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FatBeats, the New York-founded indie hip-hop distributor and e-commerce retailer now owned<\/a> by Rostrum Pacific, has acquired Massachusetts-based distribution company Traffic Entertainment Group and its direct-to-consumer store and imprint Get On Down.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.<\/p>\n FatBeats<\/b> President Chris<\/b> Atlas<\/a><\/b> and General Manager Kevin<\/b> Engler<\/b> will lead the combined entity.<\/p>\n FatBeats<\/a><\/strong> was founded in New York City in 1994 and was acquired<\/a> by Rostrum Pacific <\/b>in 2024.<\/p>\n Traffic Entertainment Group<\/a>,<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Get On Down<\/b><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Chris<\/b> Atlas<\/b>, Fatbeats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Chris<\/b> Atlas<\/b>, President of Fatbeats, said: \u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe<\/b> Mansfield<\/b>, Traffic Entertainment Group<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Joe<\/b> Mansfield<\/b>, founder of Traffic Entertainment Group, said: \u201c<\/b>We enter this next chapter of our business invigorated with a forward\u00a0looking vision for the future. Combining our strengths with those of the FatBeats team is a winning combination that will serve artists, retailers and\u00a0consumers.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u00a0 It is because of you we were able to thrive in this competitive industry.\u201d<\/p>\n For Rostrum Pacific, the acquisition comes about four months since the company secured<\/a> $150 million<\/strong> in financing from New York headquartered Crayhill Capital Management<\/b>, a private credit investment specialist with\u00a0$2.9 billion<\/b>\u00a0in assets under management.<\/p>\n As MBW previously reported, Rostrum, led by CEO\u00a0Benjy Grinberg<\/b>, is aiming to become \u201cthe<\/i> preeminent independent music company,\u201d having consolidated<\/a>\u00a0its various businesses \u2013\u00a0Rostrum Records<\/b>,\u00a0Fat Beats<\/b>,\u00a0Cantora Records<\/b>, and digital distribution platform\u00a0SpaceHeater<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 under the Rostrum Pacific umbrella in 2023.<\/p>\n In 2024, Rostrum Pacific\u00a0launched SpaceHeater<\/a>, a music distribution and analytics platform that uses AI-powered song attribution technology. Samantha<\/b>\u00a0Moore<\/b>\u00a0was named<\/a>\u00a0President\u00a0of\u00a0SpaceHeater\u00a0in January. The same month, Rostrum Pacific secured direct licensing agreements with\u00a0Spotify<\/a><\/b>\u00a0and TikTok<\/b>.<\/p>\n The acquisition also comes as physical music, particularly vinyl, has staged a comeback in recent years.<\/p>\n\n
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