Right out of police academy, Jeff/Omar Epps starts as undercover cop in Cincinnati. First it's small time cases but he proves himself and moves up to a big case - befriending a brutal crime boss.

While dealing with a friend's cold feet on his wedding day, a writer reminisces about his youth with his best friends.

Four inner-city teenagers get caught up in the pursuit of power and happiness, which they refer to as "the juice".

People from all different walks of life, encounter racial tension, rape, responsibility, and the meaning of an education on a university campus.