Belly (film)

Belly
Theatrical release poster
Directed byHype Williams
Screenplay byHype Williams
Story by
  • Anthony Bodden
  • Nas
  • Hype Williams
Produced by
Starring
Narrated byNas
DMX
CinematographyMalik Sayeed
Edited byDavid Leonard
Music byStephen Cullo
Production
company
Distributed byArtisan Entertainment
Release date
  • November 4, 1998 (1998-11-04)
Running time
96 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$3 million
Box office$9.6 million

Belly is a 1998 American crime drama film written and directed by music video director Hype Williams, in his feature film directing debut. Filmed in New York City, the film stars rappers Nas and DMX in their film debut, alongside Taral Hicks, Method Man, T-Boz and an uncredited cameo from Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas.

The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized the plot while praising the cinematography, and made $9.6 million on a $3 million budget. It remains the only film Williams ever directed. The film has since gained a cult following, namely for its visual presentation, cast and representation of hip-hop culture in the 1990s.