The Show Must Go On

Backstage Stories of a Hip-Hop Agent

De: Mark Green, Ericka Williams

Narrado por: Jay Quan

As the owner of Celebrity Talent Agency, Mark Green's story is one of perseverance and innovation. Hailing from NJ, Green's early exposure to rapping came from a competition in the Bronx, which he brought back to NJ, becoming a mentor to future Hip-Hop legends like Guy O'Brien, aka Master Gee, of the Sugarhill Gang. Green's influence helped shape early Hip-Hop.

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, and work with notable artists such as Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, Dru Hill, Prince, Al B Sure, Grandmaster Flash, and Usher. 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.

In 1997, Green ventured into independent marketing and promotions consulting and secured a deal with Light Year/Warner Brothers for his independent label, with Teena Marie as his first artist. One year later, 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/GM of Lehman Performing Arts Center, Chairman of Artist Relations for The Hip-Hop Museum, and maintains ownership of Celebrity Talent Agency.

"The Show Must Go On" gives listeners a backstage pass to decades of drama, danger, and excitement.

©2024 Mark Green (P)2025 Mark Green

Experience is the best teacher.

This book is a great read, but especially so for anyone seriously interested in a career in the entertainment field. The author’s experiences are varied and he recounts his triumphs, trails, and tribulations candidly in a way that lets the reader know that his own success is directly attributable to his education and his life experiences. That’s a message that is likely true for all of us, and young people need to learn that life doesn’t hinge on one bad day or one good day. Life is a cumulative experience.