The Show Must Go On: Backstage Stories of a Hip-Hop Agent

As the owner of Celebrity Talent Agency, a venture 25 years in the making, Mark Green's story is one of perseverance and innovation. Hailing from Hackensack, NJ, Mark Green embarked on his career in 1977 as a DJ, performing at high school events and local parties around Bergen County. His early exposure to rapping came from a competition in the Bronx, which he brought back to New Jersey, becoming a mentor to future Hip-Hop legends like Guy O'Brien, aka Master Gee of the Sugarhill Gang. Green's influence on O'Brien helped shape the early Hip-Hop scene. Green's professional career began with an internship at Sugar Hill Records, the label behind the first major Hip-Hop single, "Rapper's Delight." He went on to work full-time at Hush Productions, where he handled various roles, including project management, artist development, and road management. His work with notable artists such as Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, Dru Hill, Prince, Al B Sure, Grandmaster Flash, and Usher solidified his reputation in the industry. This experience paved the way for his next role at Associated Booking Corp, where his talent for spotting rising stars led to the signing of chart-topping acts like Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shante, Kid & Play, and DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Green moved on to EMI/Capitol Records, where he was the Director of Marketing and held roles in Radio Promotions, Jazz, and Rap, earning accolades such as the Promotions Person of the Year in 1992. His work at EMI included producing, writing, and publishing successful tracks like "Remember the First Time" for Eric Gable and "Midnight Hour" for Spice MC. In 1997, Green ventured into independent marketing and promotions consulting and secured a record deal with Light Year/Warner Brothers for his independent label, with Teena Marie as his first artist. One year later, as a consultant at Northstar Distribution, Green became General Manager, distributing music for Prince's independent label, which included Chaka Khan and Larry Graham on NPG Records. This role laid the groundwork for launching Celebrity Talent Agency, which represents a wide array of stars, and secures talent for tours, festivals, and commercials globally. Currently, Green serves as Associate Director/General Manager of Lehman Performing Arts Center, Chairman of Artist Relations for The Hip-Hop Museum (THHM), and maintains ownership of Celebrity Talent Agency. He continues to influence the entertainment industry profoundly because, The Show Must Go On!