Diversity is the key to Mark Batson’s many accomplishments in the music world. His unique approach to bridging musical genres – from hip-hop to classical, R&B to pop and rock – sets him in a class of his own.

Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Bushwick housing project, Mark’s love of hip-hop was fine-tuned by free styling and making beats with neighborhood rap groups, while his prodigious classical piano talents were honed at city-wide recitals, master classes and competitions.

Formal jazz piano training at Howard University was distinguished by several events including apprenticeships with prominent artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Dexter Gordon and Charlie Rouse; the performance of his choral compositions and arrangements at the International Vocal Festival in Tokyo and a stint as Artist-In-Residence at the Smithsonian Institution, where Mark was the youngest arranger and performer of rare Duke Ellington compositions for the Smithsonian Movement in Classic Jazz, an 18-member repertory ensemble.

As one half of the group Get Set V.O.P., Mark co-wrote and produced the innovative and widely received Voice of the Projects album, one of the earliest examples of hip hop combined with live instrumentation. As a producer, Mark contributed seven tracks (including Brown Skin and Strength, Courage & Wisdom) to Acoustic Soul, the seven-time Grammy nominated 2002 debut by India.Arie.

Since his relocation to Los Angeles in 2004, Mark has become one of the most sought after writer/producers in the business, working with a variety of artists including Alicia Keys, Anthony Hamilton, Seal, Nas, Maroon 5, Beyoncé and Dave Matthews Band. Mark is also a co-writer and producer on a number of projects with Dr. Dre including Eminem, 50 Cent, The Game, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z. He has also had hits as a songwriter with James Blunt, Gwen Stefani and Joss Stone.

Mark has also composed scores and produced tracks for numerous film and television projects including Miami Vice, Maid In Manhattan, Spiderman 2, Beauty Shop, War, Nike’s Battlegrounds: Ball Or Fall and the original theme song for The Tyra Banks Show.

Mark’s ability to move freely in numerous musical directions, coupled with his savvy business acumen, has allowed him to tap into his vast range of talents. “I have found over the years that there has been a big call for musicianship. I’m glad to have my training. You’ve got to come with everything you ever learned.”

Mark Batson Discography (PDF)