As reports of Alpo Martinez’s death circulated, Mekhi Phifer took to Instagram to reflect on his experience capturing the notorious empire built by the drug lord in the 2002 cult classic Paid in Full.
“My brother @mr_camron and myself on the set of #paidinfull bringing to life the story of true #Harlem Influencers #richporter and #alpo…,” he wrote alongside a photo of him and the Dipset star on set. “True story, myself and Cam went to the same high school in Harlem at the same time. 116th and Pleasant Ave. Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics. We had an obligation to do these brothers justice! I’m just happy we were able to have the honor of doing so…”
“I grew up knowing the legend of these Kats and had to represent the humanity in the choices they made,” he continued. “Hopefully, lessons were learned and not glorified in any way. Hopefully, we were able to capture their motivation and mannerisms. RIP to both these brothers. Much love!”
Paid in Full chronicled the rise and fall of 1980s Harlem drug dealers Azie “AZ” Faison, Rich Porter and Martinez. Phifer’s character Mitch was based on Porter, Wood Harris portrayed Faison with his role as Ace, and Martinez’s actions were displayed via Cam’ron, who thanked his costars for helping him get through his debut on the big screen.
“Thank you and (Wood Harris) for teaching me during the movie a lot of acting skills,” he commented under Phifer’s post. “This was my first movie and was raw talent. Couldn’t have done it without you both. Love bro.”
As previously reported by REVOLT, Martinez was killed in a drive-by shooting on Halloween. He was shot five times by an unidentified person in a moving vehicle, suffered gunshot wounds to his chest, chin and left arm, and was pronounced dead at the Harlem Hospital.
See Phifer’s post below.