New Jack City
Gangsta: Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes)
The Story: Small-time 80’s drug dealer Nino Brown introduces crack-cocaine to Harlem and creates an empire. Two undercover cops (Ice-T and Judd Nelson) join forces to bring him down.
The Real Story: Nino Brown is based on Leroy Antonio “Nicky” Barnes who trafficked heroin in 1970’s Harlem. Brown was later convicted and served 20 years in prison.
Nino’s Gangsta Line: “Sit your five-dollar ass down before I make change.”
Nino’s Gangsta Move: When he suspects one of his crew has stolen money, he pins the man’s hand to the table with a knife.

American Gangster
Gangsta: Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington)
The Story: Taking over from his mentor “Bumpy,” Harlem hustler Frank Lucas makes a name for himself by moving more heroine than the Italian mafia thanks to a connection with the U.S. military.
The Real Story: Frank Lucas was a real-life gangster who ended up serving a relatively light prison sentence by cooperating with the law.
Frank’s Gangsta Line: I got Harlem. I took care of Harlem, so Harlem's gonna take care of me.
Frank’s Gangsta Move: After shooting a rival dealer in broad daylight, Lucas returns to a diner a block away to finish his breakfast.

Paid In Full
Gangsta: Mitch (Mekhi Phifer)
The Story: Mitch is part of a trio of young drug dealers living in 1980’s Harlem who see their lives turned upside down with the introduction of crack cocaine.
The Real Story: Mitch is based on Rich Porter, a New York-based kingpin known for his extravagant style and cars. Porter was killed in 1990 during a drug deal gone bad.
Mitch’s Gangsta Line: “You right, making money is me.”
Mitch’s Gangsta Move: Has money and guns hidden in a secret compartment behind his car radio.