Paid in Full

In the gritty streets of Harlem, a young protagonist named Ace (Wood Harris) navigates the treacherous terrain of the cocaine trade, driven by a desire for financial freedom. Initially stuck in a dead-end job at a dry cleaner's shop, Ace is constantly courted by his sister's boyfriend Calvin, a charismatic drug dealer who peddles promises of fast cash and high-stakes glamour. Despite warnings about Calvin's reckless approach to dealing, which inevitably lands him behind bars, Ace resists the temptation to join the dark side, cautioning that Calvin's flashy style and brazen methods will ultimately lead to his downfall.

However, with Calvin incarcerated and his drug empire in disarray, Ace is unexpectedly thrust into a position of power after a chance encounter with Lulu, a shrewd Dominican drug dealer. Teaming up with his childhood friend Mitch and their enforcer Rico, Ace forges an impressive drug empire that quickly gains notoriety on Harlem's streets. What sets Ace apart from your average hustler is his calculated approach to building his business, carefully avoiding the spotlight and operating largely in the shadows.

As Ace's influence grows, so does his reputation, with whispers of a "ghost" dealer who always stays one step ahead of the law and his rivals. This enigmatic figure, seemingly immune to the dangers and pitfalls that come with being a major player in the drug game, becomes the talk of the town, fueling speculation about his true identity and ultimate goals.

As Mitch (Ace's best friend) navigates his life as an flashy drug dealer, he takes great care not to pressure Ace into joining him, recognizing that his buddy isn't cut from the same hustling cloth. Instead, Mitch humorously dubs Ace the "George Jefferson" of the ghetto, referencing his dry cleaning shop job. Meanwhile, Ace has been slowly drawn into the world of drugs by Lulu, and when Mitch is eventually released from prison, Ace sees an opportunity to form a partnership with his friend. Together, they become a formidable force in Harlem and beyond, earning a reputation that precedes them like street legends. In a show of gratitude for Rico's aid while Mitch was incarcerated, Mitch suggests the former inmate join their operation - not just because they could use more "muscle," but also to demonstrate appreciation for Rico's unwavering loyalty. Ace agrees, and the trio becomes a dominant force in the New York City underworld.

As their influence grows, so too does their entourage, with Rico establishing himself as a ruthless enforcer who won't hesitate to make an example out of anyone who doesn't pull their weight. However, not everyone is pleased with their rise to power. When Calvin, a former player looking to reclaim his territory, is released from jail, he becomes increasingly dissatisfied with his reduced role in Ace's operation. Refusing to accept that he can't regain his former status, Calvin makes a fatal error by attempting to rob and kill Ace at his apartment - shooting him multiple times, including once in the head. Miraculously, Ace survives, but the near-death experience serves as a wake-up call. He begins to reevaluate his involvement in the drug trade, realizing that it's only a matter of time before someone like Calvin tries again. In response, Rico takes matters into his own hands, eliminating Calvin in a brutal display of loyalty and retribution.

As the days tick by, Sonny, Mitch's brother, vanishes into thin air, leaving behind a trail of worry and desperation. In a last-ditch effort to secure his brother's safe return, Mitch turns to Ace, a seasoned veteran of the streets, for one final favor. With a heavy heart, Ace agrees to help Mitch procure an enormous quantity of drugs - a feat that would undoubtedly yield the necessary funds to pay the ransom. Together, they orchestrate a massive drug deal, and Rico, ever the opportunist, sees this as his chance to elevate his own game and expand his criminal empire. However, Rico's Machiavellian machinations ultimately lead him down a path of destruction, as he not only takes Mitch's life but also claims the drugs intended for Sonny's rescue. The news of Mitch's demise reaches Ace just in time, allowing him to piece together the events of that fateful night and confront Rico about his involvement. In a bold move, Ace turns the tables on Rico by providing the authorities with the phone numbers of two undercover FBI agents he had previously encountered - an act that would prove instrumental in Rico's subsequent arrest and downfall. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that Sonny's kidnapping was merely a ploy orchestrated by his own uncle, who ultimately met his demise at the hands of Tommy, a ruthless accomplice fueled by resentment towards Mitch for refusing to provide financial support. Meanwhile, Ace manages to extricate himself from the drug trade and forge a new life for himself and his family, thanks in part to the diamonds he stumbled upon in Lulu's apartment - a discovery that would serve as the catalyst for their financial redemption.