Meet Archie Green | Creative Entrepreneur & Mental Health Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Archie Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Archie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own businesses was a journey driven by passion, purpose, and a desire to make a tangible impact. It was also driven by a huge void for what both of my companies offer.

Growing up, I was immersed in the world of hip-hop as I’ve also been an artist for over 25 years. I experienced firsthand how powerful music can be as a tool for healing and expression. In 2016 I released a song about my own mental health challenges, and how therapy saved my life in a song called, “Layers.” That song went viral and changed my life, and most importantly showed me that mental health in hip-hop was a much needed conversation. My journey as a hip-hop artist and my personal experiences with mental health challenges inspired me to create Peel Dem Layers Back.
When I founded the nonprofit, I aimed to bridge the gap between mental health and the hip-hop community. It was essential to create a safe space where people, especially Black men and boys, could openly discuss mental health without stigma. I saw a need for culturally relevant support systems and recognized that the stories, struggles, and triumphs within our community were often overlooked.

The thought process was also deeply personal. I wanted to provide something I wished I’d had during my toughest times—a supportive environment where mental health conversations are normalized and embraced. This drive led to the creation of programs that empower individuals through storytelling and creative expression, helping them cope and thrive.
I am also a self-professed Culture Junkie. I’m truly addicted to culture and creating cultural moments through arts, pop culture, entertainment, music, sports and more. So in 2019, I also started my boutique event production and consulting firm, Culture Junkie Edutainment. The specialty in what I do in this space is by creating at the intersection of culture and community. Over the past five years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with major brands and artists including but not limited to Kid Cudi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, NBA All-Star, HoopBus & Soho House.

Moving to Los Angeles from Cleveland in 2022 was a strategic step in expanding the work that I do in both of my business ventures, allowing me to connect with a larger, diverse audience while learning from other innovative leaders in the mental health and creative industries.

What should our readers know about your business?
Peel Dem Layers Back and Culture Junkie Edutainment both came from my belief in the transformative power of culture and community. Peel Dem Layers Back was born from a personal experience that showed me how crucial it is to talk about mental health, especially within the hip-hop community. In 2016, I released a song called “Layers” about my own mental health challenges and how therapy saved my life. That song went viral, and the response was overwhelming. It made me realize that there was a huge void in conversations about mental health in hip-hop.

So, I started Peel Dem Layers Back, a nonprofit focused on bridging the gap between mental health and the hip-hop community. I wanted to create a safe space where people, especially Black men and boys, could openly discuss mental health without stigma. Our programs are designed to empower individuals through storytelling and creative expression, helping them cope and thrive.

I’m also a self-professed Culture Junkie. I’m addicted to culture and creating cultural moments through arts, pop culture, entertainment, music, sports, and more. In 2019, I started Culture Junkie Edutainment, my boutique event production and consulting firm. What sets us apart is our ability to create at the intersection of culture and community. Over the past five years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with major brands and artists like Kid Cudi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, NBA All-Star, HoopBus, and Soho House.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Building businesses is always a rollercoaster of highs and lows. There were times when I faced skepticism and doubt from others, especially when tackling mental health—a topic that still carries stigma. But my passion and determination kept me moving forward. I overcame challenges by staying true to my mission, surrounding myself with a supportive network, and constantly learning from each experience.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity and resilience are key. Stay true to your vision and let your passion guide you, especially when things get tough. I want the world to know that Peel Dem Layers Back and Culture Junkie Edutainment aren’t just businesses—they’re platforms for change, empowerment, and connection.

Moving to Los Angeles was a strategic step in expanding both ventures. LA’s diverse and vibrant community offers incredible opportunities for growth and learning. It allows me to connect with a larger audience and learn from other innovative leaders in the mental health and creative industries.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Offhand Wine Bar – This is my go-to spot for a great glass of wine, and the dopest vibes I’ve ever had in a wine bar! It opened around the time that my wife and I moved here in 2022. All of the owners, Khalil, Teron and Justin are super personable and their staff is so knowledgable and accommodating. I became fast friends with one of their staff members, Fonz The Somm, who truly knows his shit when it comes to wine. They also have live DJ sets weekly, including Saturday night sets with Like of Pac Div, and Sundays with co-owner, Khalil aka Diz. Definitely a place to pull up!

Soho House Holloway – Obviously, this is primarily for Soho House members. I had the privilege of hosting my first LA event under Culture Junkie at Holloway House in West Hollywood this past July. Holloway is truly a vibe! Beautiful space, friendly and sociable staff, and of course a diverse array of members in various industries.

Palma Cafe at the Proper Hotel – As an entrepreneur, finding places to work remotely are critical. One thing that’s super important to me is how beautiful and lush that the space is. Palma checks all the boxes! Plenty of space, plush and comfortable seating, and great drinks as well. My go-to is always the Mighty Tumeric Latte!

Blackbird House – My last recommendation is also a place to work in Culver City. It is one of the most beautiful houses and co-working spaces I’ve ever worked at. What makes it even more of a gem is that it is owned and operated by Black women and for Black women, men, LGBTQIA+ and allies exclusively. A very welcoming staff, plenty of beautiful spaces to work, and with special events that happen there monthly.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, God. God planted these seeds of creativity, courage and boldness that continue to bloom into groundbreaking ventures that help to make the world a better place for all of the people that I serve.

Secondly, my beautiful and supportive wife, Niké. She was the first person to tell me, “you’re a star,” and to actually support me in chasing my dreams. We moved in together, and shortly after she convinced me to quit my job to put my all in my music, which led me to founding my nonprofit. That was life-changing for our family. I tell her everyday, I will spend the rest of my life paying you back for what you sacrificed for my dream.

Lastly…as far as books…’The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. That book is a true metaphor about the importance of following your dreams, trusting the universe, and most importantly, trusting yourself. I re-read that book once a year just to be reminded of that same importance.

Website: www.pdlb.org (Peel Dem Layers Back)

Instagram: @the_cope_dealer (www.instagram.com/the_cope_dealer)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-green-6a892752/

Twitter: @the_cope_dealer (www.x.com/the_cope_dealer)

Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oH7zOToGV968fisOKxjhw?si=U1O2cvhQREqs6-NGT6AvOg

Image Credits
Yasmin Antonio (Main photo, and photo of Archie with DJ and Co-Host) & Archie Green (all other photos)