Top Billin'
Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph
by Bill Bellamy
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Pub Date Apr 25 2023 | Archive Date Jun 10 2023
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Description
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 Mixing It Up.
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 Mixing It Up, 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.
Mixing It Up 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.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9780063237629 |
| PRICE | $29.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 240 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Tara H, Reviewer
5/5⭐️s for Top Billin’’: Stories of Laughter, Lessons, and Triumph by Bill Bellamy. I really enjoyed this book. It was laidback, witty and entertaining.
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* 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.
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* Each chapter was concisely written. Light-hearted, yet he didn’t shy away from heavily weighted topics. I found the delivery very soothing.
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* His comedic flair was perfectly executed!
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* 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.
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* I enjoyed learning how at an early age, he was very intentional about creating a clean cut Bill Bellamy brand.
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* 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😂).
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* 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.
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* 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.
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* Overall, I’m glad I read this book. It was a quick, easy read that I found very pleasing.
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Thank you Amistad via Netgalley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the journey.
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