Kima, Keisha & Pam
Hyped to no end when they first exploded on the scene, the women of Total reminded us that behind every bad boy is a bad girl--and they're back, not to be outdone by fellow erotic ingénues likeFoxy BrownandMonifah. Despite the curious British-accented "Yo, bitch, turn this fucking music up" intro, "I Tried" is a slinky late-night groove that showcases Kima, Keisha & Pam's blend of sweet vocals, suggestive lyrics, and kicking beats. Even if each track begins to sound like the last, it doesn't matter when they all sound this good. From the slow-motion steam of "Press Rewind" to the stoned funk of "Move Too Fast," the girls--as obsessed as they are with more carnal concerns--deliver.--Rebecca Wallwork