Play De Record

Play De Record was the spot that shaped my teenage years as a drum & bass DJ. Every weekend, I’d dig through crate after crate, narrowing down my stack to whatever I could afford and leaving behind an unorganized pile that the staff never once complained about it. It was just part of the culture. This place gave me comfort, community, and access to DJ promos and white labels that helped me stay ahead of the curve in a fiercely competitive scene. It’s also where I bought my first pressings of my Eminem collection; records that have since become pretty valuable but mean more to me for their memories than their price. Fast forward 25 years, I walked back into the new location and instantly felt that same energy. The same kind of over-the-counter banter, the same depth of knowledge, and that same feeling that this is where gems exist before the rest of the world realizes they’re gems. Picked up some killer limited-edition instrumental funk records this time around, and I can’t wait to return with my old jungle vinyl to trade in for more. If you love music, culture, or vinyl history, watch the documentary “Drop the Needle.” It perfectly captures what makes Play De Record not just a store, but a piece of Toronto’s soul.

This is the first record store I've been to where I actually regret spending my money. I get that it's a hip-hop-oriented record store, so maybe asking if they had a country section was a curveball, but the country album I was looking for was clearly listed as being in stock on their website. The man with long hair and glasses that I talked to was so comically passive-aggressive that I couldn't help but laugh on the spot. And as I was trying to leave, one of the other employees straight up just stood by the front door, totally idle; I had to literally ask him to move. Considering the utterly disorganized nature of the shop and its embarrassing preoccupation with social media clout and the musicians that visit the store, I can't help but wonder just how exactly this place remains in business.

Such a vibe coming here and buying my first ever vinyl with a friend of mine! Fion (aka. Sadstab) was such a lovely lad to talk to and hear about all the unique experiences they’ve done, from tattooing band members to recommending me the perfect records to listen to. I ended up buying one of their recommendations and am very satisfied! It seems like the store is very tight-knit with their customers and regularly hold concerts! I also was able to buy stickers of Eugene, a very charming fellow. Overall, I’ll definitely be coming back for the vibes!

Eugene has been a around for long time. Play da Record was part of my Thursday walk down yonge st at its original location for many years. Back then it was ritual to dig through crates looking for my beats. Great place to find rare grooves and good tunes. Anyone who is anybody knows play de record. It is well known in the dj community. Definitely a must for starting Dj's and music lovers.

This is the place if you love vinyl!! Lots of treasures in this iconic Toronto landmark. Staff are amazing. If you listen to records you owe it to yourself to explore Play Da Record. Also watch the documentary about the store called Drop Da Needle. Very Cool!

I walked into the store today and looked to my left. Saw Kendrick front and center and knew they gave the right person a voice. I asked for Fred again and continued to discuss genres and favourite albums. Reminisced about my favourite Kardinal offishall album, the first, that’s not on Spotify. Next thing you know they said they have a copy from the last pressing in ‘24. Rotate this, Kops, Sam, and the crates in between. The waves we crate.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been a Play De Record customer since the early ’90s, and this shop has played a huge role in my DJ career. Eugene Tam has been instrumental in my growth as a DJ over the years and I’m blessed to call him a friend. The store continues to be a pillar in Toronto’s music community with an amazing staff — special shoutout to the wonderful Fion for always taking great care of customers. Play De Record is truly one of the city’s musical gems. #IYKYK

Play de record is an institution. When you walk in there, you are taking in history of the dj culture in Toronto. My first time there from out of town, I was told by a friend to say hi to Eugene and Fion. Fion immediately took me in charge and met all my needs. Now every time I visit Toronto, I show up at play de record. I barely take the time to dig, I just ask Fion what’s good, and they have the recommendations on deck ready for me. Shout out to this great team and spot.

funky and cool! The owner is very kind and understanding. Love the vibes in store. super chill

What can I say . Place is legendary . Strip to Toronto isn't complete without a stop here . Great records and dj equipment my go to . Thank you for your years of dedication and service

Cool vibes here and very good records and tapes. Super friendly people working there. I'd come here all the time if I lived in the neighborhood

Toronto institution A go to for cities DJ's Bought my 1200 here (90s) Yonge St sucks HARD these days, so it's a good move to a cooler area; Spadina, Kensington

Record collections should grow but the quality need not waver as well. This store seems to promise it all. Perhaps placing a review too early but so far enough of what discover is enough to place it in good favor on this page. Great stuff.

Have not been to the Spadina shop but the Yonge St local was the bees knees back in the day. Same ownership today, so.... I bets it's still golden.

The perfect record store. Tons of used vinyl to dig through, and tons of characters dropping in. Everyone wants to talk to the owner, who understands music in a way I'll never comprehend but still offered me a crate to sit on while I dug through PDR's crates & crates of used hiphop and drum n bass. Came back the next day and the owner dug out a few boxes of dnb that hadn't been priced yet. I was running between the crates and the listening station like a puppy playing fetch. I still made time to listen to the conversations happening around me. Hours of education & entertainment. Seriously, this is the perfect store for djs and collectors. Pay top dollar for that album repress, or waltz out with $150 in $5 singles like I did.

My go to place for records or anything turntable related...Been a BIG fan for over 20 years..Since Yonge Street..Family owned and superior customer service..Prices are right and the selection of music old and new is none stop.. Thank you for helping me build my Amazing musical collection for over 20 years...So Grateful....

This is truly the best vinyl records store in Toronto for underground electronic music both new and vintage releases. Yes, there are other record stores in town but they more oriented on pop music. The selection is very impressive! You can find really rare vinyl only records if you dig enough! Of course there have modern pop and classic also. All kinds of music you will find there. The staff is very helpful and friendly and extremely knowledgeable about records they have and the underground music overall. They also have any types of dj and music production gear. I always have great pleasure being there, communicating with other people and of course digging the best records in the world!

I could not find anything I was looking for here,but full marks to the owner who offered me a milk crate to sit on while I leafed through the vintage selection in the back room.

Didn't get to spend as much time in there as I would've liked, but from what I looked through their hip hop selection was better than anywhere I had previously looked, in Toronto or otherwise. The prices were all pretty good and they offered a 10% discount which was very nice. However, one of the employees hovered over me the whole time I was browsing and was a little condescending and told me "I didn't even listen to hip hop," based on my appearance and that I must listen to indie rock. Aside from his snarky comment, my experience was pretty enjoyable. The rest of the staff were pleasant, and even he was ok.

The owners here are amazing and they've got underground records you can't find anywhere else in Toronto! Very impressed with this place.

Coolest and highly knowledgeable staff. Great selection of records. I bought my first record here.

Best for dance records in Toronto. Great vibe. The staff are actually very knowledgeable and give good recommendations. I appreciate the listening stations.

The house/techno selection was quite decent, with a good range of records from labels like Aus and L.I.E.S. However, there's a maxim that goes "de gustibus non disputandum est" (there's no disputing about taste), which is good business practice if nothing else. Unfortunately the employee who spoke to me didn't buy into this ethos, and seemed to be spoiling for an argument about musical tastes. He was also kind of egotistical, in that Stereotype-of-a-Disenchanted-Nineties-Record-Store-Guy way. It left kind of a sour taste, so I went to find some other shops - although I probably would have bought a few records if the atmosphere had been friendlier.