In the late 1980s, L’Trimm emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in Miami bass music, bringing fun, flair, and femininity to a male-dominated hip-hop scene. Their hit Cars That Go Boom became a defining track of the era, capturing the playful energy of youth culture and the booming bass that characterized the Miami sound. Decades later, fans still remember L’Trimm with nostalgia, but many wonder – where are they now?
The Rise of L’Trimm
L’Trimm was a female rap duo from Miami, Florida, made up of Bunny D (born Bunny DeBarge) and Lady Tigra (born Rachel de Rougemont). The two met as teenagers and bonded over their shared love of hip-hop, fashion, and fast cars. Their vibrant personalities and catchy rhymes quickly caught the attention of local DJs, and by 1988, they had recorded their debut single, Cars That Go Boom. The track exploded in popularity, becoming a staple of late 1980s radio and club playlists.
Their debut album,Grab It!, released in 1988, captured the essence of Miami bass heavy beats, simple yet danceable rhythms, and playful lyrics. The duo’s energy and charm made them stand out, especially as one of the few female groups in the genre. They followed up withDrop That Bottomin 1989, further solidifying their reputation in the dance and hip-hop scenes.
Signature Sound and Cultural Influence
L’Trimm’s music was distinctive for its mixture of humor, youthful energy, and an unapologetic embrace of fun. Unlike many hip-hop acts of the time that focused on gritty realism or street narratives, L’Trimm celebrated lighthearted topics like dancing, cars, and self-confidence. Cars That Go Boom became both a party anthem and a feminist statement in disguise – showing that women could have as much fun behind the mic as their male counterparts.
Their style – brightly colored outfits, big hair, and catchy hooks – made them icons of the late ’80s club scene. They were often compared to other female rap acts like J.J. Fad, but their Miami roots gave their music a different flavor louder, bass-driven, and infused with local party culture. L’Trimm’s impact extended beyond their brief chart success, influencing later generations of female rappers and pop artists who embraced playful confidence in their lyrics.
What Happened After the Fame?
Despite the duo’s popularity, L’Trimm’s time in the spotlight was relatively short. After their second album, creative differences and changing musical trends led them to step away from the industry. The early 1990s saw the rise of new sounds in hip-hop – including gangsta rap and New Jack Swing – which pushed the lighthearted Miami bass style out of the mainstream.
By the early ’90s, L’Trimm had disbanded. Both members went on to pursue individual paths, leaving behind a cult following that continues to grow thanks to nostalgic rediscovery and social media.
Lady Tigra’s Life After L’Trimm
Of the two members, Lady Tigra maintained a more visible presence in music and entertainment after L’Trimm. She continued to explore creative projects and eventually resurfaced in the mid-2000s with new music. In 2007, she releasedPlease Mr. Boombox, a solo album that fused retro sounds with modern electro-pop elements. The record was a nod to her Miami bass roots while incorporating a more mature, stylish sound that appealed to both old fans and new listeners.
Lady Tigra also ventured into other areas of the entertainment industry. She appeared in music documentaries and nostalgic retrospectives about 1980s and 1990s hip-hop, offering insight into the vibrant Miami bass scene. Beyond music, she became known for her involvement in creative design and community projects, maintaining a reputation for authenticity and positivity.
What About Bunny D?
Bunny D chose a more private life after the group disbanded. While Lady Tigra pursued music and media work, Bunny largely stepped away from the spotlight. Little public information is available about her later life, though fans occasionally share memories and photos from the duo’s heyday online. Despite staying out of the public eye, Bunny D’s role in shaping L’Trimm’s image and sound remains an essential part of their legacy.
Her lively stage presence and unique voice helped define the duo’s chemistry. Even decades later, many fans remember Bunny D as the vibrant half of the group whose charisma matched Lady Tigra’s sharp lyrical flow.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Though L’Trimm’s career was brief, their influence continues to ripple through hip-hop and pop culture. Their music captured the carefree energy of late 1980s Miami – a time when hip-hop was still experimenting with sound and identity. Cars That Go Boom remains a cultural touchstone, sampled and referenced by various artists over the years.
In an era where female rappers often struggled for visibility, L’Trimm broke through with humor and confidence rather than aggression. They proved that women could be fun, fashionable, and still respected for their artistry. This approach paved the way for later artists like Fergie, Nicki Minaj, and Doja Cat, who mix playful femininity with strong lyrical identity.
Resurgence of Interest in the 2000s and 2010s
With the rise of nostalgia-driven media and streaming platforms, L’Trimm’s music found a new audience decades later. Cars That Go Boom was rediscovered by younger listeners through playlists celebrating old-school hip-hop and retro dance music. The duo’s colorful fashion and carefree lyrics also resonated with the Y2K aesthetic revival, making their style relevant once again.
Lady Tigra’s return to music in the 2000s helped reignite curiosity about the duo. Interviews and throwback performances introduced L’Trimm to a generation that had never experienced Miami bass firsthand. Their songs began appearing in movie soundtracks, commercials, and viral videos, proving that their influence had never truly faded.
How Fans Remember L’Trimm Today
Today, L’Trimm is remembered as more than just a one-hit wonder. They represent a joyful moment in hip-hop history when experimentation and fun were central to the genre’s evolution. Fans appreciate their contribution to female empowerment in music – two young women from Miami who made their mark with style and confidence.
Collectors continue to seek out original vinyl copies ofGrab It!andDrop That Bottom, while digital platforms keep their legacy alive. Social media fan pages and nostalgic playlists ensure that new listeners continue to discover the charm of L’Trimm’s sound.
Where Are They Now?
As of today, Lady Tigra remains active in creative circles, occasionally making public appearances and engaging with fans online. She continues to embrace her identity as an artist who helped shape Miami’s music scene. Bunny D, on the other hand, has stayed away from the limelight, focusing on her personal life and enjoying the quiet legacy of her early fame.
Though L’Trimm may not have maintained a long career together, their brief time in the music industry left a lasting impact. They helped define a sound, inspired future artists, and showed that hip-hop could be as colorful and carefree as the personalities behind it.
L’Trimm’s story is one of creativity, confidence, and cultural importance. From the booming basslines of Cars That Go Boom to the lasting influence of their style, the duo carved out a special place in music history. While Lady Tigra continues to engage with her artistic roots and Bunny D enjoys life out of the public eye, their legacy remains intact. L’Trimm will always be remembered as pioneers of Miami bass – two young women who brought joy, rhythm, and a little bit of boom to the world.