Mekhi Phifer speaks on the passing of Alpo Martinez.
We previously reported that Martinez was shot and killed in a drive by. Multiple bullets were discovered on the side of his car. NYDN says Alpo was struck in the chest multiple times by a passing vehicle on west 147th street shortly after 3:30 am on October 31. He was rushed to a hospital in Harlem. There is where he died.
Following reports of his passing, Phifer, who played the character of Mitch, who is based on Alpo Martinez’s real-life business partner/ fellow drug dealer Rich Porter, shared his sentiments. “My brother [Cam’ron] and myself on the set of #paidinfull bringing to life the story of true #Harlem Influencers #richporter and #alpo …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!”
The post continued, “I’m just happy we were able to have the honor of doing so. I never actually met Rich, ( I was much younger during that time) but got the essence from their friends and family when I chose to do the role.”
“I grew up knowing the legend of these Kats and had to represent the humanity in the choices they made. 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!”
Cam’ron who played Martinez’s character in Paid in Full replied, “Thank you and (wood Harris) for teaching me during the movie a lot of acting skills. This was my first movie and was raw talent. Couldn’t have done it without you both. love bro”