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When in Philadelphia, DJ’s and beatmakers know that there are four record stores that are a must-visit! Armand’s Records is number 1 on the list. I have shopped at Armand’s to feed my vinyl fix for over 15 years, and even though I like to download, there’s just something about vinyl. Always my first stop when I picking up joints for a party, Armand’s is one of the last spots to carry a full selection of new releases, from 12-inches to full LP’s. Their inventory is mostly hip hop vinyl with titles dating throughout the culture’s 30-year lifespan.

Armand’s also has the biggest reggae section in the city. There are hundreds of dub plate 45′s and every rhythm LP you can think of. They have battle breaks, classics, disco, and even country. Two walls full of Vinyl are stacked like fine liquors at a high-profile club. Along the top of the wall are the “one of a kind” and “out of print” pieces in all their glory, encased in protective plastic. At the bottom are the “hard to swallow” two-dollar selections. Don’t get me wrong, these records are not all bad. I have found a lot of great instrumental tracks and acapellas; it really depends on the type of music you love. When my friend Yoshi came to Philly from Japan to visit me, he spent every day at Armand’s.

The store has a good used record collection for sample searchers to get lost digging through. It’s full of hard-to-find imports and rare 7″ remixes. While most DJ’s are cool with sitting at a computer and downloading their music, Armand’s has proven that vinyl is still a valuable part of hip hop.

I would like like to add”¦ stores like Armand’s are slowly going out of business or are up for sale because of how we buy our music. I write about these stores in hope that they will not be forgotten. Long live vinyl!

Armand’s Records
1108 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
866-783-6380