All the songs sound the same sho-nuff and tired of balling are decent but the rest of the album is lame. It's not worth buying.

Unlike a lot of southern artists, Tela is able to walk the thin line between hip hop and rap. Dont get it twisted, this album is more southern flavored than anything but you will see some hip hop references in there. Check out "Strange" with Crime Boss and the magnificent lyricism of Mr. Mike, who is a very highly underrated rap emcee. The songs are on point ranging from ballin to pimpin women. While these subjects may be tiring to many, Tela flips them in a way that will make you realize how creative and original he is. And I know all of the hardcore hip hop headz will love it when on the intro to "Twistedd" Tela states "Let's rock. Dedicated to the kings of hip hop....thank you." (Know who he's talking about?)

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!