Grab It!

L'Trimm was the sort of pop-rap group that hip-hop's hardcore loves to hate. Tigra and Bunny D weren't great rappers, and their detractors argued that they made a mockery of rap with their cutesy, girlish image and their frivolous, often silly lyrics. But then, the Miami-based duo wasn't trying to be the female equivalent of Run-D.M.C. — its albums were aimed at dance-pop audiences, and L'Trimm didn't expect to impress fans of hardcore rap any more than Poison expected to be compared to Metallica. Grab It!, L'Trimm's debut album, must be taken for what it is: silly, goofy, escapist fun. From "Sexy" and "Better Yet L'Trimm" to the hit "Cars With the Boom," L'Trimm's very pop-minded, club-oriented songs are infectious and entertaining despite the group's obvious limitations. No one who's seriously into hip-hop would think for a minute that Tigra or Bunny have great rapping skills, but for this type of crossover album, you don't need them. You need the right hooks and beats, and this 1988 release succeeds on that level. L'Trimm went on to record a few more albums, but Grab It! remains its most consistent and appealing effort.