Vursatyl, DJ Rev. Shines, and Jumbo the Garbageman are a rare bunch in the frivolous world of hip-hop today. The Portland-based collective known as Lifesavas is refreshingly humble, with the sincerest intention to simply make good music.

"Lifesavas represent a time in hip-hop when you listened to...and celebrated whatever was good," Vursatyl says. "For me, good music is something that, when I'm done listening to it, weeks later, if I hear that song again, I'll remember the mood that I was in when I [first] heard that song."

With a classic feel to its music reminiscent of hip-hop's humble beginning, Lifesavas--which got its name from filling last-minute shows that no one else was going to perform--is accomplishing just that. On the group's debut album, Spirit in Stone, playful delivery and simple lyricism create a laid-back vibe comparable to A Tribe Called Quest or People Under the Stairs.

To date, Spirit in Stone has received praise in the New York Times, LA Weekly, and URB Magazine, among others. Tackling intelligent subject matter without sounding preachy, the album is a musical chronicle of the group's past experiences--from "years of late-night talking outside of our moms' houses and sitting in the car" to simply their views of the industry--as well as what Vursatyl calls "a victory".

"It's that album that people close to [us] said [we] should give up on and go get a job, or pursue other career opportunities," he says.

However, the journey has not been easy for the modest underground trio.

"Back in the day," Vursatyl explains, "our resources may have been equipment, you know? We needed to get a drum machine, or get a sample, or get turntables. So you get over that hurdle, then you need to get the resources to record your music; then once you've done that, you need to find a vehicle to release it. It's a constant evolution of being an artist."

Their drive is admirable. When asked about their ultimate goal, Shines responds: "To be able to live comfortably off this. That will give me the ability to work on it that much more."

"I want to know that 20 years from now, there will still be somebody that wants to come to a live show and hear some music that I recorded, the same way that I would run to go see Gil Scott-Heron if he came to town," Vursatyl adds.

On Tuesday (March 23), Lifesavas will be performing at Richard's on Richards with Quannum Projects labelmate Lyrics Born. Following that, on April 4, the Lifesavas will embark on the Quannum World Tour--a month-long journey that will take them through both Canada and the U.S.--with the likes of DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, Latyrx, and others.

"We put a lot of work into our live show," Vursatyl says. "There's a bit of live turntables with a DJ. We try and bring it high-energy from start to finish and give people a well-rounded experience."