I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Top Billin': Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph by Bill Bellamy 
Published by Amistad, HarperCollins on April 25, 2023
Pages: 240
Buy on Amazon
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.
I still remember when Bill Bellamy graced HBO’s Def Comedy Jam’s stage – he was the talk of our neighborhood for weeks. He had a style of his own, and his jokes kept you in tears. It seemed like everywhere you turned; there was Bill Bellamy. From Def Comedy Jam, Who’s The Man, How To Be A Player, MTV, The Brothers (one of my favorite movies), Getting Played, and countless others – Bill Bellamy was a bonafide star.
Even though Bill Bellamy is a part of pop culture – I didn’t know much about him on a personal level. Bill Bellamy is one of those celebrities that stay under the radar when it comes to drama – so I knew I wasn’t going to read a messy tell-all that named names. So if you are looking for that type of read – keep it moving. I’m sure his mental rolodex is full of juicy stories, but I respect Bill Bellamy for keeping it classy.
(Fun Fact: I never knew he was Shaquille O’Neal’s cousin.) I enjoyed reading about the behind-the-scenes at MTV during his time there. During those times, if you wanted to know what was popular – you watched MTV.
Top Billin’: Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph by Bill Bellamy is not only a beautiful trip down memory lane, but it will inspire you to walk in your purpose with unwavering faith.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
