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Top Billin': Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph – An Intimate and Entertaining MTV Memoir on 90s Pop Culture History
From the MTV trailblazer, stand-up comedian, and actor, a hilariously candid memoir that is an intimate, entertaining, and heartfelt tour through the exclusive, elusive, and eternally iconic world of ’90s pop culture.
Imagine 50 Cent’s Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter written by a nerdy Black kid from Newark, New Jersey, who made it big despite the skepticism of his family. That’s Top Billin'.
Bill Bellamy is Carlton Banks’s slightly cooler and comedically inclined alter-ego—a guy who went against the grain and left a promising corporate career path to pursue comedy (much to the dismay of his family). Making the leap paid off—in ways Bill never expected. In Top Billin', he looks back at his time at MTV during the ’90s, when the cable music channel was at the epicenter of pop culture. He recounts his legendary interviews with the biggest pop stars—Tupac, Biggie, and Kurt Cobain—making friends with Janet Jackson, and even coining the infamous term “booty call” on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. During his time at MTV, Bill broke color and class barriers, appearing four times a week on the network’s various programs, including MTV Jamz and MTV Beach House.
Top Billin' is an exclusive, all-access backstage pass to Bill’s career and life. It’s all in here—memories, music, and unforgettable moments, including conversations with some of the decade’s legendary artists, the best of the ’90s celebri-tea, nostalgia, and insights on what it meant to be a tastemaker during one of the most exciting and innovative periods in music and American pop culture history.
Imagine 50 Cent’s Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter written by a nerdy Black kid from Newark, New Jersey, who made it big despite the skepticism of his family. That’s Top Billin'.
Bill Bellamy is Carlton Banks’s slightly cooler and comedically inclined alter-ego—a guy who went against the grain and left a promising corporate career path to pursue comedy (much to the dismay of his family). Making the leap paid off—in ways Bill never expected. In Top Billin', he looks back at his time at MTV during the ’90s, when the cable music channel was at the epicenter of pop culture. He recounts his legendary interviews with the biggest pop stars—Tupac, Biggie, and Kurt Cobain—making friends with Janet Jackson, and even coining the infamous term “booty call” on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. During his time at MTV, Bill broke color and class barriers, appearing four times a week on the network’s various programs, including MTV Jamz and MTV Beach House.
Top Billin' is an exclusive, all-access backstage pass to Bill’s career and life. It’s all in here—memories, music, and unforgettable moments, including conversations with some of the decade’s legendary artists, the best of the ’90s celebri-tea, nostalgia, and insights on what it meant to be a tastemaker during one of the most exciting and innovative periods in music and American pop culture history.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
18 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 3, 2023
5/5 stars for Top Billin': Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph by Bill Bellamy. I really enjoyed this book. It was laidback, witty and entertaining.
⠀
* Most celebrity books contains stories I’ve already heard before either from social media or TMZ. But, Bill’s stories were new to me. There were no recycled stories told. I enjoyed reading everything for the first time.
⠀
* Each chapter was concisely written. Light-hearted, yet he didn’t shy away from heavily weighted topics. I found the delivery very soothing.
⠀
* His comedic flair was perfectly executed!
⠀
* He shared a lot about his MTV days. What’s interesting is that I totally forgot Bill was once a VJ on MTV. I vaguely remember him from the channel. I remember him most for is his role in one of my all time favorite movies Love Jones.
⠀
* I enjoyed learning how at an early age, he was very intentional about creating a clean cut Bill Bellamy brand.
⠀
* The ratchet part of the book was learning that Bill’s wife Kristen was friends with his then girlfriend Julie. Kristen made her move on Bill after hearing Julie continuously talk about Bill! (Ladies, let this be a lesson, keep your stories about your men to yourselves. These girls ain’t loyal lol).
⠀
* Learning how his brother passed away blew my mind. I totally understand why Bill will never drink soda again. Definitely the saddest moment for me.
⠀
* Before reading this book I wasn’t a big Bill Bellamy supporter. I didn’t dislike him. I just didn’t think much about him. He kind of blended in with the sea of lesser known actors and comedians. He didn’t stand out. But after reading this book, I think I’m now a supporter. This book separated him from the pack. I even paid more attention to his role in the 2001 movie 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 as I watched it again just a few days ago.
⠀
* Overall, I’m glad I read the book. It was a quick, easy read that I found very pleasing.
⠀
Thank you Amistad Books for gifting me a eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the journey.
⠀
* Most celebrity books contains stories I’ve already heard before either from social media or TMZ. But, Bill’s stories were new to me. There were no recycled stories told. I enjoyed reading everything for the first time.
⠀
* Each chapter was concisely written. Light-hearted, yet he didn’t shy away from heavily weighted topics. I found the delivery very soothing.
⠀
* His comedic flair was perfectly executed!
⠀
* He shared a lot about his MTV days. What’s interesting is that I totally forgot Bill was once a VJ on MTV. I vaguely remember him from the channel. I remember him most for is his role in one of my all time favorite movies Love Jones.
⠀
* I enjoyed learning how at an early age, he was very intentional about creating a clean cut Bill Bellamy brand.
⠀
* The ratchet part of the book was learning that Bill’s wife Kristen was friends with his then girlfriend Julie. Kristen made her move on Bill after hearing Julie continuously talk about Bill! (Ladies, let this be a lesson, keep your stories about your men to yourselves. These girls ain’t loyal lol).
⠀
* Learning how his brother passed away blew my mind. I totally understand why Bill will never drink soda again. Definitely the saddest moment for me.
⠀
* Before reading this book I wasn’t a big Bill Bellamy supporter. I didn’t dislike him. I just didn’t think much about him. He kind of blended in with the sea of lesser known actors and comedians. He didn’t stand out. But after reading this book, I think I’m now a supporter. This book separated him from the pack. I even paid more attention to his role in the 2001 movie 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 as I watched it again just a few days ago.
⠀
* Overall, I’m glad I read the book. It was a quick, easy read that I found very pleasing.
⠀
Thank you Amistad Books for gifting me a eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the journey.
April 28, 2023
This was a quick read as it was entertaining, informative, and I enjoyed Bellamy's stories about how he grew up in New Jersey with humble beginnings and the support of his hard-working parents, moved on to attend university, start a successful business career, and left everything to pursue comedy. I especially enjoyed stories about his kitchen-table style interviews with Prince, Tupac, Janet Jackson, and more while working at MTV. As a fan of music, I remember him, his charisma, and can understand how artists related to him. I also enjoyed his commentary on Napster and how file sharing led to the rise and fall of the music business and stole something from both the artist and the customer. Lightning quick distribution took away the anticipation of waiting for new singles, a whole album, and this book has other thought provoking life observations in addition to just being a fun read.
June 21, 2023
Pretty straightforward but slight memoir. Some insights around technology and younger generations got some eye rolls (very “kids these days!”) but still an interesting career
February 3, 2024
Get ready for a captivating journey in this book as it unveils the ups and downs that shaped Mr. Bellamy into the impressive person he is today. Each chapter offers a glimpse into how he not only became famous but also remained in the spotlight. It is well-written, and Bill seamlessly tells his story in a fun yet honest manner. Even if you know Bill Bellamy from '90s movies, this book reveals a bunch of things you probably didn't know, adding an extra layer of interest. The book brought back fond memories of the music video industry of the 80s & 90s.
I especially enjoyed the last chapter, where he pays a touching tribute to his father, who passed away just after he finished writing most of the book – it was really heart-touching!
I especially enjoyed the last chapter, where he pays a touching tribute to his father, who passed away just after he finished writing most of the book – it was really heart-touching!
May 4, 2025
Top Billin’: Stories of Laughter, Lessons and Triumph
I Picked Up This Book Because: I like memoirs.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/29/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Bill Bellamy
The Story:
This has been on my TBR for quite some time. It was not mind blowing but I’m always interested to see times I lived through from a different perspective.
I Picked Up This Book Because: I like memoirs.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 4/29/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Bill Bellamy
The Story:
This has been on my TBR for quite some time. It was not mind blowing but I’m always interested to see times I lived through from a different perspective.
April 2, 2023
Standard fare for a memoir. Bill Bellamy tells his story in a straightforward manner, giving readers some insight to his working process and his intentional creation of the Bill Bellamy brand. His story is inspirational in that it illustrates the discipline, resilience, and stick-to-it-ive-ness that is necessary if one is going to achieve success in any field.
It was an enjoyable read for me because I grew up in NJ, and so many places that Bill mentioned in his book were my regular haunts and it’s always nice to sift through the memories. Terminal D in Newark, had a legendary run.
Lots of incredible side splitting laughs in that place. Uptown Comedy Club in Harlem was legendary. Bill was an integral part of the comedy scene and his persona paved the way to stardom for him. A quick enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an DRC. Book will drop in April.
It was an enjoyable read for me because I grew up in NJ, and so many places that Bill mentioned in his book were my regular haunts and it’s always nice to sift through the memories. Terminal D in Newark, had a legendary run.
Lots of incredible side splitting laughs in that place. Uptown Comedy Club in Harlem was legendary. Bill was an integral part of the comedy scene and his persona paved the way to stardom for him. A quick enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an DRC. Book will drop in April.
August 3, 2023
If this book is on your TBR, do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook! The audiobook is read by Bill Bellamy! I felt like I was listening to a family member sharing their life story. Listening to him describe the old MTV programs, sharing stories about his relationships with other celebrities and his over all life lessons were hilariously nostalgic! I don’t think we have given Bill Bellamy all the flowers he deserves for what he has done for black culture!
May 30, 2023
Think Low Ballin', not Top Billin'. This dud of a memoir is essentially a brag book that is used only to enhance the author's "brand" (which he writes about often). His ego is gigantic and he repeatedly mentions how famous he is and what huge influence he has. Sorry, Bill Bellamy, but you're just not that big of a deal and you certainly needed to write more than an elongated Wikipedia entry for your autobiography.
Bellamy tries to play the race card and the poor card, but he can't make us feel too sorry for him because he grew up in a fairly stable home where he was sent to private school and became the first in his family to go to college at Rutgers! This is no street kid, though he tries to namedrop throughout to make you think that he's in with thugs and rappers.
He takes a desk job out of college and was offered to have his MBA paid for to make up to $150,000, but instead says he went with his gut and quit his stable job to do standup. Suddenly everyone loved him, he got to open for Janet Jackson and was an MTV VJ. The problem is that much of what he writes is vague and unemotional (beyond hyping himself) and many things he says aren't true. He claims to have created the phrase "Booty Call" (look it up). He says he got on HBO when it was "new" (it had been a network for 20 years by that point). He says that he was one of the "first VJs" on MTV (it had been on the air over ten years by that point). And he claims all sorts of issues with his race, though he has no receipts to prove it beyond a few traffic stops.
This is all about his image and wanting to promote his brand. "I was able to become a success because there was nothing I could not do." Well I've seen some of his work and there are plenty of things he's not that good at--Bellamy can come across as stiff.
He says he feels the need to represent his "community" and take political stances, calling himself "politically enlightened," but they are all very safe and Democrat approved. Bellamy claims to have changed America with his participation in Rock the Vote. He praises Obama, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, AOC, and Stacy Abrams. See anything in common?
It's a totally biased, lop-sided spin on the image he wants to portray to other blacks. There is no depth nor really too many issues in his life. The problem is that he thinks he is always "Top Billin'" when in truth Bill Bellamy sounds like an average guy that caught some breaks and promoted himself upward, which makes him somewhat successful no matter what his skin color is or what hype he writes about himself.
Bellamy tries to play the race card and the poor card, but he can't make us feel too sorry for him because he grew up in a fairly stable home where he was sent to private school and became the first in his family to go to college at Rutgers! This is no street kid, though he tries to namedrop throughout to make you think that he's in with thugs and rappers.
He takes a desk job out of college and was offered to have his MBA paid for to make up to $150,000, but instead says he went with his gut and quit his stable job to do standup. Suddenly everyone loved him, he got to open for Janet Jackson and was an MTV VJ. The problem is that much of what he writes is vague and unemotional (beyond hyping himself) and many things he says aren't true. He claims to have created the phrase "Booty Call" (look it up). He says he got on HBO when it was "new" (it had been a network for 20 years by that point). He says that he was one of the "first VJs" on MTV (it had been on the air over ten years by that point). And he claims all sorts of issues with his race, though he has no receipts to prove it beyond a few traffic stops.
This is all about his image and wanting to promote his brand. "I was able to become a success because there was nothing I could not do." Well I've seen some of his work and there are plenty of things he's not that good at--Bellamy can come across as stiff.
He says he feels the need to represent his "community" and take political stances, calling himself "politically enlightened," but they are all very safe and Democrat approved. Bellamy claims to have changed America with his participation in Rock the Vote. He praises Obama, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, AOC, and Stacy Abrams. See anything in common?
It's a totally biased, lop-sided spin on the image he wants to portray to other blacks. There is no depth nor really too many issues in his life. The problem is that he thinks he is always "Top Billin'" when in truth Bill Bellamy sounds like an average guy that caught some breaks and promoted himself upward, which makes him somewhat successful no matter what his skin color is or what hype he writes about himself.
February 28, 2023
In Top Billin' Bill Bellamy shares his life story growing up in Brick City as a latchkey kid who looked out for his younger sister. He writes about his success as a young business man and how his business acumen eventually led him to work at MTV where he became a famous VJ. I loved the nostalgia this book provided me with as an 80s baby and long time fan of Bills.
Bellamy goes into detail about the many transitions required of him as he evolved from comedian to VJ to actor. He writes about his maturation process and how he found the love of his life. He prides himself on being a family man and speaks honestly to the ways parenthood and raising his daughter and son changed him. It's a beautiful thing to read this experience from a famous Black man who made intentional career choices and changes in order to be present for his family.
He writes, "My advice to my fellow brothers would be to stay the course and do the work. The payoff is tremendous and the moments shared are priceless. Careers are incredible but family is irreplaceable."
If you are a fan of Bill Bellamy and Black comedy from the 90s and 2000s this is a great memoir to read that will place you back at that special time. He speaks about his friendships with Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. among other big names and the ways he used whatever influence he had to promote Black artists and creatives. Most importantly, he ends with a tribute to his father who he misses everyday. A riveting, funny, and honest reflection on Bill's career, family and life!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
Bellamy goes into detail about the many transitions required of him as he evolved from comedian to VJ to actor. He writes about his maturation process and how he found the love of his life. He prides himself on being a family man and speaks honestly to the ways parenthood and raising his daughter and son changed him. It's a beautiful thing to read this experience from a famous Black man who made intentional career choices and changes in order to be present for his family.
He writes, "My advice to my fellow brothers would be to stay the course and do the work. The payoff is tremendous and the moments shared are priceless. Careers are incredible but family is irreplaceable."
If you are a fan of Bill Bellamy and Black comedy from the 90s and 2000s this is a great memoir to read that will place you back at that special time. He speaks about his friendships with Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. among other big names and the ways he used whatever influence he had to promote Black artists and creatives. Most importantly, he ends with a tribute to his father who he misses everyday. A riveting, funny, and honest reflection on Bill's career, family and life!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
September 24, 2023
I enjoyed taking the journey through Bill Bellamy’s life as he discussed his humble beginnings to his early days at MTV. It was quite nostalgic reading about some of the earlier days when MTV really played music videos and did live shows from the Hamptons. I didn’t realize that I started reading the book on my
Grandfather’s birthday and he passed away during this time, the closing of the book provided me a tremendous amount of comfort as I noted the similarities between his father and my
Grandfather.
Grandfather’s birthday and he passed away during this time, the closing of the book provided me a tremendous amount of comfort as I noted the similarities between his father and my
Grandfather.
June 8, 2025
Such a fun book! Bill Bellamy is a low-key godfather of our generation. His perfect personality mix provides a seamless ride of what life looks like for someone who is both driven and unashamedly themselves. The best part of his story is that he's the same person before he was known, during his stardom, and today as he reflects. And he provided some great reminders for me about the MTV era of the 90's. And also what it was before then and what it turned into after. There are multiple documentary inspirations inside of this book.
June 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I purchased it, but wanted to listen to the audiobook version, because Bill is such a great story teller. He did not disappoint. I have always been a major fan, but this book really gave some insight to the person he is. I was very surprised and relieved to find out that he's not like the sleazy, womanizing jerks he usually plays! 😂 Love me some Bill Bellamy! Side note: The shoebox of weed had me crying!!!
April 5, 2023
I've followed Bill Bellamy's career since his movie "Booty Call" and from reading his book there was so much I did not know about him. This book is funny and gives you alot of information about the comedy business. I recommend it to anyone who wants a laugh and to learn about a well-seasoned, passionate comic. I received an advanced copy from NetGalley!
June 9, 2023
I've followed Bill Bellamy's career since his movie "Booty Call" and from reading his book there was so much I did not know about him. This book is funny and gives you alot of information about the comedy business. I recommend it to anyone who wants a laugh and to learn about a well-seasoned, passionate comic.
March 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this bustin’ moves testimony type writing. The humor is entertaining and delightful. Respected his views and how he represented himself. Passionate. Articulate. Well-dressed. Humbled…and well… handsome and talent is his blessing. And Booty Call!?! So now I know who coined the phrase. Overall, it was hard to put this one down! Highly recommended.
June 3, 2023
Booty call!!! Bill Bellamy's 'Top Billion'' was too cute. A quick comical read that took me back to the '90s. Who doesn't remember 'I want my MTV'?
November 22, 2023
A very nice read, and an enjoyable book.
June 29, 2024
He’s incredible. This is a great book and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves sometimes. He starts very funny and gives some great stories, but it turns poignant.
April 20, 2025
This book was entertaining I can appreciate his enthusiasm as he told his story however it did not seem truly authentic- if I had a choice I wouldn't read again nor would it be highly recommendated.
May 4, 2025
I’ve always had a crush on him since middle school and his story of his life definitely had me inspired. A few boring areas but overall was good
November 8, 2023
This book was provided to me by Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it’s published.
Of all the books I have read this year, and reviewed, this will be the first where one I read, but I didn’t like it. I was expecting a lot more stories of him being a comedian and also his life at MTV. Yeah, he told a few stories of those times, but nearly not enough.
It was interesting, though, to see how quickly he became famous.
Of all the books I have read this year, and reviewed, this will be the first where one I read, but I didn’t like it. I was expecting a lot more stories of him being a comedian and also his life at MTV. Yeah, he told a few stories of those times, but nearly not enough.
It was interesting, though, to see how quickly he became famous.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews