In 1934, the second most lucrative business in New York City was running 'the numbers'. When Madam Queen—the powerful woman who runs the scam in Harlem—is arrested, Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson takes over the business and must resist an invasion from a merciless mobster.

Fraternity and sorority members clash with other students at a historically black college during homecoming weekend.

When a volatile young street tough with a talent for singing and dancing is tapped by the high school music teacher to lead the upcoming senior "Sing," he is forced to come to terms with his defiant self-destructive lifestyle and his growing attraction to his co-star.