M & M Records has been Tyler, Texas’ main spot for Texas rap albums and mixtapes, gospel, blues and T-shirts. It’s off the beaten path, but definitely worth a visit, and you might just find that out-of-print Texas rap CD you’ve been wanting.
Shopping
Lose Yourself in Books and Records at @HalfPriceBooks
Half Price Books and Records in Dallas might be the largest used book store in America, or close to it. Of course there are other locations in Texas, as well as in several other states, but this flagship store on Northwest Highway in Dallas is the original location and company headquarters. The store is filled with used and cut-out books, compact discs and vinyl record albums, all at remarkably low prices. Visit them at http://www.hpb.com/001.html for more info.
Rewind Music and More-Dallas, TX
Rewind Music and More is one of Dallas’ premiere stores for hip-hop, gospel and blues CD’s and mixtapes. After a number of years in Oak Cliff’s Wynnewood Village, they have relocated to a store front at 3823 Ross Avenue just northeast of downtown Dallas. They’re definitely worth a visit for any fans of Texas rap. And remember, there’s no experience quite like visiting an independent record store.
Social Status Hip-Hop Shop, Charlotte
Social Status (@TheSocialStatus) is Charlotte’s newest hip-hop shop in Plaza-Midwood, full of upscale urban wear and shoes.
Rap City Fashion, Charlotte
Rap City Fashions is yet another hip-hop shop in Charlotte, this one on the north side of the city on Tryon Street.
Blowing Your Musical Mind at Manifest Charlotte (@ManifestCLT) @FyeGuy
Manifest (@ManifestCLT) is Charlotte’s largest record store, and undoubtedly one of the largest in the United States. Although it is owned by Transworld Entertainment, the parent company of FYE stores, it is large and has a more indie feel than the average FYE store. Prices are reasonable, and browsing through the extensive vinyl collection would take the better part of a day. Manifest is not to be missed on a trip to Charlotte.
Fresh Gear and Hot Mixtapes at the Black Republic in West Charlotte
The Black Republic is a new hip-hop shop in West Charlotte on West Boulevard just east of Remount Road. Besides an impressive selection of hip-hop clothing from Fly Society, Playwear, 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles and more, Black Republic also sells mixtapes by local DJ’s including Carolina legend DJ Chuck T. It’s kind of off the beaten path, but worth a detour.
Wish Hip-Hop Boutique in Little Five Points @WishATL
Wish (@WishATL) is a one-of-a-kind upscale hip-hop boutique in the Little Five Points nieghborhood of Atlanta. The shop features many clothing lines not found in other shops, and a downstairs basement full of sneakers. Visit them at http://www.wishatl.com or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WishATL.
Wish ATL
447 Moreland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 880-0402
http://www.wishatl.com
Boat House Chairs, Horshoe Lake, Arkansas
The Boat House Chair Company in Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas makes these beautiful, comfortable and totally-unique chairs out of old water-skis. They are unlike any chairs I’ve seen before, and are not just a delight to look at, but a delight to sit in as well. Unfortunately, they range from about $350 and up, so I won’t be getting one anytime soon.