It marked the film debut of actress Piper Perabo, in a minor role.

The plot concerns the coming of age and misadventures of three white youths from the small town of Holyoke, Iowa, who, having been seduced by the fast money and easy women of the gangsta rap lifestyle, yearn to be African American.

[2] The trio of would-be hoodlums ventures to Cabrini–Green housing project in Chicago, Illinois, where they come into conflict with actual criminals as well as the police.

In a climactic finale, the irrepressible leader of the white hoodlums is beaten up and they return to Iowa and decide to stay there.

[4] The soundtrack to the film was released on July 20, 1999, through TVT Records and consisted entirely of hip hop music.