French producer DJ Mirage has stepped to the podium with his debut album, Background Check. The 21-track project comes after he blazed the summer with some hard-hitting singles to prepare listeners for this beautifully crafted project.  Inspired by his forebearers like DJ Clue, Funkmaster Flex etc, who laid the foundation with their culture-redefining compilations, DJ Mirage takes the baton and continues the tradition with an action-packed body of work that builds bridges between the OGs and the newcomers and also connects artists from different geographical regions. The result is an all-star lineup that will leave lovers of real hip-hop smiling from ear to ear.

After the news report themed intro, the first onslaught is “Different Price” featuring M-Dot, Che Noir and Elcamino, and the trio each deliver the goods with edgy storytelling and vivid lyricism. Next is the brooding “Gotham Girls” with the triple underground OG Hus KingPin, who sounds sharp as ever as he takes us deep into the dark and gripping concrete jungle. Reks shows up swinging on “Imagine,” a concept track about self-belief and achieving goals. Backed by a cinematic soundscape oozing urgency, Reks paints verbal murals with lines like “Picturesque images in hi-res, my mind led to yes/Was told no by those lacking imagination/Graduation to a vet took believing in Reks/Dreamweaving as I slept.” Next is the aptly titled “L.A Guillotine,” which has Planet Asia, Rakaa (From Dilated Peoples) and singer NAHEAVE on mic duties. As expected, all t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted on this track. Planet Asia takes the lead with his gruff commanding flow while Rakaa complements it with his smooth laidback style, and the verses are tied by NAHEAVE’s hypnotic melodies on the chorus section. The anthemic “Pressure” is bolstered by a cinematic string arrangement with jazzy horns and bass-heavy drums and is underpinned by hard-hitting bars from The Hoodies, Maxime Lemer and an appearance by DJ Pone. “On My Mind” is a soulful summer-tinged jam featuring Termanology, and Shawn Caliber who all trade vivid bars alongside singer  Nim K. The combination of Capone (of C-N-N fame) and the OG B-Real on “5 Majeurs” is somewhat unexpected but it’s a brilliant and forward-thinking cut that give listeners a true sense of bicoastal collaboration. “B.$.F., How we did it” is a Black Soprano Family collab, while “Lift Up” brings Boston and NY together with the help of M-Dot, Big Shug and Lil Fame.

It must be said that the project is brimming with non-stop gems that keep listeners locked in from start to finish. DJ Mirage is more than proficient with the beats, and with every track, he raises the ante. “James Harden” is a dark and suspenseful cut that showcases Reek Osama’s rugged style, while “On Top” has 7xvethegenius who embodies the mindset and spirit of a champion. Oba The Great is in his element as he takes no shorts or losses in “Play For rewards” and the trio of Jae hussle, Mado and T.W.O share mic time with the street savvy “Cuttin Ties.” The final track, “Mirage” is a solid posse cut that features ETO, Edo. G, Masta Ace and DJ FLY, and it closes the project nicely. Other notable tracks include the hard-hitting “City Of God” featuring West coast emcees Mark 4ord and Hazerd. Napoleon Da Legend flexes his verbal biceps on the deep cut “Violenconometry,” Blaze 5th cooks up a gripping tale on “1000 miles” and Raz Fresco ramps up the energy on “The Blimp Tony Saw,” which dives into actualizing one’s dreams by stepping out of the box.

Overall Background Check, is chock full of hard-hitting beats that vary and breaks the monotony while the features are extensive, sometimes unpredictable but effective at the end of the day.

Stream Background Check on all DSPs here.

12inch Vinyl Edition, CDs, Audio Tapes available HERE

Keep up with DJ Mirage |  Website: Twitter/X: Instagram