Fifth Element

I have been here twice, both times for attempted birthday shopping (neither of which were successful). This is an average place for clothing and music.
My nephew loves hip hop. Upon my first visit, I saw that this place has a hip hop theme with their music and the clothing. On both visits, I was hoping to purchase something that would pertain to his taste in hip hop. Sadly, I left there without buying anything. There was nothing there that I felt would make him happy.
To their benefit, their employees do an amazing job at keeping every clean and organized. On both visits, I did not see any problems with messes or clutter. I was able to find what I was looking for easily. Therefore, I felt comfortable walking in there and looking around.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about their selection. They have a large number of shirts and pants. Considering the large quantity, most of them look exactly the same. I would go as far as saying that the selection as a whole looks monotone. Judging by looking at the inside from the outside, I expected much more variety. I think that broadening their selection, not adding to it, would solve this issue.
Also, considering the quality of their clothing, their prices seem outrageous. I do not mind paying extra for high end clothing, but this does not appear high end. The same applies to their music selection. There is no reason that the prices of their music should be as high as they are ($ 20 for a CD, $ 30 for a vinyl). They need to drop their prices.
Their customer service was average. The employee by the cash register was friendly; however, he did not go out of his way to assist me even when I asked. I was looking for suggestions as to what to buy for my nephew because I do not know much about hip hop. His answers were short and vague. Therefore, I was stuck to search around with only my own instincts to trust.
When I am in the area and need something that pertains to hip hop, I will not make this business my first choice. I hope the owners read this review and consider what I say. I see potential for greatness. They just need to edit some of their business aspects.

Mecca.
You will see this word dropped in relation to Fifth among those that value good music. Independent music. Which to me is generally a movement. In my opinion, Rhymesayers is hands down thee best independent record label out for hip hop. So when Record Store Day 2014 was upon us I made impromptu plans to road trip it to the Twin Cities. A pilgrimage to Mecca of sorts. For me.
Fifth is laid out well. Great selections of music and merchandise but it was just pretty dope to know some history behind it and finally visit. Got my hands on some rare Oliver Hart prints (R.I.P.), limited Atmos RSD vinyl release, and even good advice on a breakfast spot up the street from a worker.
If I lived in Minneapolis, I could easily see myself frequenting this place a lot. Not only for the selections but they also have quality in store appearances/​shows.
Deserves a visit for any independent enthusiast and «I wish those cats @ FE would give me some free $#!t.»

All the hip-​hop headz already know,
5^th Element is the place to go,
To support our scene, try to show some green,
Cop some t-​shirts, vinyl, and snapbacks that are so fresh and clean,
Support the community, unity, and continuity,
Minnesota hip-​hop, Rhymesayers rappin’ so fast and of course with fluidity,
My only critique that I’m going to deploy,
Is that I wish ya’ll supported more of the b-​boys,

This is one store I don’t mind supporting more than I probably should be. I support music of all kinds and I especially like investing my resources into local music. Fifth element is essentially the headquarters of Twin Cities hip-​hop and I get a feeling they enjoy giving back as well. They have multiple blowout sales throughout the year, practically giving away shirts and CDs at ridiculously low prices. They also hold in store signings and performances to get fans closer to their favorite artists. And for any of those anti-​ticketmaster folks out there, this is also a good spot to by tickets instead of online.

Don’t even fuck around reading reviews, go, go now, stop what you are doing and go to Fifth Element now… NOW!
Attaboy.

I like Rhymesayers, and I have stopped into Fifth Element both times that I found myself in MN. Twice in about a year-​and-​a-​half, Both visits were very similar. I perused the store for about 10 minutes before anyone even acknowledged me. The clerk looked up, said hello, and nothing more. I took another lap around the store, and I left. They could really do a better job at promoting new items and artists. I wanted to go to learn a bit about what’s new, and I barely even got a hello. The store is cool, and its impressive that Rhymesayers has done so well, but I doubt they are at a point where they can be too cool for fans.

I like the Fifth Element to a degree. It is a love-​hate relationship. I grew up in the Fifth Element, it opened when I was in high school and we used to hang out there for open mic nights and multiple in store performances. I want to support them very badly, but they just don’t seem to want my business.
Typically the person working the register cannot treat me like I should be spengin my money in there. When you walk in the door he does not even look up from whatever he is doing to say hello or acknowledge that I just walked in. That is fine I can get over that, I walk past and move to the small selection of records and cds that they do have. The problem comes when I ask a question. It seems like everytime I ask a question I am a huge burden on whoever is working the register. I just want to know if you have an overpriced copy of this record or that and I get back a response that makes me want to leave on the spot. I know you are a big time rap star who cannot be bothered by some non-​longer hip late 20 something guy, but I really do want to support your business. When I ask a questions at least look up from the work you are doing and pretend like you care, or I’m not picky at least just point in a direction I could go find what i am looking for.
All-​in-​all I will continue to go to Fifth Element and play this game with this unamed local rapper, but I will not enjoy it. One day I will get sick of paying $ 5 more for the cds I want, but for now I will continue to take this abuse because this store is one of a kind and I am a masochistic.

Graff supply review only!
Their graff supplies are SUPER limited… only one small counter full. They have a couple mops & markers & a small supply of Ironlak paint with some good primary & secondary colors… but not too much color variation. If you’re visiting Minneapolis & need a can or mop real quick then this place will do, but if you’re looking to build on your serious collection, you may have to look elsewhere. The prices are fairly average… I think it’s about $ 11 for a Krink K-​60 & $ 12 for a K-​66… Sakura streakers are about $ 5 each & they have various On-​The-​Run Markers for about $ 7-​$ 8 each. Nice little shop, just wish they would expand their supply for more serious writers.

Home of Minnesota’s very own Rhymesayers Entertainment, which includes groups & artists like Atmosphere, Brother Ali, P.O.S., and Eyedea & Abilities. Obviously a great selection on their own artists, but also on other underground hip hop. Lots of t-​shirts and hoodies, too.

Through sheer will power, the Twin Cities have made themselves a force in the national and international Hip-​Hop scenes. Rhymesayers and dozen smaller labels are churning out ever more and ever better product. If you want to get a flavor of the musical explosion that’s taken place the last 10 years, head to the Mecca, the Fifth Element.
This Uptown spot on Hennepin serves as the official store for Rhymesayers. Most of the products you can only find on the website, you’ll find here including apparel, CD’s and vinyl. Beyond just RSE releases, you’ll be able to find any decent, locally made albums. The shop is also a crate digger’s wet-​dream. Hard to find and out-​of-​print releases make this is a must visit for any true Hip-​Hop head or serious DJ.
The staff is generally pretty helpful, but it helps to know your Hip-​Hop before you come in. Make sure to check out the sampling station to check out new local and national releases. I’ve found a number of new favorites just by listening in. Minneapolis might not yet have the clout of other American cities, but a trip to the Fifth Element should distill any notion that the Twin Cities doesn’t belong in the conversation of top music cities.

CD collection is good, and they do have some 12“s
Cool books, and a lot of nice urban art supplies! Also a good place to find out about upcoming hip hop events in the cities.
But like other people said keep on heading down Hennipen ave to cheapos who have a much much bigger CD collection.

This store always reminds me of what Minneapolis could be…
You can’t really hate on this place, they do a good job. I stop in here alot to check out the place. I really do enjoy being able to walk by and finding out who is playing next in the cities.
As for the CD collection… pretty big, nothing you couldn’t find at Cheapo though, so the section doesn’t really stand out to me.
You can find some pretty hard to find hip-​hop albums though, I was impressed. It’s also nice to walk in there and see Minneapolis-​natives actually buying hip-​hop music… and not just Rhymsayers artists! That’s cool. We are finally venturing out of this whole Minnesota pride shit… Thank you

You may think, Midwest?!, HIP HOP?, WTF?
You’d be wrong. 5^th Element is the spot to learn about Rhymesayers, and up and coming hip hop. From artists appearances/​shows to fly clothes… y’all know where to go
5^th ELEMENT! WAAA.
A Rap By Yours Truly
SFCritic

If you are looking for hard to find hip hop, or even more specific Ryhm Sayers collective, go no further than this little shop on Hennipin Ave in uptown. Owned by Slug of atmosphere there is nothing you can’t find here. Also availble on line.