These are the backstage stories of a Hip-Hop agent.
ABOUT
Mark Green's journey through the entertainment industry is a testament to his multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication.
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 has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Virginia State University and a Venue Management Certification Degree from the IAVM Graduate Institute (Wheeling, WV).
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.
Vansilk
Hip-Hop Producer
Mark Green is someone I’ve known for decades in the entertainment industry. He was my booking agent in
1986 when my record was out. He is humble and gracious, a brother willing to work with you, and a brother
I’ve always been fond of. He’s remained cool, calm, and collected. He has worked with many celebrities and
artists over the years, no matter how young or old.
Rocky Bucano
Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Museum
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.
Todd Hardy
classmate & friend
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. He is a man amongst men, a force to be reckoned with, a man
for all seasons. 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.
Rob Base
Hip-Hop Artist
Mark Green is known for booking solid shows and his professionalism has made him one of the top agents in
the game. Mark and Celebrity Talent Agency have been part of my Hip-Hop journey for many years, and I am
proud to be on his roster.
Hendogg of the Sugar Hill Gang
Hip-Hop Artist
What an experience working with Mark. He has always been about his business, his word is his bond, a
straight shooter and a good brother, and believe me, that is a rarity in the entertainment industry.
Kool Mo Dee
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.
Rome JD Boogie Boys
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!
Yo-Yo
Hip-Hop Artist
Mark Green is a remarkable individual with a gentle demeanor and a heart of gold. Mark’s unwavering
dedication and determination have been instrumental in championing my aspirations across the globe. He is
undoubtedly poised to secure the bag effortlessly. Beyond being my exceptional agent, Mark has become a
cherished friend. 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.
Chubb Rock
Hip-Hop Artist
In an industry that gets a bad rap on integrity and honesty, Mark shines through as a man of trust and hard
work. Maybe because he’s old school, but he’s a good person as a representative of our culture and our
industry.
Dr. Rev. Kurtis Blow Walker
Hip-Hop Artist
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.
