50 Cent's "Paid in Full" Series Will Include Other Important Characters Connected to the Lives of Alpo Martinez, Azie Faison, and Richard Porter
Volume 82 Magazine
Sep 25
4 min read
Richard Porter, Azie Faison, and Alpo Martinez
50 Cent confirmed that he acquired the rights to Paid in Full and is developing a television series based on the 2002 film. In a press release on social media, he announced that rapper Cam'ron, who starred in the original film as Rico—based on Alpo Martinez's character—will serve as an executive producer for the series.
50 stated on Instagram: “I now have the rights to PAID IN FULL, im developing it into a premium TV show,” he said. “If you like God Father of Harlem your gonna love this. Cam set to Executive produce along side me, if you want in get at him I’m out of the country.”
(Front) Cam'ron portraying Alpo Martinez in Paid in Full (2002)/IMDb
He explained that the series will not only depict the lives of the main characters—Alpo Martinez, Azie Faison, and Richard Porter—but will also include other real-life individuals connected to the story. Some of these individuals include Wayne “Silk” Perry, Domencio “Montana” Benson, Clarence "Preacher" Heatley, and Richard “Fritz” Simmons, among others.
Wayne "Silk" Perry, from Washington D.C., was Alpo's security upon his relocation to the nation's capital. The two were involved in several crimes together. Wayne was convicted of multiple murders and is rumored to have committed more killings than he was sentenced for. Martinez testified against Wayne during his federal trial. Wayne is currently serving a life sentence in Colorado's Supermax prison.
Wayne Perry
Martinez also admitted to ordering the murder of Domenico "Montana" Benson, who was a New York hustler.
Domencio Benson
Clarence "Preacher" Heatley is considered one of the most sinister people connected to the Paid in Full story. Along with Richard's uncle, Johnny "Apple" Porter, Preacher was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Donnell Porter, Rich's brother. Johnny's character was depicted in the film, but Preacher's was not.
Clarence "Preacher" Heatley
Richard "Fritz" Simmons was a prominent drug kingpin and supplier in New York. Behind the scenes, he reportedly assisted the Porter family with resources during Donnell's abduction. Fritz allegedly died after battling HIV/AIDS, which he is rumored to have contracted from a blood transfusion. Fritz was known as a a low-key yet highly respected figure in the Harlem drug scene.
Richard "Fritz" Simmons
Years after most of these events, including a murder attempt on his life, Azie wrote his memoir. Next he developed the screenplay for Paid in Full, which was originally titled Trapped. The projectaimed to expose the darkness that enveloped him, Alpo, and Richard during their tenure in the streets.
The new and expanded storyline is likely to evoke a wide range of emotions. Despite Alpo's ruthless reputation, many New Yorkers, especially those from Harlem, feel a strong personal connection and loyalty to the legacy of the three-man crew—Paid in Full has a cult-like following.
The Porter Family: (Top left clockwise-Velma, Donnell, Richard, Lorell, and Patricia)
However, Alpo and Azie both confirmed that the movie provided only a glimpse of what actually happened on the streets during their era. Not to mention, the movie focuses on the streets of New York and concludes with the murders of Rich and Donnell, as well as the apprehension of Martinez by law enforcement. While these events were real, Martinez was actually arrested and sentenced to federal prison in D.C.
For years, Harlem longed for Alpo to explain why he harmed Rich. In a few rare interviews during his incarceration, he discussed his regret for murdering his friend. At the time of Martinez's death in 2021, he was in the process of securing a movie and book deal, where he'd finally tell the public his truths about several matters.
While speaking to Volume 82, he shared what he believed was the public's biggest misconception about him. He stated, "That I don’t care about all the things that I’ve done. But I do. I spent a lot of time crying about things and regretting them. I served a lot of time. But, I’m not out here bothering anybody. I’m just trying to live."
Alpo and Rich
Videographer Troy Reed's book, I Never Met Alpo, presents what Reed claims was Alpo's explanation about the murder of Porter and the circumstances that led him down a path of crime. After Alpo's murder, Troy Reed teased a series of interviews he conducted with Alpo. Yet, he never released the finished product.
Following Martinez's death in 2021, Patricia Porter, Richard's sister—who was portrayed by Regina Hall in the original movie—spoke out regarding Alpo's passing. In an in-depth interview with VladTV, she discussed the significant changes in her life after the murders of her brothers. Pat explained that many people misunderstood her public reaction to his death, assuming that she celebrated Alpo's demise. Pat said she was actually celebrating her newfound peace after years of grief.
Patricia Porter/YouTube Screenshot/VladTV
Azie is the last member of the memorable Harlemtrio. He continues to interview about the story.It's unclear if he will be a part of the upcoming series.
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