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 â90s pop culture.
Imagine 50 Centâs Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter written by a nerdy Black kid from Newark, New Jersey, who made it big despite the skepticism of his family. Thatâs Top Billin'.
Bill Bellamy is Carlton Banksâs slightly cooler and comedically inclined alter-egoâa 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 offâin ways Bill never expected. In Top Billin', he looks back at his time at MTV during the â90s, when the cable music channel was at the epicenter of pop culture. He recounts his legendary interviews with the biggest pop starsâTupac, Biggie, and Kurt Cobainâmaking friends with Janet Jackson, and even coining the infamous term âbooty callâ on HBOâs Def Comedy Jam. During his time at MTV, Bill broke color and class barriers, appearing four times a week on the networkâs various programs, including MTV Jamz and MTV Beach House.
Top Billin' is an exclusive, all-access backstage pass to Billâs career and life. Itâs all in hereâmemories, music, and unforgettable moments, including conversations with some of the decadeâs legendary artists, the best of the â90s 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.