It was the mid-1990s and Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff well-schooled in crack cocaine, dirty cash and body counts was tackling a new subject: pulp fiction.
February 3, 2007 (Press Release) --
Serving a decade behind bars, the infamous Queens drug lord killed time by devouring novels by Donald Goines, a one-time junkie and inmate turned author. McGriff became convinced that one Goines tale, about the exploits of two hitmen, could provide his ticket to Hollywood legitimacy.
"He was passionate about making the film," recalled Bentley Morris, a veteran Los Angeles publisher who sold McGriff the rights to the book "Crime Partners" for $135,000 after McGriff left prison.
But as the fledgling film producer hung out on location in 2000 with Snoop Dogg and other rappers featured in his low-budget flick, prosecutors say he was leading an underground life that closely imitated his art right down to the killings.
On Thursday, a federal jury convicted McGriff of paying $50,000 to have two rivals killed in 2001. He was also convicted of drug dealing, and faces the death penalty when the jury reconvenes Tuesday.
"The defendant wanted these men dead in part to maintain his reputation as a feared and ruthless gangster," prosecutor Jeffrey Rabkin during closing arguments.
McGriff, 46, sat a few feet away at the defense table, looking neither frightening nor frightened. Dressed in a three-piece suit and tie, he occasionally smiled and flashed peace signs to supporters, including the rap star Ja Rule a demeanor befitting McGriff's reputation.
As head of the Supreme Team drug gang, McGriff was known as a charmer quick to pass out wads of cash to those in need. Those who betrayed him received a rush-order of bullets dirty work he left to his now imprisoned nephew and enforcer, Gerald "Prince" Miller.
The emerging rap scene in their South Jamaica neighborhood, which put a premium on street credibility, took notice.
"Yo, when you hear talk of the south side, you hear talk of the team," 50 Cent rapped in one song. "See (people) feared Prince and respected 'Preme."
Authorities suspect a beef led to McGriff ordering the 2000 shooting of 50 Cent, which launched the rapper's career to superstardom. 50 survived nine bullets, but no charges were brought. The rapper later based the villain in his autobiographical movie, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," on McGriff.
Supreme "became, right or wrong, a legend," said his attorney, David Ruhnke.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
"He was passionate about making the film," recalled Bentley Morris, a veteran Los Angeles publisher who sold McGriff the rights to the book "Crime Partners" for $135,000 after McGriff left prison.
But as the fledgling film producer hung out on location in 2000 with Snoop Dogg and other rappers featured in his low-budget flick, prosecutors say he was leading an underground life that closely imitated his art right down to the killings.
On Thursday, a federal jury convicted McGriff of paying $50,000 to have two rivals killed in 2001. He was also convicted of drug dealing, and faces the death penalty when the jury reconvenes Tuesday.
"The defendant wanted these men dead in part to maintain his reputation as a feared and ruthless gangster," prosecutor Jeffrey Rabkin during closing arguments.
McGriff, 46, sat a few feet away at the defense table, looking neither frightening nor frightened. Dressed in a three-piece suit and tie, he occasionally smiled and flashed peace signs to supporters, including the rap star Ja Rule a demeanor befitting McGriff's reputation.
As head of the Supreme Team drug gang, McGriff was known as a charmer quick to pass out wads of cash to those in need. Those who betrayed him received a rush-order of bullets dirty work he left to his now imprisoned nephew and enforcer, Gerald "Prince" Miller.
The emerging rap scene in their South Jamaica neighborhood, which put a premium on street credibility, took notice.
"Yo, when you hear talk of the south side, you hear talk of the team," 50 Cent rapped in one song. "See (people) feared Prince and respected 'Preme."
Authorities suspect a beef led to McGriff ordering the 2000 shooting of 50 Cent, which launched the rapper's career to superstardom. 50 survived nine bullets, but no charges were brought. The rapper later based the villain in his autobiographical movie, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," on McGriff.
Supreme "became, right or wrong, a legend," said his attorney, David Ruhnke.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
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