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Dame Dash’s crown jewel is no longer his. The Harlem mogul who once prided himself on bringing Paid in Full to life has reportedly lost control of the cult classic film, following bankruptcy filings and the forfeiture of key assets. Now, the story is in the hands of 50 Cent—who has big plans for it.
According to reports, 50 has secured the rights to Paid in Full and is developing a television series based on the 2002 film. He’s tapped Cam’ron, star of the original movie and Dame’s former Roc-A-Fella protégé, to join him as executive producer. The move carries added weight given Dame and Cam’s long-standing fallout, turning this new partnership into a symbolic nail in the coffin of their past relationship.
For 50 Cent, the pivot fits his proven formula. With Power and BMF already dominating the TV landscape, he’s demonstrated an unmatched ability to flip street legends into hit franchises. A Paid in Full series under his direction is poised to be the next cultural juggernaut.
Released in 2002 through Roc-A-Fella Films and Dimension Films, the original Paid in Full starred Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, and Cam’ron, dramatizing the real-life rise of Harlem street figures Azie Faison, Rich Porter, and Alberto “Alpo” Martinez. While it wasn’t a box office smash, the film became a Hip-Hop staple—quoted endlessly in rap lyrics and revered for its raw depiction of loyalty, greed, and betrayal in the drug game. For Dame, it was proof that he could extend his reach beyond music and into Hollywood.
On Instagram, 50 confirmed his plans:
“I now have the rights to PAID IN FULL. I’m developing it into a premium TV show. If you like Godfather of Harlem you’re gonna love this. Cam [is] set to executive produce alongside me. If you want in, get at him—I’m out of the country.”
With 50 and Cam steering the ship, Paid in Full looks ready to begin its next life—not as a film, but as a sprawling TV saga.
