A-1 Record Shop

The Story

This store opened in 1996, founded by the legendary Isaac Kosman. Conceived as an alternative to the expensive classical and rock stores in West Village, it became a go-to destination for jazz, soul, and rarities, with DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Lord Finesse among the regular patrons who dug for samples in its early years. Today, under the management of Jay Delon, it has expanded into hip-hop, disco, boogie, house, and techno, without ever abandoning the store's original spirit. It has remained active at the same address since its founding, nearly three decades later.

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