The Busy Signals

Minneapolis resident Howard W. Hamilton III launched Busy Signals as his solo vehicle for lo-fi loop-pop after serving as a roadie for Babes in Toyland and later playing in Saucer. He sold his car to buy an eight-track recorder and a sampler, then issued his Sugar Free debut Baby's First Beats under the Busy Signals name in spring 2000. Pretend Hits followed the next year.