3LW’s first-ever album, titled “3LW,” marked the start of their musical journey. Epic Records released it on December 5, 2000, featuring hit songs like “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)” and “Playas Gon’ Play.”
This album climbed to the 29th spot on the US Billboard 200 chart and earned a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). By March 2003, they had sold 1.3 million copies in the United States.
In the beginning, Kiely Williams, Adrienne Bailon, and Naturi Naughton crossed paths at an audition in April 1999. Just a week later, they found themselves in a recording studio, crafting a 4-song demo tape. Their talent caught the attention of Sony Music Entertainment chairman/CEO Tommy Mottola, who signed them to his label after seeing them perform. Over the following nine months, they dedicated themselves to creating the music for their first album. Their journey wasn’t just about music; they formed a deep bond, becoming like sisters. They sang together, prayed together, and even attended church as a unit.
Initially, the album was set to release on November 14 but was pushed to December 5, 2000. Their promotional efforts began in May 2000, with a marketing campaign aimed at introducing the group. They distributed 3LW cassette tape samplers and bounce-back postcards during tours with ‘N Sync, Sisqó, and Christina Aguilera.
For an entire month, 3LW joined Ed McMahon’s mall and high school tour to promote his new internet venture, “Nextbigstar.com.” They also had sponsorship deals with Adidas and Jump Magazine. Following the album’s release, 3LW was scheduled for numerous television appearances on BET, Soul Train, and Nickelodeon. They were also set to be featured in teen-oriented magazines like Seventeen and Teen People. Additionally, 3LW embarked on a European promotional tour to support their project.
Critics had mixed reviews. AllMusic’s Ed Hogan praised the album for its “fresh sound” that blended hip-hop/R&B and pop, commending the group’s strong vocals and the album’s adventurous vibe. Michael Paoletta from Billboard appreciated the abundance of “radio-ready singles” and the group’s ability to connect with their peers through their material.
On the other hand, Rolling Stone’s Barry Walters felt that the group exuded manufactured vibes due to their “jerky beats” and their radio-friendly singing style. However, he acknowledged that 3LW avoided the clichés often found in such creations, keeping their music genuine and free from showy displays of virtuoso talent and artificial emotion.
