The late Eazy-E’s only Latino prot�g�s, The Brownside, have just released their sophomore album, “The Takeover.” Their debut album, “Eastside Drama,” issued in 1995 had been slated for release through Eazy’s Ruthless Records label, until the Compton rapper�s tragic death ended a solid paper trail of release agreements that had been signed between himself and the intensely street oriented gangsta rappers. The long awaited return with “The Takeover,” shows The Brownside’s determination to become a factor in the game once again over a decade since they first emerged.
Wicked, Trouble and Toker are the trio that make up The Brownside, the latter of whom is currently serving time for a sentence in a federal prison; “I expect to be out of here by the end of next year,” Toker explained.
Eazy’s son, Lil E, still has memories of his father�s close friend Toker from when they escorted the then ten-year old mini E around Disneyland. Toker explained; “I can�t wait to see Lil E when I am out of here, I have a lot to tell him about his father.” Eazy-E and Toker were such a fixture, that in Jerry Heller�s upcoming book, “Ruthless,” slated for release in late August, he begins describing the end of Eric�s life by writing, “Only a handful of people were closest to Eric in the weeks leading up to his death. Toker, aka Little Beaver, his Latino street connection. The mixmaster Julio G.” Heller also cites The Brownside in relation to Eric�s both visionary and deep desire to become involved in the Latin rap movement, a move that ceased with his sudden death. Eazy-E appeared on the group’s debut album, which was recorded shortly before his death. Wicked explained; “Toker and Eazy were blood brothers. Eazy was so supportive of us, he kept trying to talk us into changing the name of the group to M.W.A., but we never did. He was relentless about it. He even wrote these little notes in the studio, trying to convince us. Eric was really looking forward to releasing our group on Ruthless, and we played some dates with Eazy and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.”
Wicked cites “La Despendida (Farewell)” as his favorite track on the group�s second album, which is released by P.R. Records. As fate would have it, Trouble and Toker originally met in prison. Toker has stated, “We�re not rappers trying to be gangstas, we�re gangstas trying to be rappers.”
With songs on “The Takeover” inluding ‘Life Of A G, ‘Who We Are’ and ‘It Ain�t Easy’ The Brownside stay true to their roots that made Eazy-E take notice. Trouble explained; “We are representing Southside L.A., also known as �The Skanless. But we know that a lot of other people are relating to the album, as well.” While Wicked notes, “Toker brings the high life from the street, Trouble brings the drama from on street, and I bring my own experience from the street.”
Lookout for “The Takeover” release in your local record store and support The Brownside with their sophomore effort.
