FatBeats, the New York-founded indie hip-hop distributor and e-commerce retailer now owned by Rostrum Pacific, has acquired Massachusetts-based distribution company Traffic Entertainment Group and its direct-to-consumer store and imprint Get On Down.
The deal brings together three companies with a combined 50 years of experience in vinyl distribution, physical distribution, premium catalog re-issues, and global direct-to-consumer retail.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
FatBeats President Chris Atlas and General Manager Kevin Engler will lead the combined entity.
FatBeats was founded in New York City in 1994 and was acquired by Rostrum Pacific in 2024.
Traffic Entertainment Group, established in 2003, specializes in physical distribution of hip-hop, disco, reggae, funk, and soul music. The company services independent distributors, one-stops, and specialty boutiques across CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
Get On Down, launched in 2010, specializes in deluxe vinyl, cassettes, and CD reissues, with a catalog that now spans more than 300 titles, including collectible hip-hop releases.
“As we bring Traffic and Get On Down together with FatBeats under the Rostrum Pacific umbrella, we will expand our reach, enhance our capabilities, and continue delivering best-in-class distribution, premium products, and unmatched service to the independent music community.”
Chris Atlas, Fatbeats
Chris Atlas, President of Fatbeats, said: “This acquisition represents a natural and exciting evolution for both companies. Traffic and Get On Down have long been trusted partners to independent artists and labels across the globe.
“As we bring Traffic and Get On Down together with FatBeats under the Rostrum Pacific umbrella, we will expand our reach, enhance our capabilities, and continue delivering best-in-class distribution, premium products, and unmatched service to the independent music community. This is not simply a combining of two businesses, it is a shared commitment to preserving and amplifying independent music and artistry.”
“The collective experience and expertise within this newly united organization sets the stage for innovation and re-imagination within our ever-changing industry, where excellence is prerequisite.”
Joe Mansfield, Traffic Entertainment Group
Joe Mansfield, founder of Traffic Entertainment Group, said: “We enter this next chapter of our business invigorated with a forward looking vision for the future. Combining our strengths with those of the FatBeats team is a winning combination that will serve artists, retailers and consumers.
“The collective experience and expertise within this newly united organization sets the stage for innovation and re-imagination within our ever-changing industry, where excellence is prerequisite. My partners and I express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us over the last 23 years. It is because of you we were able to thrive in this competitive industry.”
For Rostrum Pacific, the acquisition comes about four months since the company secured $150 million in financing from New York headquartered Crayhill Capital Management, a private credit investment specialist with $2.9 billion in assets under management.
As MBW previously reported, Rostrum, led by CEO Benjy Grinberg, is aiming to become “the preeminent independent music company,” having consolidated its various businesses – Rostrum Records, Fat Beats, Cantora Records, and digital distribution platform SpaceHeater – under the Rostrum Pacific umbrella in 2023.
In 2024, Rostrum Pacific launched SpaceHeater, a music distribution and analytics platform that uses AI-powered song attribution technology. Samantha Moore was named President of SpaceHeater in January. The same month, Rostrum Pacific secured direct licensing agreements with Spotify and TikTok.
The acquisition also comes as physical music, particularly vinyl, has staged a comeback in recent years.
According to Luminate’s Year-End Music Report, US vinyl sales increased for the 19th consecutive year in 2025.
Vinyl unit sales in the world’s largest recorded music market grew 8.6% YoY to 47.9 million, the data showed, with more than 4 in 10 vinyl records sold at indie record stores. Meanwhile, 1 in 3 CDs were purchased through e-commerce sites.
Music Business Worldwide
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