Rich Porter

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Rich Porter,(? - January 4,1990) who rose to power in the late 1980s, was one of the most infamous New York City drug kingpins. In the same league with Rich Porter should be noted his cohorts: Alberto "Alpo" Martinez and Azie Faison. The film "Paid In Full" is loosely based on the trio's account.

Unlike his low-key counterpart Azie, Porter was known for his flamboyance and high-profile lifestyle. It was rumored that he never wore the same outfit twice and kept a garage in Manhattan filled with dozens of luxury cars. This trio also did many dealings with mafioso Ian "E.N." Saporita, before he was shot and killed in front of a bodega in Harlem. Rich Porter was murdered by Alberto "Alpo" Martinez and an accomplice. Alpo was arrested and convicted on several charges, including the murder of Porter. With his "back against the wall," Alpo cooperated with authorities as an informant, a desperate attempt to minimize his time behind bars. He also did a phone interview for the first time in regard not only to his rise to the top as a concrete-jungle drug lord, but also the "murder game" that came with the territory.

The trio of Rich, Alpo, and Azie remains legendary in the hip-hop community. This is made obvious by the frequent references made by rappers; Big L, for example, said in one of his tracks: "I'm from where the real hustlers pile dough/ the home of rich Rich Porter, Azie, Alpo/"