About

Isn’t it comforting to find a sound that has that classic feel you’ve been looking for? This is a place for the Smokey singing, Raekwon rapping, grown-up hip-hop head. They say the search for the soul is a lifetime journey. Maybe we can help you find your way.

Gummy Soul is the brainchild of Nashville producer Wally Clark and producer/emcee Amerigo Gazaway. It first began as a weekly radio show on 91.1 FM WRVU that played only the finest in soul, funk, and classic hip-hop. Gummy Soul is now a boutique brand/record label, committed to sparking an interest and appreciation for soul music and providing quality hip-hop releases from a handful of talented artists.

History

Gummy Soul is a Nashville based record label and production company, founded by Walter “Wally” Clark. In 2006, Clark moved to Atlanta, to seclude himself while learning how to produce. Standing outside of a record store in the Little 5 Points district, Clark was approached by future Gummy Soul artist Rahlou “Nickel Plated Butter” Hodge. Impressed by Clark’s knowledge of soul music, Hodge surprised Clark with a unexpected gift the day after they met. He took Clark to a record collector friend of his, and convinced him to give Clark nearly 1,200 records. Clark spent a year in Atlanta, getting to know his collection, and perfecting the Gummy Soul sound. In 2007, Clark moved back to Nashville, to work on music with longtime friend and fellow producer, Amerigo Gazaway.

Left: Wally Clark, Right: Amerigo Gazaway

Clark met Gazaway in 2001, when he was only 15. They connected immediately; Clark taught Gazaway about hip hop, while Amerigo taught him about production and writing rhymes. In 2007, the two started The Gummy Soul Show, a weekly radio show on 91.1 FM WRVU. Inspired by former WRVU DJ and now Stones Throw label head, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt‘s 911 Emergency show. The Gummy Soul Show featured rare soul songs, sampled to make classic hip hop records. The show was a staple in the Nashville community, until WRVU abruptly sold it’s license, and was reformatted as a classical station.

Left: Kurtis Stanley, Right: Wally Clark

In 2008, Clark met Kurtis Stanley, and began to work on what became the label’s first official release, the aptly titled Gummy Soul album. Showcasing Clark’s knack for soulful production and cleaver sample choices, as well as Stanley’s accessible, yet intricate rhymes, the Gummy Soul album laid the template for all of the label’s future releases.

After releasing a handful of well received projects, the label earned it’s first hit in 2011, with Amerigo Gazaway’s Fela Kuti + De La Soul inspired mashup album Fela Soul. With over 300,000 combined listens/downloads to date, Fela Soul gained praise from outlets such as NPR and MTV, and established Gummy Soul as one of the most reliable sources in modern hip hop today.

For info about booking, interviews, or other requests, please contact info@gummysoul.com