In a world where glitz and glam hip-pop is the status quo, Anti-Pop Consortium bring a new wave of intellectual hip-hop that's based on musical thought rather than egocentric boasts.

"Unfortunately, things reach a state of stagnation because a lot of artists come into the marketplace following the presets of what the genre is supposed to be, rather than trying to advance it," said Anti-Pop Consortium rapper Priest. "You'll probably see some harder development come along a little bit down the line, to revitalize it. Right now, from my observation, it's a little stagnant." For this reason, Anti-Pop Consortium have rebelled against mainstream hip-hop and developed a distinct sound.

Priest, Beans and M. Sayyid form the lyrical backbone of Anti-Pop Consortium, while Earl Blaize and collaborators such as DJ Vadim and DJ Spooky create the beats. These artists not only bring a new ear to the console but also aid in showcasing the true musical talent of the group.

This couldn't be more evident than on "live" performance sound of Anti-Pop Consortium's new full length Tragic Epilogue. "We always came from a band mentality, and that left us with less limitations, with regard to experimentation," states Beans, who together with Priest formed the free-improvisational hip-hop troupe Blank Slate before founding Anti-Pop Consortium in 1997. Priest also spent time touring with album collaborator Vernon Reid of Living Colour.

Tragic Epilogue was released February 22, by new New York label 75 Ark. The label focuses on the intelligent side of hip-hop and DJ culture, with upcoming releases by Dan "the Automator" Nakamura, Dr. Octagon and DELTRON 3030 as some of its exemplars.

With the current state of hip-hop, the label and the group have lofty goals, but Priest thinks they are ready for the challenge. "We're all very hungry, considering that we're [the label's] first release," he said. "From everything I've seen so far, they want to succeed as much as we do, and they are as enthusiastic about this project as we are."

Anti-Pop Consortium's album consists of poetic flows set to abstract but danceable beats. "Nude Paper" and "Lift" (RealAudio excerpt) are two tracks that prove that a taste for eclectic beats and intelligent lyrics can still be found within hip-hop. The jam "Laundry" (RealAudio excerpt), in contrast, shows the group's ability to groove.

"Anti-Pop Consortium has been on the New York scene for a long time," said Josh Madell, co-owner of Other Music NYC. "I've seen them do all kinds of sets, from a cappellas over some weird electronica sets to their own shows. It's great to finally see their album come out. I'm happy that their album is an example of hip-hop, while coming from a different direction and being left-field and experimental."