January
8, 2018- Long Beach, CA- At the corner of PCH and Martin L. King Ave., in one
of Long Beach’s most culturally rich black neighborhoods, sits the icon: and
now Historic VIP Records Sign, that anchored the former VIP Records Store. VIP Records opened its doors in 1978 breaking
RB, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae and blues acts.
By
the early 90’s VIP became the World-Famous VIP Records and the Birthplace of
G-Funk by providing the launching pad for Warren G, Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg,
who later recorded his first Video “What’s my name” on the roof of VIP Records,
with the now Historic Sign.
“The VIP was the place to go if you
were a rapper to showcase your skills. VIP is special to me and I take the VIP
with me everywhere I go”. Comments Snoop Dogg in an upcoming documentary titled
“The VIP Legacy”
In
the 90’s at a time of heightened gang violence Kelvin Anderson Sr., owner of
VIP Records, with the help of producer, Sir Jinx opened up a small studio in a
back of his record store to provide a safe haven for young people. It was there that 213, with producer DJ
Slice, recorded the demo that would land Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Nate Dogg
record deals.
On
December 19, 2017, the Long Beach City Council recognized the history and
dedication of Kelvin Anderson Sr and VIP Records by voting 9 –0 in favor of
designating the VIP Sign a Historic Landmark in the city of Long Beach. By Kelvin Anderson Sr.’s side was his big
brother, Cletus Anderson who opened the original VIP in South Central LA, in
1967 and went on to open the Long Beach Location in 1978, before it was sold to
Kelvin Anderson Sr.
It’s really important that tonight we
designate this landmark but it’s really about honoring Kelvin and his family,”
Mayor Robert Garcia stated. “It should
not be lost on us that we have so few historical landmarks that honor first and
foremost, the black experience and black Americans in Long Beach,” Garcia said.
Of the 100 historic landmarks in Long Beach,
only two has anything to do with African American culture—-one of which Craftsman
bungalow belonging to the late civil rights pioneer Ernest S. McBride, founder
of the local chapter of the NAACP.
After
40 years, the Historic VIP sign will be taken down on January 11, 2018, and
will be stored until a home is secured to build the first Black Music Museum
and Multi-Media Center.
VIP
Records does not own the building the sign is on top of, and the original
location, which VIP downsized from in 2012, has since been leased to 711
Corporation. Although 711 agreed to work
with VIP to preserve the history, 711 backed out of the agreement in September
of 2017.
“A
Historic Landmark development would have increased tourism, property values,
and brought much-needed investments to a community that is facing 50% poverty
among its kids.” Comments Shirin
Senegal, President of VIP Records, We asked the city to work with us to
purchase the original location, but the political will was not there. Perhaps that will change when the reality of
what we gave up to 711, kicks in” Ads Senegal.
“This is a bittersweet moment for us. Taking the sign down after 40 years is not
easy, but we will not keep it over 711, a company that does not respect African
American history. I feel confident Mayor
Garcia and the city will help us secure the right home for The Historic VIP
Sign so that we can tell the story of Black Music.” Says Anderson.
In
the meantime, VIP is slated to open a 5000-square foot Multi-Media Center and
Business Incubator, within a mile from the original VIP location. The center
will be spearheaded by World Famous VIP Foundation and Ronnie’s House and will
be the first of its kind in the district to foster entrepreneurship and
multimedia.
CONTACT:
Shirin Senegal (213) 935-0651 intessarbranding@gmail.com
Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.
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