Labu Labi
Opened since: 2011
Kind/Style: Second hand / vintage clothing shop
Area: Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur
Owner's motto: Don’t give up, keep doing what you do until you succeed
Text & Photo: Atsuko Tanaka / Special Thx: Eddy Lim
The Kuala Lumpr’s highly respected hip hop shop “Labu Labi” is located in Chow Kit. Bob, the owner of the was born in Perak and grew up in Kuala Lumpur alongside his friends from the neighborhood flats. At the age of 16, he discovered hip hop, with Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” being the first hip hop song he ever heard. The song thrilled him so much that he immediately ran to the store to buy the cassette tape.
As his interest in the culture grew, he spent most of his time attending live shows. Influential rappers like Joe Flizzow and Malique from Too Phat had a significant impact on him, and he greatly enjoyed their music. After graduating from high school, he began working at a night market selling food, and later secured a job at a clothing store.
Bob, the owner of Labu Labi
-Tell us what inspired you to open Labu Labi.
I used to work at a clothing store where my job was to promote new releases and drive sales. During that time, I dreamed of opening my own shop to sell hip hop clothing and accessories. I immersed myself in learning about streetwear and how to run a clothing store business. After saving money, I began searching for a vacant shop. Eventually, I started looking for clothes to sell in a city called Klang.
-What’s the concept of the store?
It's all about hip hop!
-Why did you decide on the store name “Labu Labi”?
I got the name from the 60’s comedy movie called “Nasib Si Labu Labi “ by my favorite director, P. Ramlee.
-What’s the most popular item sold here?
My shop is well-known for carrying clothes that were popular in the 2000s, with brands like FUBU, Phat Farm, Cross Colours, Rocawear, and Karl Kani, as well as American football and hockey jerseys. As you know, these were popular fashion items among hip hop artists back then, and they are very difficult to find now.
-What are the best and hardest parts of running your shop?
The best part is the support I get from loyal customers. The hardest part is finding vintage clothes in good condition.
-You have another shop in KL, right?
Yes, I opened my second shop last year in the area called Setapak and I carry mainly my own local brand called “Labulabi Merch” there.
-What is the most memorable event that happened in your store.
I organized a B-boy battle and a rap battle at the original store’s opening. Some famous and underground artists participated, like Zynakal, Lawalah Familia, and Benzooloo. The place was packed with many audience members. LEGOSAM won the B-boy battle, and Rush from Lawalah Familia won the rap battle.
-That’s so cool. By the way, I don’t really see tourists around here. What’s the neighborhood like?
This area is more for local people, and there are many independent stores like mine. The neighbors are very supportive and give me encouragement to keep moving forward.
-Lastly, give a message to the people who are thinking of visiting Labu Labi in the future.
If you’re in KL, come visit my shop. You’ll find cool things that are hard to come by.
Labu Labi
Address: Lorong Haji Hussein 1, Chow Kit, 50300 KL
Business Hours: 4PM-MIDNIGHT
Instagram: @labulabipremium