This Black History Month, Blavity is looking at community institutions that are Buying Back the Block.

Music has been said to be a very spiritual thing, especially Black music.

The city of Atlanta has had a pulse for music since the early 20th century, thanks to the sounds of Southern gospel, blues and jazz. By the time that the Georgia city became known as the Black Mecca during the 1970s, influential artists like Thomas A. Dorsey, aka the father of gospel, and the Sacred Harp singing tradition came into play.

Since then, it has remained a visionary in the music scene, responsible for acts like OutKast, who single-handedly shifted the conversation of rap in the South when they declared that “the South got something to say,” while accepting the Best New Artist Award amid boos from the crowd at the 1995 Source Awards.

Home of some of the most influential hip-hop artists and helping to define modern trap music and Southern hip-hop thanks to Atlanta heavy hitters like Future, Lil Baby, Latto, Young Thug, Migos and more, this city continues to be the soundtrack for what is hot.

It’s only right that, in honor of Black History Month, Blavity highlights five Black-owned record and vinyl shop gems keeping the legacy of Atlanta’s music contributions alive.

Black Habit Records

Located in East Atlanta Village, Black Habit Records blends vinyl culture with community energy and is known for its curated mix of hip-hop, soul, jazz and indie releases. Moreover, this space doubles as a neighborhood hub where crate-diggers and creatives unite.

JB’s Record Lounge

JB’s Record Lounge isn’t your average record store. Located on the West End, it feels more like a listening room for Atlanta’s music enthusiasts. From live DJ sets to jazz sessions and various intentional programming, this cultural gem reminds visitors of the art of slowing down and experiencing music on wax.

Tropical Express (Vinyl Paradise)

When you enter Tropical Express, you’ll be greeted with beautiful greenery, because this is actually a plant shop that’s also a place for crate-diggers to find their favorite artists on wax.

Co-founder Crystal Verdant wanted a way to honor her father, and what better way than through his love of music? You’ll likely be able to walk away with a new plant and record; what gets better than that?

Crates ATL

According to a store manager, Crates ATL caters to the Black demographic. After opening in April 2025, this is a fairly new store located in the South Downtown neighborhood of Atlanta on the historic Hotel Row, selling everything from music to books that relate to the Black experience.

Moods Music

Per its Instagram bio, Moods Music is “the only real music store left in Atlanta.” Its owner, Darryl Harris, is also the founder of the previously mentioned Crates ATL. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s Little 5 Points neighborhood, this independent record store specializes in everything from hip-hop to Afro-fusion, jazz and more. It’s also known for its curated selection of music and lifestyle products.