Hip-hop icon 50 Cent is taking a bold step forward. The rapper and media powerhouse recently announced that he has officially acquired the rights to the cult classic film Paid in Full and is developing it into a high-end television series. The news broke via 50 Cent’s Instagram, accompanied by the teaser: “If you like Godfather of Harlem, you’re gonna love this.”
Adding powerful authenticity to the project, Harlem rapper Cam’ron—who portrayed Rico in the original 2002 film—will co-executive produce the new series alongside 50 Cent. Cam’ron echoed excitement across social media, writing: “Thanks 50 Cent for the opportunity… We gonna burn this s**t down!”
Directed by Charles Stone III and produced by Roc-A-Fella Films, Paid in Full dramatized the rise and fall of street legends like Azie Faison, Rich Porter, and Alpo Martinez. The 2002 film featured a breakout performance from Wood Harris (Ace), Mekhi Phifer (Mitch), and Cam’ron (Rico). Its gritty realism and Harlem backdrop turned it into a hip-hop classic.
Not everyone is celebrating. Dame Dash, co-producer of the original film, delivered a pointed response on social media, sarcastically congratulating Cam’ron for making 50 Cent his “new boss.” This reflects lingering tensions over creative control and the film’s legacy.