success, the album has also been certified multiple-Platinum in many nations including the US, Canada, and Australia. To note, “CrazySexyCool” received 12x Platinum certification in the US on October 11 of 2019.

This project received multiple Grammy nominations in 1996. It eventually won the “Best R&B Album” category.