Unpretty

Unpretty is a song by American singer-songwriter TLC. It was released on June 1, 1999, as the second single from their third studio album, FanMail. The song was written by Dallas Austin, and produced by Austin. Unpretty is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that features a blend of soulful vocals, a prominent bassline, and a melancholic melody. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of self-esteem and insecurity, with the narrator expressing her feelings of inadequacy and her struggle with societal expectations of beauty.

The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming TLC's fourth number-one single. It also charted well internationally, reaching the top ten in several countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Unpretty received critical acclaim for its poignant lyrics and T-Boz's vocal performance. The accompanying music video, directed by Paul Hunter, depicts T-Boz overcoming her insecurities by embracing her natural beauty and rejecting societal pressures. The song is often cited as one of TLC's most iconic and enduring hits, resonating with listeners for its relatable message of self-acceptance. It remains a staple on R&B radio and is frequently included in compilations of TLC's greatest hits.