No Scrubs#Covers and samples

"No Scrubs" was initially written by Kandi Burruss on an envelope while sitting in her car.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8499567/tlc-fanmail-interview-20th-anniversary-dallas-austin|title=TLC's 'FanMail' Turns 20: A Track-By-Track Retrospective With the Girl Group and Behind-the-Scenes Collaborators|magazine=Billboard|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|url-access=subscription|date=February 22, 2019|access-date=October 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223013401/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8499567/tlc-fanmail-interview-20th-anniversary-dallas-austin|archive-date=February 23, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/02/01/689703447/tlc-no-scrubs-20-years-american-anthem|title=Oh Yes Son, They're Talking To You: 20 Years Of 'No Scrubs'|last=Madden|first=Sidney|publisher=NPR|via=Morning Edition|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122080329/https://www.npr.org/2019/02/01/689703447/tlc-no-scrubs-20-years-american-anthem|url-status=live}} The lyrics allude to a previous relationship Tameka Cottle described as a "screw-up".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tameka-tiny-harris-on-michael-jacksons-xscape-connection-244108/|title=Tameka 'Tiny' Harris on Michael Jackson's Xscape Connection|last=Murray|first=Nick|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227172717/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tameka-tiny-harris-on-michael-jacksons-xscape-connection-244108/|url-status=live}} Burruss and Cottle intended to record "No Scrubs" together; however, Dallas Austin gave the song to TLC as their first single for FanMail, with Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas singing the lead vocals. He regarded the song as a breakthrough for Thomas.

"No Scrubs" was written by Burruss, Cottle and producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, with background vocals provided by Thomas, Burruss, Cottle, and Debra Killings. The lyrics were modified slightly to match TLC's image. Two versions of the song were released to boost airplay across formats, one described as straight R&B, the other containing a rap verse from TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

"No Scrubs" was released on February 2, 1999, as the lead single of FanMail.

{{listen|pos=right|filename=No Scrubs.ogg|title="No Scrubs"|format=Ogg|description=A 22-second sample of the R&B and hip-pop song containing Chilli's vocals layered over an electronic guitar.}}

"No Scrubs" is an R&B{{cite magazine|title=Chartslot; Wowpop with John Dingwall|last=Dingwall|first=John|magazine=Daily Record|date=April 23, 1999}} and hip-pop song,{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/singles270399.html|title=This Week's Singles March 27 1999|last=Chick|first=Steve|website=NME|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001004211527/http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/singles270399.html|archive-date=October 4, 2000|url-status=dead}} containing a prominent Kurzweil Acoustic Guitar beat.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2030502/tlc-no-scrubs-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/|title='No Scrubs' Turns 20|last=Patrin|first=Nate|website=Stereogum|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2023}} It has "airy remnants of an electronic guitar", followed by Chilli's vocals. The word "scrub" was used in Atlanta as a slang term for an unsuccessful person of low social status.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/02/tlc-no-scrubs-anniversary|title=TLC's "No Scrubs" Is Still On Top 20 Years Later|last=Thompson|first=Wanna|website=Vibe|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220162712/https://www.vibe.com/2019/02/tlc-no-scrubs-anniversary|url-status=live}} Natelegé Whaley of Vibe stated that the song is "a scathing critique on men at the bottom of the dating pool".{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/02/tlc-fanmail-anniversary-digital-era-intimacy|title=20 Years Of TLC's 'FanMail': A Futurist Prelude To Digital Era Intimacy|last=Whaley|first=Natelegé|website=Vibe|date=February 23, 2019|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112180534/https://www.vibe.com/2019/02/tlc-fanmail-anniversary-digital-era-intimacy|url-status=live}} Musicnotes published this song in Time signature with a moderate tempo indicating 100 beats per minute in the key of G♯ minor, with a vocal range spanning from F♯₃ to C♯₅.{{cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0026394|title=No Scrubs|website=Musicnotes.com|date=December 15, 1999 |access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805181443/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0026394|url-status=live}}

John Dingwall from Daily Record described "No Scrubs" as a "slinky, acoustic R&B smash". Stevie Chick from NME stated that the song is "the best song ever about not wanting to sleep with someone you're not attracted to in the first place", acknowledging that it is "soulful, simple and quietly witty". In 1999, it was listed on The Village Voice{{'}}s annual poll Pazz & Jop at number one.{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2005/10/18/1999/|title=1999|website=The Village Voice|date=October 18, 2005|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145508/https://www.villagevoice.com/2005/10/18/1999/|url-status=live}} "No Scrubs" placed at number two on NME's Top Tracks of 1999 list,{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/bestalbumsandtracksoftheyear/1999-2-1045360|title=1999|website=NME|date=October 10, 2016|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320225421/http://www.nme.com/bestalbumsandtracksoftheyear/1999-2-1045360|url-status=live}} and at number 45 on their list of 100 Best Songs of the 1990s.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/list/100-best-songs-of-the-1990s-1157|title=100 Best Songs of the 1990s|website=NME|date=May 8, 2012|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118065749/http://www.nme.com/list/100-best-songs-of-the-1990s-1157|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone ranked the song at number 10 in their list of the 50 Best Songs of the Nineties,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-songs-of-the-nineties-w432840/tlc-no-scrubs-1999-w432870|title=50 Best Songs of the Nineties|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|author-link=Rob Sheffield|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 8, 2016|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091628/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-songs-of-the-nineties-w432840/tlc-no-scrubs-1999-w432870|url-status=live}} and at number 303 on their list of the Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/|title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=July 18, 2022}} Additionally, VH1 listed "No Scrubs" at number 22 in their list of the 40 Greatest R&B Songs of the 90s, ranking behind the band's 1995 international single "Waterfalls", which placed at number 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/mc6nph/40-greatest-rb-songs-of-the-90s|title=40 Greatest R&B Songs of the '90s (Complete List)|publisher=VH1|date=June 28, 2012|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203223021/http://www.vh1.com/news/1720/40-greatest-rb-songs-of-the-90s/|url-status=live}} Billboard ranked "No Scrubs" at number 42 on their listicle of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7857816/100-greatest-girl-group-songs|title=100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J.|magazine=Billboard|date=July 10, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=May 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526095549/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7857816/100-greatest-girl-group-songs|url-status=live}}

"No Scrubs" was commercially released on March 23, 1999, after it was distributed to radio.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA101|title=Hot 100 Spotlight|last1=Mayfield|first1=Geoff|last2=Caulfield|first2=Keith|last3=Graybow|first3=Steve|magazine=Billboard|date=March 27, 1999|access-date=December 5, 2020|via=Google Books|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125051309/https://books.google.com/books?id=XQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA101|url-status=live}} It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 upon the single's release on the Billboard issue dated April 3, 1999,{{cite magazine|last=Faison|first=Datu|title=Datu Faison's rhythm section|magazine=Billboard|date=April 3, 1999|volume=111|issue=14|page=40|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40|access-date=January 30, 2018|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806233116/https://books.google.com/books?id=SQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40|url-status=live}} where it remained for four weeks from April 10, 1999, to May 1, 1999.{{cite magazine|last=Bronson|first=Fred|author-link=Fred Bronson|title=Distaff Destiny: Leaders of the Pack|magazine=Billboard|date=July 17, 1999|volume=111|issue=29|page=118|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA118|access-date=January 30, 2018|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806210002/https://books.google.com/books?id=kAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA118|url-status=live}} The song charted in the top-ten of the Hot 100 for 17 consecutive weeks. The song's airplay was at the time, the first to peak with over 140 million audience impressions, and was crowned the Top Airplay Song of 1999.{{cite magazine|last1=Pietroluongo|first1=Silvio|last2=Patel|first2=Minal|last3=Jessen|first3=Wade|title=Singles Minded|magazine=Billboard|date=January 19, 2002|volume=114|issue=3|page=77|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Q8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77|access-date=January 30, 2018|issn=0006-2510|quote=The record now reverts to Arista, which was the first label to surpass the 140 million audience mark in May 1999 with TLC's 'No Scrubs.'|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806235308/https://books.google.com/books?id=1Q8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA77|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Pietroluongo|first1=Silvio|last2=Patel|first2=Minal|last3=Jessen|first3=Wade|title=Singles Minded|magazine=Billboard|date=January 12, 2002|volume=114|issue=2|page=83|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Q8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA83|access-date=January 30, 2018|issn=0006-2510|quote=In two prior years, only TLC's 'No Scrubs' in 1999 topped the 140-million listener mark, but three had such weeks in 2001's chart year, including 'Independent Women.'|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806230125/https://books.google.com/books?id=9Q8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA83|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Bronson|first=Fred|title=The year in charts|magazine=Billboard|date=December 25, 1999|volume=111|issue=52|page=YE-12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9w0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=SL680-PA12|access-date=January 30, 2018|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818213954/https://books.google.com/books?id=9w0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=SL680-PA12|url-status=live}} It holds the record for most weeks at number one on the Rhythmic Top 40 with 15 weeks, as well as being ranked at number two on Billboard's Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1999, only behind Cher's 1998 song "Believe".

In Australia, "No Scrubs" spent seven consecutive weeks at the summit of the ARIA Charts from May 2, 1999, to June 20, 1999. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming TLC's highest-charting single.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-charts-flashback-1999-tlc-no-scrubs__4745/|title=Official Charts Flashback 1999: TLC – No Scrubs|last=Myers|first=Justin|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=March 28, 2014|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091712/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-charts-flashback-1999-tlc-no-scrubs__4745/|url-status=live}} The song was certified quadruple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in September 2023 for sales and streams exceeding 2,400,000 units.

The Hype Williams-directed music video was set in a futuristic space station, where the trio wore silver and blue metallic outfits. It contains a rap verse by Left Eye, which was used in the single's release. Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins described how the group went all out during production of the video, with her being specifically excited about "wearing the all-white outfit", while Thomas initially felt apprehensive about going on the swing, constantly practicing before the shoot until she did not want to get off afterwards. The scene at the end of the video showing the three fighting each other and being silly was a result of the tube moving and the group attempting to fight against the moving set, with Thomas and Lopes hitting each other by accident. American drag queen RuPaul also appeared off-camera without drag to see them, as his makeup artist Mathu Andersen was in charge of makeup for the group, placing rhinestones on the lips of each member. The music video is stylistically similar to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson's music video "Scream" (1995), as well as the Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson music video "What's It Gonna Be?!" (1999), which was also directed by Williams.

The video features the women in four different colored space-suits: white, black, silver, and Left Eye in blue. When there are shots of the women together they have two different outfits: black and silver. T-Boz's hair is fuchsia in the video. It includes a dance sequence where the women dance in front of the "TLC" logo, and also features several scenes of Chilli on a swing. As Left Eye's rap begins, she is positioned in a garage wearing white clothes, and practicing martial arts in a futuristic blue outfit in a separate scene. She is filmed by a drone as she continues rapping; "Can't forget the focus on the picture in front of me/You as clear as DVD on digital TV screens." The final scene shows TLC fighting each other, while also dancing and having fun.

The futuristic music video allowed TLC to win the MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards over all-male nominees such as the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Writing for Stereogum in 2019, Nate Patrin compared the video's CGI space backgrounds to the Y2K problem, and described it as a message sent from an unreachable future because of a "class struggle that [had not] yet invaded the popular imagination".

Following the immediate release of "No Scrubs" in 1999, the song received a divisive response about labeling a new term for men "with limited money, ambitions and romantic vocabulary, and who mostly still live at home with Mom", with several debates on radio stations, and airplay of answer songs.{{cite news|title=A Hit That Bashes Single Guys' Nerve; TLC's 'No Scrubs' Renews The War of the Sexes|last=O'Neal Parker|first=Lonnae|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 15, 1999|page=C01}} Such songs included DJ Quik's single "Sexuality" from his 2000 album Balance & Options, "No Hoochies" in San Francisco, and "No Pigeons" by rap group Sporty Thievz in New York throughout April 1999.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/09/style/noticed-a-hip-hop-battle-of-the-sexes.html|title=A Hip-Hop Battle of the Sexes|last=Century|first=Douglas|website=The New York Times|date=May 9, 1999|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145740/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/09/style/noticed-a-hip-hop-battle-of-the-sexes.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6049079/tlcs-rozonda-chilli-thomas-reflects-on-the-15th-anniversary-of-no|title=TLC's Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas Reflects on the 15th Anniversary of 'No Scrubs'|last=Partridge|first=Kenneth|magazine=Billboard|date=April 10, 2014|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517054125/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6049079/tlcs-rozonda-chilli-thomas-reflects-on-the-15th-anniversary-of-no|url-status=live}} Thomas acknowledged that the latter group were threatened by the song's success, stating that "they can't take the heat!". The use of the word "scrub" rapidly spread worldwide, which was commonly used by women. Writing for The Washington Post, Lonnae O'Neal Parker noted that "No Scrubs" served as social commentary in the vein of previous songs such as Madonna's 1985 song "Material Girl" and Gwen Guthrie's 1986 song "Ain't Nothin' Goin' On but the Rent", stating that it culminated from 20 years of misogyny in rap music.

American singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia performed a cover version of "No Scrubs", which was included on his 2010 studio album Something New.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/attheshore/nightlife/band-of-the-week-avi-wisnia/article_42935a12-5422-54a9-9202-2b82284d33cb.html|title=Band of the Week: Avi Wisnia|last=Grites|first=Rebecca|website=The Press of Atlantic City|date=March 25, 2010|access-date=July 2, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702093114/https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/attheshore/nightlife/band-of-the-week-avi-wisnia/article_42935a12-5422-54a9-9202-2b82284d33cb.html|url-status=live}} Pop duo Karmin covered the song in 2011, shortly before releasing "Crash Your Party", which integrated the former song to the retro sample of "The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)" in the latter song.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/10/karmin-covers-tlcs-no-scrubs-video/|title=Karmin Covers TLC's 'No Scrubs' [Video]|website=Rap-Up|date=October 10, 2011|access-date=July 2, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702035748/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/10/10/karmin-covers-tlcs-no-scrubs-video/|url-status=live}} Kelly Clarkson performed "No Scrubs" during her 2012 Summer Tour on August 23, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2301962/kelly-clarkson-tlc-no-scrubs-cover-video/|title=Kelly Clarkson Covers TLC's 'No Scrubs,'; The Game Is Forever Changed (Video)|last=Rubenstein|first=Jenna Hally|publisher=MTV News|date=August 27, 2012|access-date=July 2, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702064456/http://www.mtv.com/news/2301962/kelly-clarkson-tlc-no-scrubs-cover-video/|url-status=dead}} The cast of American television series Glee covered the song in the "Sadie Hawkins" episode of the show's fourth season, by members Kevin McHale, Chord Overstreet, Blake Jenner, Samuel Larsen and Darren Criss.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2013/01/24/glee-recap-season-4-sadie-hawkins/|title=Glee Recap: Hawkins-Like Vision [Updated]|last=Slezak|first=Michael|website=TVLine|date=January 25, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702064437/https://tvline.com/2013/01/24/glee-recap-season-4-sadie-hawkins/|url-status=live}} English singer Scout Niblett included a cover of "No Scrubs" on her sixth studio album It's Up to Emma (2013).{{cite web|url=https://www.thestranger.com/lineout/archives/2013/05/07/scout-niblett-no-wigs-no-scrubs|title=Scout Niblett: No Wigs, No Scrubs|last=Fennessy|first=Kathy|website=The Stranger|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2018}} Pop rock band Bastille released a mashup of "No Scrubs" and "Angels" by the xx titled "No Angels", which was included on their second mixtape, Other People's Heartache (2012).{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/a465177/bastille-want-to-release-new-mixtape-for-christmas/|title=Bastille want new mixtape for Christmas|last=Corner|first=Lewis|publisher=Digital Spy|date=March 12, 2013|access-date=June 15, 2022}} They performed the former song at the 2014 Governors Ball Music Festival.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/governors-ball-2014-bastille-6113916/|title=Governors Ball 2014: Bastille Covers TLC's 'No Scrubs'|last=Williams|first=Nick|magazine=Billboard|date=June 7, 2014|access-date=June 15, 2022}} American country singer Kacey Musgraves performed the song during her 2014 tour "Same Tour, Different Trailer".{{cite web|url=https://www.onecountry.com/country-artists/kacey-musgraves/kacey-musgraves-no-scrubs-2015/|title=Kacey Musgraves' 2015 Cover Of "No Scrubs" May Be The Best Cover Of All Time|last=Keller|first=Jordan|website=One Country|date=January 29, 2018|access-date=July 2, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702093131/https://www.onecountry.com/country-artists/kacey-musgraves/kacey-musgraves-no-scrubs-2015/|url-status=live}} In January 2019, Weezer included a cover of "No Scrubs" on their twelfth studio album, Teal Album. The song "BasicBitchTearGas" from JPEGMafia's third studio album All My Heroes Are Cornballs (2019), is a cover of "No Scrubs".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/jpegmafia-all-my-heroes-are-cornballs-review-2547850|title=JPEGMAFIA – 'All My Heroes Are Cornballs' review|last=Hobbs|first=Thomas|website=NME|date=September 13, 2019|access-date=May 12, 2022}}

American electronic dance music producer XXYYXX sampled "No Scrubs" on "Good Enough", which was included on his album XXYYXX (2012).{{cite web|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/xxyyxx-isnt-just-good-for-his-age-hes-just-good-8276746|title=XXYYXX Isn't Just Good for His Age — He's Just Good|last=Stieb|first=Matt|website=Miami New Times|date=February 25, 2016|access-date=July 2, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702035720/http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/xxyyxx-isnt-just-good-for-his-age-hes-just-good-8276746|url-status=live}} Producer Le Youth sampled it on the 2013 song "Dance with Me", which peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/new-music/news/a543511/le-youth-premieres-dance-with-me-music-video-watch/|title=Le Youth premieres 'Dance With Me' music video - watch|last=Corner|first=Lewis|publisher=Digital Spy|date=January 13, 2014|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130204347/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/new-music/news/a543511/le-youth-premieres-dance-with-me-music-video-watch/|url-status=live}} The "No Scrubs" writers were credited on Ed Sheeran's 2017 song "Shape of You", as it contained a similar lyrical rhythm.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7735550/ed-sheeran-tlc-no-scrubs-writers-shape-of-you-credits|title=Ed Sheeran Adds TLC's 'No Scrubs' Songwriters to 'Shape of You' Credits|last=Smith|first=Da'Shan|magazine=Billboard|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=December 5, 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=June 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601162619/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7735550/ed-sheeran-tlc-no-scrubs-writers-shape-of-you-credits|url-status=live}} Swedish record producer Avicii also credited the writers on his 2019 song "SOS", as American singer Aloe Blacc interpolated the lyrics, "I don't want no scrub" to "I don't need my drugs".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/aviciis-dark-farewell-tim-844756/|title='Tim' is Avicii's dark farewell: Album Review|last=Hermes|first=Will|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=March 15, 2023|url-access=subscription}} The song was sampled on "Bobo" in 2021, which was performed by American singer Mariah Angeliq, Spanish singer Bad Gyal, and Argentine singer María Becerra. According to Billboard writer Jessica Roiz, it gave "No Scrubs" a "reggaeton twist" with perreo, urban-pop sounds and dancehall vibes.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/mariah-angeliq-bobo-song-video-interview-tlc-no-scrubs-maria-becerra-bad-gyal-9591816|title=Mariah Angeliq Gives TLC's 'No Scrubs' a Reggaeton Twist With 'Bobo' Collab|last=Roiz|first=Jessica|magazine=Billboard|date=June 24, 2021|access-date=May 11, 2022}} The song peaked at number 41 in Spain,{{cite web|url=https://www.elportaldemusica.es/single/mariah-angeliq-bad-gyal-maria-becerra-bobo|title=Mariah Angeliq, Bad Gyal and María Becerra – Bobo|website=El Portal de Música|publisher=Productores de Música de España|access-date=May 12, 2022}} and at number 96 in Argentina.{{cite magazine|url=https://billboard.com.ar/chart/2021-07-18#:~:text=Bobo|title=Billboard Argentina Hot 100: The Week of 18 July 2021|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 12, 2022}} American rapper Doechii sampled "No Scrubs" in her 2023 song "What It Is (Block Boy)", which featured rapper Kodak Black on its original version, and peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/648205-doechii-is-on-no-scrubs-vibes-with-what-it-is-block-boy-ft-kodak-black|title=Doechii Is On 'No Scrubs' Vibes With 'What It Is (Block Boy)' Ft. Kodak Black|last=A.|first=Aron|website=HotNewHipHop|date=March 17, 2023|access-date=August 16, 2023}}

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US CD and cassette single{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24385-2|location=United States}}{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24385-4|location=United States}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| title1 = No Scrubs

| note1 = Album Version) (Dirty

| length1 = 3:39

| title2 = No Scrubs

| note2 = Instrumental

| length2 = 3:37

}}

US 12-inch single{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24386-1|location=United States}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| headline = Side A

| title1 = No Scrubs

| note1 = Album Version

| length1 = 3:39

| title2 = No Scrubs

| note2 = With Rap

| length2 = 3:59

| title3 = No Scrubs

| note3 = Instrumental

| length3 = 3:37

}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| headline = Side B

| title1 = Silly Ho

| note1 = Album Version

| length1 = 4:13

| title2 = Silly Ho

| note2 = Instrumental

| length2 = 4:13

}}

International maxi single{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 646002|location=Europe}}{{cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 646002|location=Australia}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| title1 = No Scrubs

| note1 = Album Version

| length1 = 3:37

| title2 = No Scrubs

| note2 = Main Mix

| length2 = 3:59

| title3 = No Scrubs

| note3 = Instrumental

| length3 = 3:37

| title4 = Silly Ho

| note4 = Album Version

| length4 = 4:13

}}

European 12-inch single{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 66095 1|location=Europe}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| headline = Side A

| title1 = No Scrubs

| note1 = Main Mix

| length1 = 3:59

}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| headline = Side B

| title1 = Silly Ho

| note1 = Album Version

| length1 = 4:15

| title2 = No Scrubs

| note2 = Instrumental

| length2 = 3:39

}}

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UK CD1{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 66095 2|location=United Kingdom}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| title1 = No Scrubs

| note1 = Album Version

| length1 = 3:39

| title2 = No Scrubs

| note2 = Main Mix

| length2 = 3:59

| title3 = Silly Ho

| note3 = Album Version

| length3 = 4:13

}}

UK CD2{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 66096 2|location=United Kingdom}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| title1 = No Scrubs

| note1 = Album Version

| length1 = 3:39

| title2 = Waterfalls

| note2 = Radio Version

| length2 = 4:19

| title3 = Creep

| note3 = Radio Version

| length3 = 4:26

}}

French CD single{{Cite AV media notes|title=No Scrubs|others=TLC|year=1999|type=back cover|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 66865 2|location=France}}

{{Track listing |title_width=30em

| title1 = No Scrubs

| length1 = 3:35

| title2 = Silly Ho

| length2 = 4:15

| title3 = Waterfalls

| length3 = 4:36

}}

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Credits adapted from the back cover of "No Scrubs".

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Production

• Produced by Kevin "Shekspere" Briggs for Shekspere Productions, Inc. and D.A.R.P. Inc.
• Recorded by Carlton Lynn at D.A.R.P. Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
• Assisted by Ty Hudson
• Mixed by Leslie Braithwaite at D.A.R.P. Studios
• Assisted by Vernon J. Mungo
• Background vocals by Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Debra Killings, Kandi Burruss and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle
• MIDI and sound design by Shekspere for Shekspere Productions, Inc.
• Mastered by Herb Powers at Powers House of Sound, New York

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Executive producers

• Antonio M. Reid
• Kenneth B. Edmonds
• Dallas Austin
• TLC

Artwork

• Art director – Darrick "O.L." Warfield
• Creative coordinator – Cherie O'Brien
• Photography – Seb Janiak

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "No Scrubs"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|award=Platinum|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|type=single}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|award=Platinum|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|type=single|access-date=March 21, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|title=No Scrubs|artist=TLC|award=Gold|relyear=1999|certyear=2019|access-date=November 28, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|access-date=September 28, 2011}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1999|relmonth=02|certyear=2022|access-date=December 22, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|title=No Scrubs|artist=TLC|award=Gold|relyear=1999|certyear=2019|access-date=May 7, 2019|id=6553|refname="fimi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|relyear=1999|certyear=2024|type=single|award=Platinum|source=radioscope|access-date=April 6, 2025|number=7}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|award=Gold|relyear=1999|certyear=2024|type=single|access-date=November 27, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|award=Gold|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|type=single|access-date=November 21, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|type=single|id=4616-157-1|access-date=September 24, 2023|refname="bpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=TLC|title=No Scrubs|type=single|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=1999|certyear=2020|access-date=October 16, 2020}}

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{{Reflist}}

{{TLC songs}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for "No Scrubs"

|titlestyle = background: lightblue

|list =

{{Grammy Award for Best R&B Song}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video}}

}}

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Category:1999 singles

Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:Songs written by Kandi Burruss

Category:Songs written by Lisa Lopes

Category:1998 songs

Category:LaFace Records singles

Category:Arista Records singles

Category:TLC (group) songs

Category:Music videos directed by Hype Williams

Category:Songs with feminist themes

Category:Songs written by Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs

Category:Songs written by Tameka Cottle

Category:Dance-pop songs

Category:RPM Top Singles number-one singles