John Singleton s portrayal of social problems in inner-city Los Angeles takes the form of a tale of three friends growing up together in the hood. Half-brothers Doughboy and Ricky Baker are foils for each other s personality, presenting very different approaches to the tough lives they face. Ricky is the All-American athlete, looking to win a football scholarship to USC and seeks salvation through sports, while Dough succumbs to the violence, alcohol, and crime surrounding him in his environment, but maintains a strong sense of pride and code of honor. Between these two is their friend Tre, who is lucky to have a father, Furious Styles, to teach him to have the strength of character to do what is right and to always take responsibility for his actions.