Top 5 Record Stores in NYC for Diggers & DJs

I went on an excursion throughout all of New York City to find some of (what people say) are the best record stores the city has to offer.  Out of more than 10 that I visited, I’ve narrowed them down to the top 5 that are my personal favs.  Bare in mind, I produce and DJ hip-hop and electronic dance music.  If you are anything like me, or just like record digging (in general), then these listed record stores are a MUST visit for anytime you’re in the city…

#5 Halcyon

57 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.halcyontheshop.com

This boutique record store located in downtown Brooklyn (Dumbo) specializes in electronic dance music.  Everything about the staff, the decor, the music, etc. says “DJ culture”.  They have listening stations and sell other merchandise, collectibles, art books and more.  If you’re looking specifically for underground electronic music this “is” the place to go to.

#4 Other Music

15 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
www.othermusic.com

I listed this store as one of my top 5 favorites simply because of their music selection.  They are exactly what their title says, “other music”.  They have a huge selection of international imports and I was very pleased at the diversity they had as well. If you’re looking to try something new that is not on the commercial/ top 40 side this would definitely be the place to go to find something.

#3 A1 Record Shop

439 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
www.a1recordshop.com

A1 Record Shop is a vinyl record only store and has a bit of everything for everyone.  It’s a smaller store but once you walk in you can tell right away it’s a crate diggers haven.  They have everything from rock, jazz, soul, house, R&B, hip hop, disco, techno, latin, reggae, indian, and so many more.  A great place that has a bit of everything!

#2 Rough Trade NYC

64 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
www.roughtrade.com

This record store in Brooklyn is the newest and largest addition of record stores to NYC.  It literally is the biggest record store I have visited to-date in New York City (post Virgin Megastore, of course).  They have plenty of international imports, electronic music, hip-hop, pop, rock, reggae, books, etc. and even have an indoor coffee shop and live performance venue in the back.

and the #1 record store YOU HAVE TO VISIT in NYC is…

#1 The Thing

439 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
http://on.fb.me/1F89Fda

If this were an Indian Jones movie, this record store would be the holy grail of record stores.  Once you go downstairs to this half antique store/ half record store, it becomes mysteriously dingy, dusty and quiet, …yet… oh-so-blissful that you can actually hear yourself think.  Be sure you plan ahead of time to come here because you are going to be spending alot of time here!

Like this list?  Don’t agree with something on here?  Fight me at shabaaz@boutiqmuzik.com.  Come at me bro.