DBS Sounds has remained a staple in the Atlanta hip-hop scene for over two decades. Owned by Tabago, the stores allowed new artists to sell their music before making it big and employed young men and women who were looking for an opportunity.
On April 16, DBS Sounds held its second annual Records Store Day to bring awareness to the importance of independent record stores. The celebration featured free food, live performances, giveaways and autograph signings.
Individulas in attendance included DJ Drama, Sean Garrett, Rasheeda, Bone Crusher, and Gorilla Zoe.
Gorilla Zoe spoke about the importance of black record stores and how DBS inspired him.
“I come from the bottom where young black men got a chance to work for guys like Tabago who owned record stores,” Gorilla Zoe said. “We learned how to do business. We did our thing on the side, but we learned business and music. It saved me.
“Most of the artists in hip-hop had to come to this store. The first time I met 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, 112, or Jagged Edge, Tabago bought them to DBS. This was before I thought about rapping. I support everything that he does.” –amir shaw
