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Fat Beats to Close NY and LA Physical Locations

Written by Tyler Hakes. Published: Wednesday, August 18, 2010.

Today is a sad day for many-a hip-hopper. The historic and legendary Fat Beats announced that they will be closing both of their remaining brick-and-mortar locations, in New York City and Los Angeles, this September.

The illustrious history of the record store-turned-indie label-turned-hip hop hallmark will come to a close, and for the reason that people will hate to hear — lack of sales. Physical sales have dwindled and one of the go-to spots for vinyl and underground sounds in the big cities is going the way of the album.

“After 16 years, Fat Beats has announced the closing of the legendary label’s two remaining retail locations in New York and Los Angeles,” reads the obituary press release sent out by the company. But, hip-hop’s most recognizable store front remains optimistic about the future and looks to segue into a strong digital presence.

“While news of the stores’ closing marks the end of an era, the future is not doom and gloom. Digital sales continue to increase industry-wide; for Fat Beats, currently operating a profitable and growing online retail store, this has provided a boon to business as fans continue to order mp3s, vinyl, and CDs from FatBeats.com,” said the statement.

Even DJ Premier weighed in on the closing, saying, “The closing of Fat Beats is just like one of my friends passing away. They promoted vinyl at its highest degree for the culture of good music and that makes it more difficult to say goodbye.”

The announcement brings an ominous meaning to their long-toted tag-line as “The last stop for hip hop,” but it seems there may really be a brighter future ahead. The statement also conveyed plans for the company to reinvent itself with the creation of a “brick and mortar lifestyle location”, but no definite plans have been outlined.

In the mean time, Fat Beats Records and the Fat Beats distribution will continue business as usual, a beacon of hope for hip hop in the digital era.

The New York location is scheduled to close its doors on September 4, with L.A.’s Melrose Boulevard shop shutting down on September 18. There will be a flurry of sales and events in the remaining weeks as a last send-off for the revered home of hip hop music.

Category: Culture