Meaning of “No Scrubs” by TLC

In colloquial language, a scrub is an aimless and broke dude who unfortunately “thinks he’s fly”. Such a guy can also be referred to as a “busta”. 

That said, the song “No Scrubs” is the American girl group TLC’s classic attack on broke, unmotivated guys. What particularly annoys the girls about these fellows isn’t there lack of income or inertia. Rather the frustration sets in when such a male actually tries to kick it to them, as in get their phone number so they can later hookup.

One dominant characteristic a scrub is said to possess is trying to holler at shorties from the “passenger’s side of his best friend’s ride”. Such a guy cannot afford his own car and rather spends time trying to score chicks while riding with his homey. Other realities that would classify a man as a scrub include the following:

• If he lives with his mother
• Already has a girl he doesn’t take care
• Or most importantly, as alluded to earlier, is income-deficient.

Left Eye’s verse is little less scathing in terms of condemning broke dudes. Instead she seems more interested in a potential mate’s ability to take care of her overall as opposed to him being able to display wealth. Indeed other parts of the track, if read or listened to carefully, can be interpreted as such. However, the general sentiment clearly displayed is a condemnation of men who don’t have bankroll.

Facts about “No Scrubs”

• Writer(s): The writers of this track are Tameka “Tiny” Harris (wife of popular rapper T.I.), Kandi Burruss (of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame), TLC member the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs.
• Producer(s): In addition to being responsible for co-writing the song, She’kspere is also responsible for its production.
• Album/EP: This is the fifth track featured on TLC’s 1999 album, FanMail.
• Release Date: This song was released on 23 January 1999.
• Record Label(s): The labels behind “No Scrubs” are LaFace and Arista Records.
• 1^st Interesting Stuff: “No Scrubs” received a vast number of accolades, including reaching number one on four different Billboard charts. It was so successful that it remained in the top 10 of the Hot 100 for 24 consecutive weeks.
• 2^nd Interesting Stuff: This song has been certified platinum in multiple countries, including Australia, Belgium and New Zealand. It was also certified double-platinum in the United Kingdom and gold in France, Sweden and the United States.
• 3^rd Interesting Stuff: Left Eye’s rap is not featured on the album version of “No Scrubs”. A rumor has been circulated on social media that Lisa did not agree with the theme of the song – making fun of broke guys – which may be the reason behind this.
• 4^th Interesting Stuff: The only member of TLC to receive songwriting credit on this track is Left Eye.
• 5^th Interesting Stuff: Ed Sheeran was accused of ripping off this song for his mega hit “Shape of You”, but he later gave “No Scrubs” its official credit.

Did “No Scrubs” win a Grammy?

Yes. It was nominated in 3 categories at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2000. These categories were: Record of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It won in the latter two categories. It lost the Grammy Award for Record of the Year to “Smooth” by Santana and Rob Thomas.

Did Avicii sample this song in his song “SOS”?

The 2019 posthumous song “SOS” by the late Swedish DJ Avicii interpolates this song. By virtue of that, the writers of “No Scrubs” are also given writing credits on “SOS”.

Who directed this song’s music video?

 The video for this song was directed by Hype Williams, who was the biggest name in music video production some 20 years ago. That video went on to win the 1999 MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video.