Eastside Motel by Nino Brown: A Raw, Funk-Fueled Ride Through the Hood
Nino Brown’s Eastside Motel isn’t just an album—it’s a vibe. Straight outta the US in 2020, this Latin-infused West Coast rap masterpiece slaps harder than most stuff you’ve heard lately. With M.I.A. Records backing him up, Nino brings that gritty gangsta funk and hip-hop heat like nobody else can. And trust me, it sticks to your brain like gum on hot asphalt.
The tracklist is stacked with bangers, but two cuts hit way harder than the rest: "Chevrolet Boogie" and "Can You Feel It?". Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
“Chevrolet Boogie” rolls in smooth as hell, like lowrider hydraulics bouncing on a summer night. The bassline hits so hard, you’ll feel it in your chest even if you’re rocking cheap earbuds. This joint ain’t about no fancy metaphors or deep poetry—it’s raw, unfiltered hood storytelling. Nino spits bars about cruising through the block, chasing paper, and staying strapped while keeping it funky. That hook? Sticky as syrup. You won’t forget it anytime soon.
Then there’s “Can You Feel It?”—a straight-up anthem for anyone who knows what it means to hustle. The beat switches up halfway through, throwing you off guard like a sucker punch. It’s chaotic, yeah, but that’s the point. Nino doesn’t hold back here; he’s letting loose, talking smack, and reminding everyone why they should respect his grind. By the time the track fades out, you’re either hyped AF or questioning your life choices. Either way, mission accomplished.
Now, let’s talk skits for a sec. Tracks like “Homies Skit” give the album some personality, breaking up the intensity without killing the mood. But honestly, this whole project feels like one long ride through the Eastside—gritty, unpredictable, and full of flavor. From the freaky vibes of “Super Freaky” to the pain-soaked lyrics of “Pain,” Nino covers all the bases. Dude’s got range.
But here’s the kicker: listening to Eastside Motel feels like flipping through someone’s diary. It’s messy, unapologetic, and sometimes downright uncomfortable—but that’s exactly why it works. Nino doesn’t care about fitting into any box. He’s out here making music for the streets, not Spotify playlists.
So, would I recommend this album? Hell yeah, but only if you’re ready to get punched in the soul. If you’re looking for something polished and radio-friendly, keep scrolling. But if you want authenticity served cold with a side of funk, grab this record ASAP.
Oh, and one last thing—why does every other artist sound like they’re trying too hard these days? Maybe they need to check into the Eastside Motel themselves. Just saying.
