Search - Tela :: Piece of Mind

POWERFUL DEBUT FROM UNDERRATED EMCEE

E | 01/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a southern classic, hands down. Tela's debut album really catapulted him into the arena as being one of the south's best lyricists, no question. On top of that, this album has a nice splash of HIP HOP, which isn't found in most southern rap (e.g. the first song "Twisted," which lifts Run DMC's classic beat from "Rock Box"). Tela's lyrics here are thought provoking, introspective, pimped out, playalistic, and everything in between. He has faltered verbally over time (which is partially to blame on the lackluster and bandwagon production that's plagued his later albums), but you'll be utterly amazed at the kid with his first time at bat! I really give this album 4 1/2 stars, taking off 1/2 a star for the flawed trappings that usually occur in rap albums (e.g. the featured artist Nola's uninspiring verbal garbage - luckily she's not on many tracks). These shortcomings don't affect the superb quality of the album, however. Unless you use the "buy used CDs" feature on Amazon.com, you're going to be hard pressed to find this rare gem - it's out of print! If you're a fan of southern rap, the mid-late '90s SuaveHouse sound, or an overall hip hop fan, Tela's "PIECE OF MIND" will blow you away! A GREAT PURCHASE! PEACE!"

Gave you a Piece Of his Mind on this one

Nuisance | Miami | 08/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people only paid attention to Eightball & MJG when you talk about Suave House Records. I was one of the few that gave everybody on Suave House a chance especially Tela and I wasnt dissapointed. The album starter Twisted is great and it leads off to his second single Tired Of Ballin. His first single Sho Nuff with Eightball and MJG was a classic and both Tired Of Ballin and Sho Nuff were produced by Jazze Pha(whose beats sounded a lot better back then and not as candy sounding as they sound now). Crime Boss and Mr Mike team up with Tela on Strange and Tela holds his own well on Let It Rain and Success. The only track I wasnt feeling was U Cant Tell. The rest of the album was cool. Bottom Line: Tela's Piece Of Mind is one of the most underrated releases of Suave House Records and is definetely a highlight album of 1996. Tela has a unique flow and the production as usual, was superb. Its a shame Suave House screwed him over. When it comes down to it they lost one of the best things that has ever happened to them. Standout Tracks: TWISTED, TIRED OF BALLIN, STRANGE, LET IT RAIN, TIME, SUCCESS, BLACKHAVEN, SHO NUFF, SUAVE HOUSE, SURVIVAL and PIECE OF MIND."