Miami Bass Hip Hop duo, L’Trimm, composed of Lady Tigra and Bunny D., may be most famously known for their signature hit single, “Cars With The Boom,” taken from their 1988 debut, Grab It! [Time-X / Atlantic Records], however, the Coconut Grove, Florida, twosome would later go on to release a pair of additional albums; Drop That Bottom and Groovy, before parting ways amicably in order to pursue their own personal solo endeavors.
First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It marks a huge “told you so” moment. So many people told us that it was just a fad and that it wasn’t “real” music because there were no instruments and no singing. They didn’t understand that turntables are an instrument that takes years to master, and that rappers were the new bards. 50 years later, I’m honored to be a part of a movement that has influenced every genre of music around the world. We’re still here, suckas!
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Yes. I knew that it was revolutionary and groundbreaking, and I knew that the rest of the world would catch up and clone it.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Touring, and the lifelong friendships that we made with other artists. We laughed a lot back then, and we laugh even more now.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals for the 2025 season?
I’m still making music. I’m releasing my second project with Tigra and SPNCR, and one of the songs on the album is a L’Trimm reunion with Bunny called “Guillotine.” I’ll never stop making music, G-d willing. It’s an addiction, and I’m an addict like Rakim The God. I want to be on stage with a mic in my hand when I go.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want the art of celebrating to be brought back to music for its own sake, not because of drugs or dollars. It’s my belief that joy is the greatest resistance to those who want to see you fail, and Hip Hop can move people to godlike elevation.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
My mom. She was an amazing artist, and had the most beautiful voice. She wrote, composed, sang and distributed her own album, and began her career in her sixties. She sang ballads in French and Haitian Creole. She performed her music regularly, and headlined the Caribbean Music Awards in NY in 2007, which had celebrities and dignitaries in the audience; including Hillary Clinton. I hope to remake one of her songs with a Haitian producer one day. I’m so inspired by her.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
The Colosseum for the acoustics, and my looks would be sick.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
How can I not be? Every era has to pass the baton, and there are some amazing artists in the underground and internationally. That’s evolution, and I’m proud to be a blueprint. I love how the girls are dominating, too.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Authenticity, enthusiasm and my work ethic.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I’m back in school finishing my BA, then on to my Masters. I’d like to do enrichment therapy, and teach people how to be happy rather than focus on trauma. Both are necessary, and there are not enough therapists who are women of color.
What’s an average day like for you?
I work with children with autism during the week, and conduct experiential groups at a rehab on the weekends. I go to the studio as often as possible, and see friends frequently. The rest of the time I chill with my pets and my plants. I’m living my best life.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I used to love interacting with fans through social media until I got catfished by someone that I trusted, who was pretending to be a fan for nefarious reasons. It’s made me more wary of interacting with strangers online, unfortunately. It was great because I had more personal interactions with them than we used to have back in the day when we got fan-mail through the post office. I also really enjoy going into the crowd after a set, and getting to talk to and hug fans.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
I love writing and recording because I get to work with the most interesting and gifted people. I like getting dressed up for shows and shoots and being all glamorous. I’m heavy on the dislike button when I’m going through contracts because they’re flat and boring. Luckily, I have some solid people in my camp to do that with me so I don’t have to do it alone. My sacred soul tribe is everything.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be prepared for things not going according to plan. Keep doing it if you love it, and have a good plan B with something that you also love to do. Do it because you can’t stop and it’s what you love to do, not for what you think that it will give you. Keep your head on a swivel when you succeed, and surround yourself with solid people who will be honest with you and keep you humble. Stay positive if you don’t succeed in the way that you want to because you’ll find the way that serves you best. It’s a party, and you’re the host.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself loving my catalogue, and helping other artists achieve a catalogue that they’re proud of. I see myself teaching happiness through passion.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Download, stream and share everything that I do. I’m trying to get that private jet, lol!
Any “parting” words for our readers?
As the venerable Big Daddy Kane advised, “Ain’t no half-steppin’!” If you’re going to do it, go bigger than you think and surprise yourself with how great you are. Do hard things first, and the rest is groovy.
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