VIP Records, the Long Beach record store that played a key role in launching Snoop Dogg’s career, is set to become a museum dedicated to West Coast hip-hop. Kelvin Anderson, who has operated the store for 53 years, plans to transform the space into a facility with a recording studio, restaurant, live music venue, and printing shop to support emerging artists.
At a March 25 event organized by the nonprofit Creative Class Collective, Anderson presented his vision to civic leaders and artists. He emphasized the importance of securing the location, stating, “We want to buy this shopping center. We want to start right here.”
While the museum project is in development, the World Famous VIP Records sign, which has been a designated historical landmark, is set to be restored. After being in storage since 2018, it will be reinstalled at Pacific Coast Highway and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, across from the original storefront. Anderson hopes to secure enough funding to turn the area into a cultural institution recognizing Long Beach’s contributions to mainstream music.
VIP Records has deep ties to hip-hop history, serving as the early recording site for Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Nate Dogg when they were known as 213. The store’s rooftop also appeared in Snoop Dogg’s Who Am I? (What’s My Name?) music video. Anderson also highlighted that Long Beach was home to one of rap’s earliest records, The Gigolo Rapp by Captain Rapp and Disco Daddy, recorded in 1981.
Snoop Dogg, who attended the pitch event, voiced his support and emphasized the importance of keeping the museum in Long Beach but remained flexible. “That’s the birthplace of it all, but if they don’t want to act right, we’ll find somewhere we can put it,” he said.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson also expressed support for Anderson’s proposal but noted that the city’s immediate focus is the refurbishment of the iconic sign. “This is part of a number of landmark projects we want to complete before the Olympics,” he said, adding that the museum concept could align with the city’s long-term entertainment strategy.
