Fear of a Vinyl Planet: Chuck D Talks Record Store Day Posted by Lucas G. on 03/25/14 | Filed under Pepsi, Chuck D, Crate Diggin'

When I started crate diggin, I expected it to come so easy, but truth is that had to stay diligent about my new found hobby. My last record store visit came was in January and I haven't gone, or thought about it since. Since I am registered audiophile, I expected that first record to make me an addict and even though I have the foundation of a nice collection, I still wasn't "hooked". I chalked it up to my poor setup, which set me back a whopping 20 bucks. Well, turns out my parents had an extra turntable set up laying around, and like any good twenty-something, I mooched off them. The system has been sitting in my closet for a few weeks because I did not have adequate speakers.

Last night, I stumbled across a new (to me) record store, and it was meant to be. Sitting there next to a B.B. King record (which I also bought) was a great pair of speakers for only 20 bucks; there I was expecting to drop $80. I got the speakers with the plan to make it a weekend project, but when I got home, I couldn't resist putting together my new system. After spending 45 minutes pressing buttons and plugging stuff into different places, I finally got everything to work. The sound quality was amazing and I spent the rest of the night listening to all my records now that I had the proper set up; "Devil In a New Dress" on vinyl is a revelation. The music just had such a rich, vibrant sound and I could feel every single part so much more than before. I think it's safe to say that my vinyl addiction is in full-effect. Still I have a lot to learn, which is what makes interviews like the one Chuck D had with Pepsi Pulse helpful to a newbie like me. In the interview, Chuck explains where his love of vinyl started, what makes a great record store and talks about Record Store Day (April 19th).

Billlboard: You spoke about Criminal Records in Atlanta and Grimey's in Nashville. Were there records stores that were important to you as a kid?

Chuck D: I didn't collect records in the 70s. I was a sports fan, collecting cards and gear even though it was mostly knock-off stuff. I listened to records because my parents collected records, belonging to the Columbia Record Club and jazz record clubs.  My mother was  into Stax, Motown, Atlantic. My grandmother would have Etta James, Muddy Waters. I didn't feel a need to get my own records until I was 17, 18.

Yet when you spoke today, you seem to have a real love affair with independent record store.

It wasn't romantic to me then. As a professional, I became more immersed into the music and what (record stores) meant to people. Record stores that have weathered the storm understand their identities from deep within. Those that thought they could beat out a Border's or Target or Best Buy found themselves hitting a lot of painful areas. [NBA coach] Pat Riley said this game can bring you a lot of pain. Same thing with record stores. It's something I sympathize with.

What do you think makes for a great record store?

These places that set themselves up to be interview spots and performance areas. I think that's the future, being able to be a venue to be a radio station, to be a home for a local artist who's getting no love from anywhere. There's one in Belgrade [Serbia].

Belgrade, really? Got any other favorites?

Budapest. There was a record store in Ghana, a record store in Cape Town  where they took old records and made pocketbooks out of them. Our performances at Rough Trade (in Brooklyn) recently was a joy. Getting down at the Wherehouse in Baldwin Hills (in the 1980s).

Is there a new role for record stores?

A real innovative company should set up record store tours. It could work in the tri-state region if they can string together 12-20 stores. But can you justify the means? As an artist you have to be aware of the time and expenses.

There is a lot to nerd out over on this one. First and foremost though, that record store/venue idea is  amazing. I would love to see a live show at a record store. Imagine being able to see a dope artist in an intimate setting and go crate diggin' at the same time.  Unless you are a really premier record store, it can be hard to build a new fan base, but getting artists to come in would bring some new customers to your store and for the artist, it would expose you to people who really care about music and are willing to spend the time (and money) on something they really like; sounds like a win-win to me. Also, what in the world does a record store in Belgrade look like? I'm gonna demand Nathan flies me out there; feel like the "Detox Isn't Dropping Shirts" would kill out there. I also loved hearing about how he got into collecting. In addition to being a hip-hop nerd I am also a history nerd. Part of why I love record shopping is because I get to think about the history of the record in my hands. When was it made? Who listened to it? How did it end up here? Each record has its own story, and I may never know it, but it's cool knowing that  the Stevie Wonder album I just bought is the exact same as it was 45 years ago.

It's only been like 12 hours, but my record nerdery has grown exponentially now that I have the proper set up. Even if you don't have a system,  head to your local shop. Often, they will have set ups for sale, and who knows it might just cost you less than you think. If they don't build up a collection anyway. It is more than just listening, it's opening the album, smelling it, looking at the artwork, and reading the blurbs; it's a truly unique, intimate experience in a world where music is sold and listened so impersonally. 

And while you search around for that perfect turntable set-up, be sure to check out Chuck D break down the vinyl game on Pepsi.