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Book Cover for: The Show Must Go On: Backstage Stories of a Hip-Hop Agent, Mark Green

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

Mark Green

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!


Book Details

  • Publisher: Mynd Matters
  • Publish Date: Dec 3rd, 2024
  • Pages: 318
  • Language: English
  • Edition: (Color) - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.50in - 5.50in - 0.67in - 0.81lb
  • EAN: 9781963874228
  • Categories: MemoirsAfrican American & BlackEntertainment & Performing Arts

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Praise for this book

I am grateful for all the support Mark Green has provided to me and so many others in the R&B and Hip-Hop community. Mark Green's hard work has significantly impacted our careers, helping us achieve our dreams and reach new heights. Mark's belief in my talent was proven by unwavering support. God Bless Mark Green. Thank you for everything.

-Dr. Rev. Kurtis Blow Walker, Hip-Hop Artist


Mark's unwavering dedication and determination have been instrumental in championing my aspirations across the globe. As a female Hip-Hop pioneer, his ability to collaborate with me and uphold the true essence of my mission and talent is commendable. We deeply appreciate his relentless efforts and applaud his ongoing success in not only supporting me, but also making significant strides in his field. Once again, Mark has achieved another groundbreaking milestone.

-Yo-Yo, Hip-Hop Artist


I always tell everyone that Mark Green was the manager who taught me the difference between being an artist and a star. The one person in the industry who wasn't out to rob me. He was sometimes like a manager, sometimes like a father, but always like a brother. These are stories that need to be told!

-Rome JD Boogie Boys, Hip-Hop Artist


In an industry designed to make sure you have a very short life span, multiplied by X 10 X when it comes to Hip-Hop, Mark has found work for me personally, where there is seemingly no work available. He's one of my favorite people, period.

-Kool Mo Dee, Hip-Hop Artist


I have known Mark for many decades and can assure you that music, entertainment, and business acumen have been in his blood since day one. While the rest of us have corpuscles, Mark has the entertainment business surging through his veins. Mark is second to none in his industry and will literally go to the ends of the earth to ensure that the bottom line is met. An industry legend, these pages only describe his exoskeleton as they can never define the mind within. Hang on and enjoy the ride...these stories are priceless.

-Todd Hardy, classmate & friend


Mark is a consummate music industry executive who always does his absolute best for his clients and the people with whom he works. Having him on my team to build The Hip-Hop Museum has been an absolute pleasure.

-Rocky Bucano, Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Museum


Mark Green has taken his amazing talents from promoting records to owning one of the most prestigious booking agencies in the entertainment industry! I am excited for all to read his book, learn from his journey and lock into some real "gems."

-Bo Sampson, MCA Records