Layin' in the Cut (1994)

If you can't handle hip-hop's aggression and intensity, the smoothed-out sound of the Mexican-American duo Lighter Shade of Brown provides safe passage on Layin' in the Cut. ''Talkin' 'Bout (Gettin' It On)'' features a Marvin Gaye melody, and ''Hey D.J.'' (from the Mi Vida Loca soundtrack) is harmless with a capital H. It's difficult to imagine a lighter shade of rap than this — unless it's in your dentist's office. B-