We are now at week 8 of our “Featured Artist Of The Week” series. We are providing a platform for these artists to share whatever it is they would like with their fans. This week we decided to reach out to Archie Green. Hit the break and check out what he had to say. Interested in being featured next? Email us: newclevelandmusic216@yahoo.com
1. Besides doing music, I spend most of my free time watching lectures, and reading books on spirituality from the likes of Dr. Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra and more. I've become very spiritual, more so than religious the older that I get and it's made living my life much more enjoyable. I love learning as well, so I read a lot. I'm currently reading Think And Grow Rich: A Black Choice, by Dennis Kimbro & Napoleon Hill (the original version was authored by Hill, this is an abridged version). Other than that I've gotten into style a lot so, I'm always coming up with fresh fits to rock at work or just on the go. Not what you expected from a Cleveland MC huh? What more can I say, CLASS is the Life.
2. I draw influences from many different people. Musically: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Jay Z, Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Jackson, Coldplay, James Blake, Isaac Hayes, Kid Cudi, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Robert Glasper, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) Other Overall Influences: MLK, Malcolm X, JFK, Dr. Wayne Dyer, My Father and Grandfather and other pioneers of what I deem to be the CLASS lifestyle (CLASS stands for "Creatively Learning to Achieve Sustainable Success")
3. As far as local acts both in Cleveland and surrounding Ohio:
Freeze Tag (Cleveland): This dude is so fuckin' ill. He has an unmatched sound and he's definitely next not just locally, but globally. I'd love to see how we'd mesh in the lab.
Rashad (Columbus): I been a fan of Rashad both as an artist and producer. He's the whole package: rapping, singing and songwriting, and of course production. I'd love to get an Elev8tor Music production, haha!! Danny London (Cleveland): The hands down best male vocalist in Cleveland right now. He's definitely got the blue-eyed soul thing down. We been homies for a few years, and although we did a song for the homie Swerve back in '11 we have yet to hit the studio together. DJ Corey Grand (Cleveland): Hottest DJ in Cleveland, hands down!!! What I love most about Corey, besides how ill he is on the turntables, is how humble he is. He's done gigs all over the country but keeps it 216 all day, and never forgets where he came from. Other local acts I'd like to collab with are Twizz from Keyel (dope producer!!), MC Tkool (Trill!!), & WiseGuy. (did you hear #THRODIE?!). Non-Local Acts I'd Like To Collaborate With:Kid Cudi: We went to the same high school (Solon) for a short period of time, and there's innumerable parallels with the type of wavelength we're on mentally.
Kanye West: Really nothing to explain here.Kendrick Lamar: Even though he'd probably murder me on my own shit.
Toro y Moi: One of my favorite chillwave producers/singers/bands. Chaz is so ill.
4. A lot of big things are happening for me in 2014. A few surprises. Definitely planning on doing more shows and establishing myself locally. Going to be pushing The Greatest Pretender a lot this year. I want to be involved in the community as well. I just recently performed at a Human Trafficking Awareness rally (Jan 9th) at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. It was a surreal experience. I'm looking to do more with mentorship and the youth as well. All of these activities are to push the CLASS brand and stamp it here in my hometown. As far as shows, I'm excited to be apart of the ImfromCleveland.com set at The Grog Shop in February, with more shows to come in the near future.
Last thing I'd like to leave you with is simply this. Believe in yourself, even when no one else believes in you. We each have the ability to do the impossible, but only if YOU believe it is possible. In life you will encounter bumps in the road, and when they come don't be so hard on yourself. Embrace the mistakes, they help to mold you into the man or woman God created you to be.
CLASS Is The Life
Twitter: @_ArchieGreen ArchieGreenIsClass.com Facebook