King David (DMX) is a drug dealer who's suddenly decided he needs to seek redemption and make amends for his errant and criminal ways. Accordingly, he records his thoughts on audiotape while returning home and offering to settle his hefty debt with crime boss Moon (CLIFTON POWELL). The latter sends his two strong-arm thugs, Mike (MICHAEL EALY) and Blue (ANTWON TANNER), to collect the money. Things go awry, however, with both Blue and David being badly wounded outside a bar run by Jasper (LUENELL CAMPBELL).
Aspiring journalist Paul (DAVID ARQUETTE) hears the ruckus and transports David to the hospital where he dies, but not before bequeathing the writer with his tapes, money and car. When Moon gets word of what's occurred, he sends more henchmen to take care of both David and Mike. The latter attempts to stay clear of them, all while pursuing his own vendetta regarding how David treated a special woman in his life, Edna (KEESHA SHARP).
As Paul begins to go through David's belongings and tapes, we see various flashbacks to his relocation to California. There, he sets up his own drug business and becomes involved with various women, including TV actress Janet (JENNIFER SKY) and college student Juanita (REAGAN GOMEZ-PRESTON). Having decided that this tale will make a good story to sell to the local newspaper, Paul sets out to find what he can about David and his doings, all while being unaware of the danger awaiting him.