I remember back in the day I had the first TLC tape (Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip) (yes, tape!) and my brother, who is six years younger than me, had the first Kris Kross tape (Totally Krossed Out).   And, those who know, know they were all crew, with Jermaine Dupri knowing TLC, and them all knowing each other.  Kris Kross were even featured in TLC’s “Hat 2 Da Back” music video from that debut release.

Most of these kiddy rap duos and groups were associated with a grown-up rapper and/or hip hop collective, so their rhymes were probably written for them in most cases.  That said, it’s interesting to point out that their content and lyrics were so grown-up and all the boy groups had beef with each other and would address it in their rhymes and songs.

I think because they were children and teens, it wasn’t taken as seriously, though, as it was with the adult rappers.  There was no fear of something more dangerous happening or any sense that something more extreme would occur.  I think it was understood that all of that was kept on record and that it was no more grave than a school yard argument.  At least, as a listener, that’s how I felt.   If only grown-up hip hop beefs could have had that child-like innocence to them.

‘Nuff said.  Enjoy!

peace, love + all that jazz

freddie beat aka Freddie Rodriguez
+++

Kris Kross featuring Super Cat “Alright”
There’s a lot of good Kris Kross joints from back in the day.  This one from the second album, Da Bomb, is a stand-out for me.

Another Bad Creation (ABC) “Iesha”
I actually did have the first ABC tape (Coolin’ at the Playground Ya’ Know!) and even bought the second one (It Ain’t What U Wear, It’s How U Play It).  I was into BBD (Bell Biv DeVoe), who they were affiliated with.

Illegal “We Getz Busy”
Includes disses aimed at Kris Kross and Da Youngsta’s.  Kris Kross were the most successful of these groups , at the time, so when you’re on top, you’re going to get aimed at.

Immature “Tear It Up (On Our Worst Behavior)”
A little different kind of group because the had the singing in addition to the rapping.  They always reminded me of a miniature little boy version of TLC.  At least in the beginning.  So, since they weren’t technically rappers, they didn’t get caught up in the fray of all that rivalry.  This was featured on their debut release, On Our Worst Behavior, as well as on the soundtrack for the animated film, Bébé’s Kids.

Da Youngsta’s “Iz U Wit Me”

+++BONUS+++ Raven-Symone “That’s What Little Girls Are Made Of”
Before Willow Smith, there was Raven-Symone.  Little known fact:  Missy Elliott worked on this song and entire project with Raven.  This was before Missy Elliott was a household name.   I believe it is her voice doing the Jamaican accent in this video.  Why they replaced her with someone else for the visual, I’m not sure.  Love the tributes to divas (Madonna, Janet, Mary J. Blige) and even the one to a divo (Mike Jack in the beginning, right?).

Jon Sandler

He is still touring behind his sophomore solo release, Late Night Champ (there was a Fancy Band release in between),  that came out in 2012.  Find out the latest and greatest regarding his music, band, and upcoming shows at his official site.

The idea is simple.  I have a list of 100 questions that are a mixed bag of musical, fun, serious, and silly.  Jon Sandler chose six (6) numbers from 1 through 100 without getting to see the questions.  The questions he answered for this LOTTO Interview are the questions that correspond with the numbers that he chose.

Thanks to Jon Sandler for his patience and easy-goingness.  Watch his video for “Take My Time” from Late Night Champ.  Then, read his LOTTO Interview below.

Urb’l Remedy:  How would you describe your sound?
Jon Sandler:  My sound is pop with influences of other genres.  Like a pop fusion.  When we were in London, recently, someone said I was a combination of Ben Folds Five and Beck.  I thought that was pretty accurate.  The Ben [Folds Five]- style piano-driven, fuzzy bass and catchy, melodic, honest lyrics combined with [the] weird sounds and unique charisma that Beck possesses.

Urb’l Remedy:  What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Jon Sandler:  I really like watching TV.  If I am into a show, I could sit and watch five to six hours of episodes in a row.  Right now, it’s Dexter.  I have watched seven seasons in about a month.

Urb’l Remedy:  Last day on earth, what do you do?
Jon Sandler:  [I would] Get together with family and friends and have a dance party.

Urb’l Remedy:  Favorite piece of clothing you can’t live without and that you wear all the time?
Jon Sandler:  I have an amazing old school New Jack City t-shirt that has become my number one [item of clothing to wear].

Urb’l Remedy:  Do you whip your hair back and forth?
Jon Sandler:  I usually have very long hair and, as a matter of fact, when I perform, I do whip it back and forth.  It has become the cause of many post-show neck aches.

Urb’l Remedy:  If someone were to play you in a movie of your life, who would it be and why?
Jon Sandler:  A lot of people are telling me, recently, that I look like Andy Samberg, so I guess he would play me if they were going for accuracy.  I also get [that I look like] Michael Cera.  If it was up to me, maybe Robert Pattinson or some other teen heartthrob.

Jon Sandler=Jon Sandler

Nhojj has been doing his thing for over ten years breaking many barriers and achieving a lot of historic firsts in his career.  A couple of those include being the first gay indie artist to reach Number 1 on the MTV Music Chart with his same-gender-loving video, “Love,” and being the first Black male to win the OUTStanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year OUTMusic Award  for the very same song in 2009.  More recently, he donated the proceeds from the sale of his song “Gay Warrior Song” (also a 2010 OUTMusic Award Winner and Number 1 CD Baby Reggae Single) to SASOD.  Find out more about his forthcoming studio album and other projects at his official site.

Thanks to Nhojj for his strong and unwavering conviction.  Now, on to his interview about SASOD below!

Urb’l Remedy:  Tell us about SASOD.
Nhojj:  The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is a human rights organization based in Guyana.  They focus on encouraging respect and tolerance and eliminating discrimination, particularly, on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.  SASOD along with human rights organizations in other Caribbean countries form a network that is slowly creating change in the Caribbean by working on changing discriminatory laws much like human rights organizations in the USA.  This year SASOD celebrates its 10 year anniversary.

Urb’l Remedy:  Seems like there are a few different  SASOD initiatives (SASOD Film Festival, Child Protection Policy, and Spectrum Vibes).  Can you briefly explain each and how they all fit within the bigger picture of SASOD?
Nhojj:  Yes, absolutely.  The film festival is the first LGBTQ film festival in the Caribbean and is a way of sharing our stories and allowing the public to see who we as LGBTQ people are.  The Child Protection initiative works to end bullying and all forms of abuse (sexual, physical and emotional) and Spectrum Vibes is a magazine that informs and educates LGBTQ people in Guyana.  There is also a Health Net Project which provides information and education.

Urb’l Remedy:  How did you get involved with this organization?  How do you participate?
Nhojj:  I think I first found SASOD through its Yahoo Group years ago and started keeping up with their successes.  Then, I met SASOD founder, Joel Simpson, in 2008, when I performed at Guyana Fashion Week.  Since then, we’ve been exploring ways [that] I could be of service to SASOD.   Most recently, I’ve used the proceeds of my OUTMusic Award winning song, “Gay Warrior Song,” to help raise awareness for SASOD and we have a few other projects in the works.

Urb’l Remedy:  Is it a bigger challenge to have an organization like this in Guyana as opposed to the many that exist in the US?  What are the challenges?
Nhojj:  In a few ways I think it is a bigger challenge.  The US started this conversation on equality back in the late ’60s with the Stonewall riots, so now is reaping the benefits of decades of activism and the resources amassed over a period of time.  Guyana started this public conversation 10 years ago, so it’s in the early stages of development.  The advantage is that human rights organizations in the US have created a blueprint that other countries like Guyana can follow.   Also:  the world pays attention to what’s happening in the USA, so when President Barack Obama lends his support to the LGBT community, those sentiments affect attitudes in countries like Guyana, which I believe is positive.

Urb’l Remedy:  What can musicians and people in the industry do locally, nationally, and internationally to support this cause?
Nhojj:  Organizations like SASOD work within the legal and political framework to create change.   Artists, and when I say artists, I mean musicians, filmmakers, authors, painters, photographers, and any other creators; artists create social change, they fill in the framework with details and add color that political and legal organizations can’t focus on.  Discrimination is a result of fear which is based on ignorance about who LGBTQ are.  Art expresses or exposes the truth and the truth sets people free.  So, I believe we artists and industry folk need to tell our truth, tell our stories with all the power and piercing beauty that we possess.

Urb’l Remedy:  What can regular music fans do?
Nhojj:  Spread the word, share, talk, talk about what’s important to you, talk about these issues, support the art that supports you.

Urb’l Remedy:  What does the combination of music and charitable giving mean to you?  Why so passionate about it?
Nhojj:  I believe we come to this world to help make it better by using our gifts.  This is what I do with my music and this is why I’m passionate about charitable giving –  I see music and charitable giving as two sides of the same coin.

Urb’l Remedy:  Any last words regarding this cool cause or anything related to this organization, Guyana, or LGBTQ issues?
Nhojj:  Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my love and respect for SASOD with your readers.  Thank you for doing your part to create a world we all can be proud of.

Love & Light

Monday,  May 6, 2013
9:42 PM

To Whom It May Concern:

I’m a little late in coming with this Letter from the Editor.  I’m going to be candid in this post.  Maybe more candid than I normally am.  I am running late on a few posts from late April and early May and I plan to play catch up.  I don’t know that anyone really reads these, so I sometimes feel it doesn’t matter and that I have some time to work with.

Let me give some context.  I am at crossroads and not certain of what my next move should be.  I quit my day job of over 5 years without having another job lined up.  I want to move to the East Coast.  Boston to be exact.  I’ve just needed a change for a long time and have wanted to leave Texas for years.  I’ve been wanting to move to Boston for a long time.  Way before this marathon tragedy that has occurred recently.

I had wanted to be there by June, but that’s not going to happen.  I’ve decided to go back to my hometown of El Paso for the summer months of June through August as a detour and, hopefully, make it to Boston by September.   I’ve already given 30 days notices at my apartment, too.

My day job has nothing to do with my education and my interests and I’m not getting any younger.  I’ve always done creative projects on the side, like this site, while having a day job.  I am passionate and care about doing good and original work and do these creative projects because I choose to.  I haven’t figured out a way to get compensated for the creative projects I do.  You can only burn the candle at both ends before it burns out, something’s got to give, and insert any other relatable cliche here.

I don’t know what I want to do exactly.  I just want to do something more in line with my education and interests.  I also just wanted to take some time to try to figure it out.  Basically, to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.  I’ve always known the general areas I’m interested in and love to dabble,  but I’ve never figured out what I am.  You know, what I was meant to be and do.  I think I’m a “producer” in the most general sense of the term.   I tend to create and  provide platforms that showcase other creatives, too.

The predicament becomes that you then become jack of all trades and master of none.  Though I do find it challenging to build an audience.  Haven’t quite figured that one out, yet.  I do think if an organization already had a built-in audience, it would be easier and more fun to just find a way to tailor messages to them in the most interesting ways, in their language, and through the formats they prefer.

I don’t know what the future holds.  I just couldn’t see myself doing the same job for five more years.  I also just need a change of scenery.  I think I’ve already changed my destiny.  I don’t think going back home is cheating because it’s still different than where and how I’ve been living.  You also can never really go home again.  I believe that’s true.  You can’t really recapture where you’ve been.  It may be the same place, but it’s a new situation for you.  New life.  New memories.   New expectations.  People have come and gone.  Your job may be different.  You’re older.  I could go on and on.

I don’t know what I’m searching for, but I’ve always been searching.  I am one of those who feels that we’re all here to do something.  So, that’s also part of my hang-up with it.  Some people just do what they want.  I want a big sign from God telling me what it is I’m supposed to do and I think if I got that sign, I’d be happy to do it.  Whatever it was.  The question would just finally be answered.  What I was meant to do on this earth.

I guess the other part is that I don’t know what I’m really good at and part of my problem is that I really don’t think I’m good at much.  I do think I can do this blogging and social networking thing and all that comes with it.  I do know I love music.  I love to dance.  I love entertainment and popular culture.  Film.  TV.  Super heroes and super hero comics.  I’ve always wanted to be in show business in some capacity and I still do.

Maybe I have illusions of grandeur.  Maybe it’s time to realize I’m going to be who I am.  I just didn’t think this is who I was going to grow up to be.  And, I don’t fully like myself.  So, I want to try to create a better version of myself that I’ll like more.  Maybe an alternate timeline or alternate dimension version of myself.  I’m trying to veer  left and make a crazy and dangerous turn just to see where I end up.  To make the path different than the one I’m currently on.

Like I said, I do love music.  So, I do plan to continue to do this site for the time being.  I’ve also thought blogging, tweeting, Facebooking, and doing social marketing and running social media for a company would be a great paid day job.  I think my head would explode if I ever actually got paid for doing the things I’ve done on the side for years.  Or any of the things I’ve dabbled in throughout the years.

If anyone’s listening, thanks.  To be continued…

peace, love + all that jazz

freddie beat aka Freddie Rodriguez
8:21 PM

It’s one of my favorite genres.  Not that I listen to it today, but there were a lot of freestyle songs that were played on the radio that I look back on fondly and would still enjoy today if I heard them, again.  You’re going to get to hear some of those here.

Remember, I love to dance, and genres with a groove that make me want to get up and move are the genres I tend to respond to the most.   This is one of those genres.  I think I also responded to the  pop, R&B, electro, and Latin flavors it could contain.

Some refer to it as Latin hip hop, but I’ve always felt that was a misnomer because when I think of hip hop, I think of rapping and not hip hop beats just being incorporated.  And, when I think of freestyle, I think of singers and dance music and Latin flavor and infusion.  And, heavy bass and keyboards.  A lot of keyboards.  I know it when I hear it, but I don’t think defining music genres is my strong suit.  So, here’s a link to the Wiki Page, so you can draw your own conclusions.

Other than that, enjoy!

peace, love + all that jazz

freddie beat aka Freddie Rodriguez
+++

Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam “I Wonder If I Take You Home”
Probably my favorite Lisa Lisa jam, though they made a lot of good stuff in the short time that they were in the spotlight together.

Nice & Wild “Diamond Girl”
All these years I thought this was Stevie B aka the King of Freestyle.  Just found out it is not.  They used to play this out on the radio when I was growing up.  Power 102 in El Paso.  Represent!  Represent!

Corina “Temptation”

Stevie B “Dreamin’ of Love”
Ahh.  The aforementioned, King of Freestyle, himself.

Exposé “When I Looked At Him”
My love affair with girl groups began with Exposé.  If I hadn’t loved them, I could never have loved TLC.  They were a little more poppy and mainstream than the rest and maybe that’s why they became a little more successful than some of the other freestyle acts of the time.  This song in particular is one of their slower jams, but it’s also one of the prettier sounding ones.  That’s why I went with it.  And, I guess there was an overall ’80s jazz quality that I was also responding to in freestyle music.

Knife

His sophomore release, Blackmale, dropped in November 2012.  He plans to tour soon.  Find out more about Knife at his official site.

The idea is simple.  I have a list of 100 questions that are a mixed bag of musical, fun, serious, and silly.  Knife chose six (6) numbers from 1 through 100 without getting to see the questions.  The questions he answered for this LOTTO Interview are the questions that correspond with the numbers that he chose.

Thanks to Knife for being so unabashed.  Click on the picture below to listen to “Something Awful” [NSFW] from Blackmale.  Then, read his LOTTO Interview below.

Urb’l Remedy:  What’s your favorite color?
Knife:  Purple.

Urb’l Remedy:  Greatest movie of all-time?
Knife:  Pulp Fiction.

Urb’l Remedy:  Favorite piece of clothing you can’t live without and that you wear all the time?
Knife:  Not really a piece of clothing, but I’m addicted to wearing a purple rubber band on my left wrist.  I have a box of them. I don’t know why.  Superstition, I guess.

Urb’l Remedy:  If an “anglophile” is a fan of all things British, what do you call a fan of the good ole’ US of A?
Knife:  A Burger-Lover.

Urb’l Remedy:  What’s one thing people don’t get musically about you and you wish they did?
Knife:  That I don’t make music as a means to an end.  I am not a capitalist.  There is a meaning to my music.  I don’t know what it is, but it’s there.

Urb’l Remedy:  What are you dying to know?
Knife:  Why does popular culture make me feel like I’m 67 years old?

Vara is currently working on her second independent record and recently released the latest single from that project called, “Mentira,” which means “lie” in Spanish.  She plans to hit the road later this year.  Like many artists, she supports many cool causes (in addition to Rebuilding Together)  in an official capacity as an artist.  Go to her official site for more.

Thanks to Stefani Vara for her continued dedication to and support of charitable giving and community outreach.  Now, on to her interview about Rebuilding Together below!

Urb’l Remedy:  Tell us about Rebuilding Together.
Stefani Vara:  Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit organization, brings volunteers, communities, and corporations together to improve already existing homes and communities and the lives of low-income homeowners.

Urb’l Remedy:  How is it different from Habitat for Humanity (which I think folks are more familiar with)?  Why did you choose this cause instead?
Stefani Vara:  Both organizations help people with limited income have safe and functional homes to live in, but Rebuilding Together revitalizes houses and communities by providing necessary repairs free of charge to existing homeowners to keep them safe and healthy in their homes.  I chose this, instead, because I know how it feels to restore something you already love.  These homeowners love their homes and where they live, but can’t afford to make repairs or improvements to make it more livable.  It’s an exciting feeling to see how one semi-livable place can be transformed into a beautiful home.

Urb’l Remedy:  How did you get connected with Rebuilding Together?
Stefani Vara:  I wanted to participate in some events for Superbowl weekend beyond red carpets or parties.  So. when my publicist presented me with a day of service with Rebuilding Together in New Orleans [Lousiana], I immediately became interested to volunteer and be a part of the event in any way.

Urb’l Remedy:  Why is this an important cause for you?
Stefani Vara:  I’m a hands-on type-of-girl that will always ask, “How can I help?”  I’ve  also always been fascinated with remodeling and house upkeep.  Rebuilding Together and Lowe’s helped rehabilitate the homes of ten families in Algiers, Louisiana, that due to a fixed income or disability, couldn’t afford much-needed repairs.  Rebuilding Together also built a new community playground.  They, basically, improved a neighborhood and created a playground with the help of 200 volunteers.

Urb’l Remedy:  Is there a musical connection to this organization and cool cause that you relate to as a musical artist?
Stefani Vara:  Just like music, rebuilding is a form of art.  Everyday you are creating and hoping that people like what you’ve done.  I sing to make people happy and for myself.  For someone to look at something and be able to recreate it and bring it to life is a huge talent.  I was so impressed with the before-and-after of many of these homes that I saw that day.

Urb’l Remedy:  Any cool anecdotes about working with Rebuilding Together that you’d like to share?
Stefani Vara:  I had the opportunity to interview Hannah, who was my house leader that day, and she was super-informative and passionate about her work with Rebuilding Together.  She told me that she loved to volunteer, but she also loved the art of it and process that it takes to make a beautiful home.  When first starting to work, I never think of it like that.  She helped with painting tips and directions as far as what would be best, which also made the day a great skills-building experience, too.  Everyone’s enthusiasm made everything feel so alive and made me want to keep working!

Urb’l Remedy:  What can musicians and people in the industry do to support this cause?
Stefani Vara:  Volunteer!!!  Support the cause!  Social network about it!

Urb’l Remedy:  What can regular music fans do?
Stefani Vara:  Look to see what you can do for you community or if Rebuilding Together is in your area, go volunteer.

Urb’l Remedy:  What does the combination of music and charitable giving mean to you?  Why so passionate about it?
Stefani Vara:  Giving and music is everything to me.  It’s so great how you can make both work together so easily!  I am so passionate about it because I love to give and make a difference!

Urb’l Remedy:  Any last words regarding Rebuilding Together?
Stefani Vara:  When I think back on that day, I wish I could have done more or come back to finish.  I am so excited to volunteer more or help in any way I can with this organization.  They are nationwide, by the way.  Anyway, they bring hope, faith, love, and happiness to people who need it!

You can find out more information on Rebuilding Together and volunteer opportunities at:  http://www.rebuildingtogether.org

To Whom It May Concern:

I have one thing to report for this month that is important to mention.  There was some miscommunication between this month’s Cool Cause artist and the organization they chose to represent.  So, there wasn’t a Cool Cause (of the month) interview for March 2013.  That artist will return in April with an interview featuring a different cool cause and organization.   As an aside, I’m not sure what organization would have a problem with being highlighted and getting a little extra attention, but I guess that’s neither here nor there.

Other than that, not much else to report this month.  Will say, trying to figure out how to continue to keep my own interests going  and mixing things up in an interesting way to in turn keep your (“you being that collective audience out there, i.e., those of you who visit Urb’l Remedy) interest going and keep things interesting for you, is a huge challenge.  Always want t try to get more interest going.  That is, return visitors as well as new visitors.

So, to those of YOU who actually read these Letters from the Editor, thanks!

peace, love + all that jazz

freddie beat aka Freddie Rodriguez
9:58 PM

First, let me say, as a man, I think sometimes you’re not always treated with the same pampering that women are.  I’d say if you encounter this, be polite and respectful through your service, pay, and tip as you normally would.  Just make your next appointment with another stylist that treats you the way you want to be treated at another salon that you feel more comfortable at.  It may take time to find the right fit for you or the first person you ever go to may be the one!  It is a relationship of sorts especially if you plan to go to someone on a regular basis.  Just play it by ear and be observant.

Now, on to the highlight bit.  I’ve gotten up to three colors in my  hair at one time.  This is in addition to my natural hair color.  I asked if it was possible at one salon, which will remain nameless, and the person I asked said they could do it.  I actually had it done for quite a long time.  I’d go every other month to have it touched up.  I’d say I did it from about 6 months to a year in total.

The last two times is when I experienced issues.  I haven’t really shared this with a lot of people, but I thought it might be helpful to do so.  This particular colorist would use foil, which I think is pretty standard.  After she’d foil me, she’d put me under the heater.  The last two times I had it done by this person at this salon the dye start melting and dripping down my face.   I would say it to her and I’d ask for a towel, but she didn’t rush to my aid or anything to quickly help remove it from my face.  I look back and feel stupid for not being more alarmed and proactive, myself.  These are chemicals that were pouring down my face.

The second time there was some chemical burn that occurred on my forehead and eyelids.  I didn’t really notice or pay attention until I saw myself in the mirror the next day at work.  My left eye brow looked raised up higher than my right.  It looked like I had had some bad botox injected (which I never have had), but that’s what it looked liked.  It drooped my eyelids lower.  They kind of hang like they’ve lost elasticity.  So, not only has it altered my eyes shape, I feel it’s made my eyes look smaller.  My eyelids look dried out and reddish like they are slightly sunburned or like I’ve irritated them by over-application of acne medication.

I don’t think it’s noticeable at a distance unless folks are just polite about it.  No one had said anything to me about it.  I look in the mirror and see a different gaze than I remember.  Not only that, I see the chemical burn across my forehead.  I think my left eye continues to look permanently raised and drastically higher than my right.

My advise, make sure who you’re going to is highly experienced and knows what they’re doing.  The girl who did mine was younger, but that’s not to say a younger person can’t be fully capable.  More importantly, if you find yourself in my situation, in which looking back I feel I was in some sort of denial or surreal state, yell out for a towel and wipe your face off, ask the colorist to quickly help you, and wipe the running and dripping dye from your face.  These are chemicals!  Don’t forget that.  Chemical burn is highly possible.  I hope that my story helps someone out there.

That said, on a related note, I noticed that Tabatha Coffey from Tabatha Takes Over recently shared a video on Facebook about some possible legislation regarding licensing that may affect the hair industry in a few states in the US.  Texas is one of them!  If you like to get your hair did, this affects you.  Please check it out below.

A quick look at the SXSW Wiki Page gave a year-by-year account of happenings and with that listed some major artists that were signed after they were part of SXSW.  That is, they became “major” after the year the were featured at SX.  It is Wikipedia, after all, so, I guess, you can take it with a grain of salt and they’re very limited bullet points (or sentences), so I’m sure there were many, many more artists who have been “discovered” through the years.

These all happen to be men and I do wish there was a little more diversity this month, but it is what is and it’s what I came up with for this month’s NSRV.  Enjoy!  As far as the video that I’m featuring for each, it’s the video that first put them on the public consciousness (or at least mine), if not otherwise stated, and not necessarily, their SXSW appearance.  And,  for those of you lucky enough to partake in this year’s version of SXSW, unlike this working stiff (and, I’m too old to stay out late and get to work on time in the morning), enjoy SXSW 2013!

peace, love + all that jazz

freddie beat aka Freddie Rodriguez

+++

Hanson “MMMBop”
1994 was the year the Hanson Boys were brought to SX by their father to do their sing-and-dance for music execs and soon after they found a manger, who soon after that found them a record deal at Mercury Records.

John Mayer “Your Body Is a Wonderland”
According to Wiki, his 2000 SXSW performance is what lead to his first label home at Aware Records.

James Blunt “You’re Beautiful”
His time came when Linda Perry saw him at SXSW in 2004 and signed him to her label, Custard Records, where all three of his albums have been released.

The Polyphonic Spree “You Don’t Know Me” (Lyric Video)
According to Wiki, their 2002 SXSW performance brought them to national attention shortly before signing with a major label.  I misspoke, there are some women in this outfit.  They’re from Dallas and this is the first single from their upcoming release, Yes, It’s True.

Bob Schneider “Let the Light In”
Okay, this is a bit of a cheat.  Bob Schneider is an Austin-based musician, but wasn’t “discovered” at SXSW.  He did have a huge year in 2010 when he won 6 awards at the Austin Music Awards that usually kick off SXSW, but closed it that year.