The Bronx has a rich and beautiful history of music and culture. Here, we outline where you can find the best record stores in the borough that birthed hip-hop.
New York City means a lot of things – but there might be nothing more New York City than The Bronx. The iconic borough plays host to the Yankees and is the birthplace of hip-hop. It’s given us musical icons like Jennifer Lopez and literary titans like Don DeLillo. Frankly speaking, the modern world wouldn’t be the way it is without the impact of the Bronx.
But for all its influence, the Bronx doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, especially in comparison to Manhattan or Brooklyn. And that’s all the more reason to find yourself there. It’s one of the most diverse places in the United States, and whether you’re into jazz, R&B, reggae, salsa, or hip-hop, the borough offers a vibrant tapestry of culture worth exploring.
Despite seeing closure of a couple iconic record stores over the last few years, some long-standing shops remain and stand tall, including the oldest record store in New York City. Go support these guys and participate in musical history.
Casa Amadeo
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Bronx, NY
If you’re looking for real NYC history and flavor, find your way to Casa Amadeo. It’s one of the oldest record stores in New York City and focuses on Latin music. It was opened originally in 1941 by Victoria Hernández. Her brother Rafael – an acclaimed composer himself – used the record store as a way to foster community with musicians in the area. In 1969, Casa Amadeo was sold to Miguel Amadeo and he renamed it.
For the last five decades, it’s been in the same apartment building and continues to provide a rich spirit of music and culture for the community. The shop offers a blend of rare salsa, merengue, and bolero vinyl records. This is genuinely a bit of a pilgrimage for vinyl enthusiasts and if you find yourself in the city, it’s worth the journey. In the purest way, this is what New York City is about and it doesn’t get much better than this. Casa Amadeo isn’t just a record store – it’s a living archive of Latin music’s soulful past.
Getting There
786 Prospect Ave.
Bronx, NY 10455
Moodies
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Bronx, NY
Hip-hop was born in the Bronx, and Moodies is about as close as you can find to a physical reflection. Nestled in the heart of the borough, the store embodies the last four decades of hip-hop.
Here, you’ll find a friendly staff with encyclopedic knowledge and an array of classic rap records – from the pioneers of the genre to modern legends. Moodies has a tremendous amount of character and acts as a tribute to the Bronx’s cultural impact on the world through music. Culture wouldn’t be what it is today without hip-hop – and Moodies is where you can pay tribute.
Getting There
3777A White Plains Rd
Bronx, NY 10467
Cholo’s Record Shop
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Bronx, NY
Cholo’s Record Shop is a cool little shop and you might some gems. It’s a bit unassuming and might seem small, but it’s full of CDs and salsa music and musical knowledge. You can find bootlegs, copies of copies, and other holy grails for vinyl collectors into that type of thing. If you’re visiting, have a chat with the owner and get a real sense of history and culture in the Bronx.
Getting There
511 E 148th St.
Bronx, NY 10455
