50 Cent to Adapt ‘Paid in Full’ Into TV Series

50 Cent says he’s obtained the rights to the crime saga Paid in Full and plans to adapt it into a TV series.

The acquisition is the latest addition to the roster of his G-Unit Films and Television, which includes the Power TV franchise and his films Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and Blood Out.

Paid in Full is a 2002 film that became a cult classic for its gritty realism. Set in Harlem, the film was loosely based on the lives of several drug dealers. In the film, Ace (actor Wood Harris) rises up in the drug trade while contending with rivals seeking to bring him down.

The film also starred Mekhi Phifer and Cam’ron. The original movie was produced by Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Azir Faison and Brett Ratner. Charles Stone III directed the drama.

50 Cent says rapper-turned-actor Cam’ron, born Cameron Giles, will serve as an executive producer on the series.

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Ironically, news of the acquisition comes shortly after Dash filed for bankruptcy in Florida, claiming he has no income and is $25 million in debt. 

Dash launched Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 with Jay-Z and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. The label produced hit music and branched into film.

50 Cent announced the Paid in Full acquisition Monday, Sept. 8, on social media, calling it “a premium TV show.”

“If you like Godfather of Harlem, you’re gonna love this,” he wrote, referring to the Emmy-winning MGM+ series. “Cam is set to executive produce alongside me. If you want in, get at him, I’m out of the country.”   

Many fans were excited and some asked where they could audition, but others questioned the Godfather of Harlem comparison, considering that drama stars Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and has featured a string of award-winning actors, including Giancarlo Esposito, Vincent D’Onofrio, Chazz Palminteri, and the late Paul Sorvino. 

50 Cent-produced crime dramas like BMF tend to feature newcomers and rising talent.

“Lots of room for greatness. Just make sure its gritty! Not like that BMF bulls–t,” one person commented on 50’s Instagram post.

“Respectfully, pls don’t ruin it. This is my favourite “independent” film of all time,” another added.

“We want to see more that drug and murder movies, when do u EVOLVE, TAKE NOTES FROM LEE DANIELS!!!” someone else commented.

Even Damon Dash reacted to the news and essentially shaded Cam’ron.

“Cam just made a post, major announcement. I wanna congratulate him for making 50 his new boss, so congratulations, Cam. 50 is now your new boss, and you’re proud of it. Congratulations, my n—a,” Dash said in a video posted to social media, suggesting Cam’ron was submitting to 50 Cent.