Julio Vargas is an 18-year-old boy living in the heart of Spanish Harlem. He dreams of having all the money in the world, the beautiful girls and the power to call his own shots. But life isn t so simple for Julio. He struggles at school and can t seem to find peace at home. Deciding to take his considerable game to the streets, Julio uses his quick fists and sharp mind to make his way. But the streets are quicker and hit harder than he ever imagined. Before long Julio finds himself cornered, hunted by the most notoriously vicious drug dealer in Harlem; Santos, and his cold-blooded band of soldiers. Julio takes refuge with a mystical street musician, a conga drummer named Rafa, who shows Julio that the river of life runs deeper than money and fame. Julio quickly finds himself caught between the rhythms of his cultural heritage and the sometimes violent, always seductive underbelly of the New York City streets. And with every step, each choice quickly becomes a matter of life or death.