Tela

The World Ain’t Enuff

(Rap-A-Lot Records)

There still are a few rappers with a style of their own, and Tela is one of them.

Reaching into the archives of rap, many hip-hop fans last heard from this Southern-born MC while he was rhyming with Memphis’ Suave House Records. Teaming up with Memphis label mates Eight Ball & MJG, Tela created a club favorite and underground classic, “Sho Nuff.”

A lot of things have changed for Tela. For one, he’s no longer a Suave House member. Citing bad record deals and a lack of money, Tela moved to rapping for Rap-A-Lot Records, home of the legendary Geto Boys.

Tela hopes to once again take the club and industry by storm, and with the release of “The World Ain’t Enuff,” he’s on the right track.

Although this is his fourth album, Tela has never reached gold or platinum status. So, contrary to the CD title, the world would probably be more than enough for him.

With futuristic, spacey sounds and smooth lyrics, Tela takes control of the album from the beginning. His raspy voice rides each track, moving the focus from the lyrics to the music.

Subject matter is the only thing that brings this album down. Although Tela’s lyrics are clever, they aren’t original. Money and sex are all-too-familiar topics in the hip-hop industry and on this album.

The second song, “Tela,” is reminiscent of Nas’ “Hate Me Now,” as it incorporates operatic background vocals that complement the bass heavy track. This radio-friendly single, on which “Tela” is chanted throughout the song, is already on numerous stations.

With guest appearances from Do or Die and Scarface, Tela takes fans back to 1996 with the song “Sho Nuff 2000,” featuring UGK.

This song seals Tela’s fate. Similar to the original, “Sho Nuff 2000” takes the original’s sound, turns it upside down and around, taking this space-age rapper into another atmosphere.