Fat Beats Is Back! 916 S. San Pedro Street

This is the best news I've heard in a long while, Fat Beats will return in a new location in downtown Los Angeles. On September 22nd, Fat Beats will reopen at 916 S. San Pedro Street in LA, with a special grand opening, featuring guest DJ sets from Rhettmatic, Dibia$e, Houseshoes, Ras G, Exile, DJ Babu, the founder of Fat Beats, DJ Jab, and lots more. As a Fat Beats alumni, I can say firsthand that Fat Beats has played an integral role in underground hip-hop since the early 90s, and your favorite rapper's favorite rapper has no doubt performed at one of their locations. Having a spot like Fat Beats in a community creates a hub for creativity; opens its door for like-minded people to meet, connect, and share an affinity for the culture - all while supporting artists and holding physical product in their hands! I hope that people will continue to support Fat Beats, and we'll see an increase in in-stores again, with live performances, more DJ sets, and exclusive content. While the NY location has not operated since 2010, Fat Beats continued to maintain its presence via it's online store, events, and occasional pop-up shops, as well as strong distribution in support of many independent labels and artists releasing product to our niche audience. I already texted Joe, but I wish him much success in this renewed venture, and the whole team at Fat Beats in LA. If you visit the store on San Pedro St, send me a message and any pics you have, I wanna see! Much respect to DJ Eclipse, of course. If you're a fan of Hip-Hop, this is a proud day! BUY SOMETHING! Peace...

July 8, 1994: Invitation to Fat Beats on E 9th Street

July 8, 1994: "In the late seventies Hip-Hop music was being sold out of the trunks of automobiles. On July 14 you and your associates are invited to Fat Beats, New York's unique Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae and affiliates music store. Fat Beats grand opening will have art work by Andrew Marzan, Carlos Paul, Chris Nesbitt, George Guzman, Nuri Bell, Sean Mitaynes, and Zak. The fat beats will be provided by William Bagley. Drinks and refreshments will be served and the party will start at 7pm. Fat Beats is located at 323 East 9th Street Between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Hope to see you. Sincerely, Joseph Abajian (Pres/Founder of Fat Beats)." Joe Abajian aka DJ Jab is easily one of my favorite people I've met in this music thing; he's always been a stand-up guy and to this day, the direct line to him is always open. I'd love to visit Fat Beats headquarters in LA; it's on my to-do list.

Lord Finesse At Fat Beats Opening Day (August 1996)

From DJ Eclipse, a performance clip from Fat Beats grand opening day of the 6th Ave location. Lord Finesse on the mic and DJ Three on the wheels.  You even see the owner of the store Joseph Abajian pop back behind the tables for a minute to talk to Three.  Lord Finesse killed these two verses and had the crowd oohing and ahhing with his punchlines.  It meant a lot to us that Finesse came by because he was the biggest name we had come through all day.  And once again you get a glimpse of some of the other people in the store who were just vibing out to the sounds or waiting their turn to get on the mic. Some classic memories from Fat Beats. Check it out below.