Mirage

The Savant Album (MelodicScience Recordings)

When Mirage posits “I don’t get bitter, I get better,” it’s no empty boast. The fourth album from the local ’23 griot is a marked leap from 2007’s M.I.R.A.G.E. Buoyed by less-is-more beats that prove a perfect pairing for the MC’s conversational flow, this chronicle of daily grind comes with lots of help from the Austin underground. Handling most of the production on his own, Mirage reps for grown folks on the silky syllables of “Linen” and gets so fresh and so clean on “Smell Good,” trading personal hygiene tips with Pimpin Pen. Rochelle Terrell lends hazy floetry to “Luv,” while Mirage street preaches with fellow members of the Guud (Trashman, Young Nick, Blacc Goliath) on “I Hustle.” Simmering with Cee Lo soul food, “So Tired” whips up another tasty treat that helps make The Savant Album Mirage’s most consistent and satisfying offering yet.

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This article appears in February 25 • 2011.

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Thomas Fawcett has been freelancing for The Austin Chronicle since 2007. He likes good music and does not fake the funk.