After 32 years of business in Long Beach, California, retailer V.I.P. Records is threatening to close its doors next month. TheDailyBreeze.com reports that the famous seller of Hip Hop music is looking at alternative options to stay afloat.
Founder Kevin Anderson accepts the change from CDs to digital music, “I knew this day was coming, as far as the physical part of the music business, but you walk around in denial — in a daze. I’m in a daze right not. But hopefully God’s got another plan — a better plan,” he said. “It’s been real tough for the last few years, maintaining, but we are way too far behind financially now to come back selling CDs.”
The record shop was featured in Snoop Dogg‘s “What’s My Name” video, as well as on the cover of C-Style’s Straight Outta Cali compilation, which featured Crooked I, MC Eiht and others. VIP is also where 213 (Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Nate Dogg) first recorded their demo, which led to Snoop’s eventual signing with Death Row Records.
The full article can be read here.
Additional Reporting by Slav Kandyba.
Come on DX, the Snoop video was “Whats My Name”. They also filmed Dr Dre’s “Let Me Ride” at VIP. VIP was also mentioned in Snooop’s rendition of Biz Markie’s “Vapors”….damn this spot will be missed. I’m definitely stopping by before they close.
You’d think the Artist would come together to at least try to perserve the spot, but to each his own..
what about snoop and other artists chip in and help the store stay open
Doubt that…..I mean Warren was trying to get help for Nate Dogg (RIP)…if there not going to help a friend in need…doubt they’ll help out this historic landmark…
I remember walking to this store about 10 years ago to buy some records (vinyl) and the dumbass owner tells me “not to waste my time with that shit.” That I should be buying CDs instead and selling my turntables for CDJs.
Needless to say, I never went back to that hell hole. The owner is a dick and has always been a dick. That’s why I only fuck with Norwalk Records.
Yeah, I went to VIP records in the 90’s and they had the nothing but crap. I’m surprised they lasted this long.
And F*ck Norwalk records. I went there also in the 90’s and they were selling 12″ singles for $6.99 and tried to charge $10.99 for pac’s how do u want it single because it also had california love and hit em up on the same record?
I hope that store burns to the ground.
once again digital music is killing mom and pop places and landmarks. i still like to buy albums and cds.
Scotty Dee and I was just @ the famous V.I.P taLkn to tha owner Calvin on tha 9th of sept. he was droppn some jewels on cali.old school rappers, check his story on Scotty Dees up comn documentay. Good like calvin I hpoe those catz u help get their start”m step up to tha plate.