Crate digging refers to the hands-on practice of physically searching through bins, crates, and shelves of vinyl records — typically at record stores, thrift shops, garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets — in hopes of finding hidden treasures. The term originated in hip-hop culture, where producers and DJs would dig through old records to find obscure samples and breaks for their beats.
The appeal of crate digging goes beyond bargain hunting. It's a form of musical exploration where you discover artists, genres, and albums you might never encounter through streaming algorithms. The physical act of flipping through records, reading cover art, and making impulse purchases based on interesting artwork or liner notes creates a deeply personal relationship with music discovery.
Tips for productive crate digging: Learn to scan quickly by developing an eye for valuable labels and cover designs. Check the dollar bins and "junk" sections — misfiled records and unknown gems hide there. Bring a phone to check Discogs prices for unfamiliar finds. Build relationships with shop owners who may set aside records matching your interests. And most importantly, be open to genres outside your comfort zone — the best discoveries are the unexpected ones.
DJ Shadow's legendary debut album "Endtroducing..." was created entirely from samples found while crate digging — no original instruments were used.