It’s been roughly a month since Big Meech was released from prison, and he’s now serving the remainder of his sentence at a Florida halfway house. He since appears to have been making the most of his newfound freedom with manicures, dental work, and more. Recently, he even got the opportunity to hang out with 50 Cent. As an executive producer of a TV series about the Black Mafia Family, BMF, fans figured think link-up would happen eventually.
At the time of writing, it remains unclear exactly what was discussed during their meeting, but it seems as though they had plenty to talk about. It also looks like they’re working on something big together. “GreenLight Gang… Ultimate Hustler edition… Camera speed, rolling and action. BMF BIG MEECH,” 50 Cent captioned his post. Unsurprisingly, the photo is now making its rounds online as fans share their excitement for the upcoming collab.
Fif is far from the only person glad to see Big Meech out of prison, as countless other celebrities have shown him their support since his release. This includes Boosie Badazz, Rick Ross, Sexyy Red, and many more. LeBron James even got called out by critics for posting a positive message for him on X. “Welcome home Big Meech!!” his post read simply. Some users argued that it was wrong to glorify Big Meech considering his past, and accused him of sending the wrong message to his younger fans.
Big Meech’s son, Lil Meech, also shared an uplifting post about his release which has since been deleted. In it, he made it clear that he’d been waiting for his father’s release for quite some time. “This is all i ever wanted,” he wrote. “Thank you God.” His heartfelt message was accompanied by footage of Big Meech getting a manicure and chatting on the phone while wearing a diamond BMF chain.
Big Meech recently saw his early freedom, albeit a partial one. For those unaware, he must now serve the rest of his sentence at a halfway house until January 27, 2026 after serving around two decades behind bars. However, according to a new TMZ report, the former drug boss and hip-hop label kingpin must also serve five years of supervised release once this halfway house sentence ends. He will reportedly have to take part in a substance abuse program, although it’s unclear if the court also required him to comply with drug and alcohol testing. Amid these updates, folks everywhere are commenting on the former Black Mafia Family (BMF) leader’s release and celebrating it.
Big Meech’s son Lil Meech has yet to explicitly react to the news, but he did share a throwback photo of his dad this week via his Instagram Story. “We don’t lose friends, we learn who our real ones are,” he wrote on his IG Story immediately following the picture. “Real isn’t about what you have. It’s what you stand for. Some people become loners because they were betrayed by every person they ever trusted.”
Elsewhere, the hip-hop world welcomed Big Meech back with open arms. “The streets back. Meech home. Meech welcome back,” Rick Ross recently shared on social media. “Guess who’s back! Welcome home my brother Big Meech! Now let’s see if all them YouTube stories yall been telling add up!” Bun B expressed online. “Where da welcome home party @ I’m trona perform for da freeski,” Sexyy Red asked via Twitter, although we’re still unclear on whether or not these celebrations are even happening at Meech’s behest.
“[Big Meech] used his time in prison to focus on personal growth and transformation, and now he has the opportunity to begin a new chapter,” his lawyer Brittany K. Barnett stated to Hot 97. Of course, there’s still a lot of debate around how people are celebrating his freedom despite past crimes, and whether or not this is justifiable. No matter where you stand on that debate, you can at least understand why the other side would differ. Either way, it seems like Meech still has a to-do list when it comes to his legal responsibilities.
The story of Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, the co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), feels like an urban legend. For the better part of this century, Meech has been incarcerated in federal prison after he was convicted of operating one of the most extensive drug trafficking and money laundering rings in the history of the U.S. Big Meech’s legacy continued to live on throughout the years, whether immortalized as a benchmark of success in hip-hop or his son Lil Meech’s depiction of him in Starz’s BMF series. With TMZ reporting his release from prison to a halfway house, we’re delving into everything we know about the situation thus far.
A Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesperson tells me Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory was transferred yesterday from FCI Coleman Low to community confinement (home confinement or halfway house).
Flenory has a projected release date of Jan. 27, 2026
On Tuesday (Oct. 15), Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, 56, was transferred from FCI Coleman Low in Wildwood, Florida, to a halfway house in Miami, according to the Bureau of Prisons’ Miami Residential Re-entry Program. News first emerged across blogs that reposted screenshots of his status. However, official reports from TMZ confirmed that the transitional step is part of his sentence for running BMF.
With Flenory’s release to a halfway house, he’ll serve the remainder of his sentence in a more lenient environment. According to Complex, he’ll be released on January 27th, 2026. This comes after a judge agreed to shorten his sentence three years earlier this year due to a string of positive developments. His lawyers argued that he maintained good behavior and efforts toward personal development, which includes obtaining his GED and staying out of trouble.
“The Opportunity To Begin A New Chapter”
Barnett later shared a statement to Hot 97 regarding Meech’s release. “I’m overjoyed that Demetrius Flenory is finally free after nearly 20 years behind bars. Two decades is an incredibly long time, and it’s been inspiring to witness the power of hope and resilience,” she said. “He used his time in prison to focus on personal growth and transformation, and now he has the opportunity to begin a new chapter,” the statement continues. “He’s out, but millions more remain trapped inside – there’s still so much work to be done. We need to push for real change, for a justice system that recognizes the dignity and potential for redemption in every individual. Our commitment to challenging the injustices that still exist within the criminal legal system remains unwavering. There is nothing more urgent than freedom.”
The Origins Of The BMF Empire
Big Meech, alongside his brother Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, founded the Black Mafia Family in 1985. As depicted in their Starz series, the brotherly duo gained footing in the Detroit area before expanding their operations. However, their foray into entertainment and hip-hop led prosecutors to claim they only used it as a front for their drug empire. However, by the time the early 2000s came around, federal agents began cracking down. They exposed the Flenory brothers’ imprint as a front for a sprawling cocaine trafficking network that brought in over $270 million. They claimed Meech operated from Atlanta, where he oversaw distribution. Meanwhile, they believed his brother Terry managed shipments from Los Angeles in collaboration with the Mexican cartels.
In October 2005, a large-scale raid, launched by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, led to the arrest of over 30 members of BMF. The operation resulted in the seizure of over $20 million in assets, including $2 million in cash, jewelry, and luxury homes across multiple states, the Daily Mail reports. Through information gained from dealers and distributors who worked for BMF, authorities were able to execute this operation successfully. Federal agents also captured wiretapped conversations from Terry’s phone where he raised concerns about Meech’s excessive partying and the potential damage it would inflict on their operation. The prosecutors brought forth 900 pages of transcripts from these conversations.
Eventually, the two were indicted and charged under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Statute possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. By 2006, authorities charged 16 more people with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and with money laundering. Authorities arrested more alleged associates in the years that followed with 150 people charged for their supposed roles in BMF.
In November 2007, a judge handed down a 30 year prison sentence to Demetrius and Terry Flenory. They pled guilty to “involving the large-scale distribution of cocaine throughout the United States from 1990 through 2005.” “The BMF was a violent, sophisticated drug smuggling and money laundering organization that began right here in Detroit, Michigan,” Robert Corso, then Special Agent in Charge, said. “Terry and Demetrius Flenory expanded what was a small, local operation into a multistate, multimillion-dollar criminal enterprise with direct links to Mexican-based drug trafficking cartels.”
The Road To Freedom: Sentence Reduction & Personal Growth
Demetrius’ recent transfer to community confinement comes after his attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, successfully petitioned for a sentence reduction. Earlier this year, a judge shortened his prison term by almost three years due to his good behavior while incarcerated. Barnett revealed that Big Meech made significant strides toward rehabilitation. She emphasized that Flenory now has a chance to begin a new chapter in his life.
Big Meech’s brother Terry has been out of custody since May 2020. The court granted Southwest T an early release following health concerns during the COVID-10 pandemic. The compassionate release marked a pivotal moment in the Flenory family, one that spurred hope that Big Meech would similarly be coming home.
The BMF Show & Its Cultural Impact
Big Meech’s release coincides with the buzz surrounding the fourth season of BMF, a Starz show produced by 50 Cent that documents the rise and fall of the Flenory brothers’ empire. The series, which features guest stars like Snoop Dogg, Yung Miami, and Eminem, has become a massive success, further solidifying the cultural impact of the BMF saga. In a unique twist, Demetrius Flenory Jr., Big Meech’s son, portrays his father in the show–a personal touch to the retelling of his family’s story. The series continues to spotlight the Flenory brothers and their rise to power in the underworld of drug trafficking.
Earlier this week, Big Meech was released from prison after spending nearly two decades behind bars. He’s not totally free yet, as Baller Alert reports that he’ll spend the remainder of his sentence in a Florida halfway house, but fans are still elated. His lawyer Brittany K. Barnett addressed the major development in a statement to Hot 97 yesterday (October 16).
“I’m overjoyed that Demetrius Flenory is finally free after nearly 20 years behind bars. Two decades is an incredibly long time, and it’s been inspiring to witness the power of hope and resilience,” her statement reads in part. “He used his time in prison to focus on personal growth and transformation, and now he has the opportunity to begin a new chapter.”
Rick Ross Welcomes Big Meech Back To Society After Prison Release
Of course, Big Meech’s release has earned big reactions from countless social media users, peers, loved ones, and fans. Rick Ross even took to Instagram recently to share a clip of himself performing his hit, “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” in the Black Mafia Family founder’s honor. He later went on to welcome Big Meech back to society on his Instagram Story. “The streets back, the streets back! Big Meech, y’all, Meech—welcome back!” he said.
Ross isn’t the only celebrity to celebrate Big Meech’s release from prison, however. Boosie Badazz, Bun B, DJ Self, and more also shared their reactions to the news on social media recently. Sexyy Red even took to Twitter/X to announce that she’d be willing to perform at his welcome home party, free of charge. “Where da welcome home party @ I’m trona perform for da freeski,” she wrote. What do you think of Rick Ross’ reaction to Big Meech getting released from prison and moving to a halfway house? What about his performance of “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” in his honor? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
This week, reports emerged that Big Meech was finally out of prison, and from Sexyy Red to Slim Thug, many in the hip-hop world reacted happily to this news. For those unaware, Meech (real name Demetrius Flenory) and his brother Southwest T (real name Terry Lee Flenory) ran the “Black Mafia Family,” a massive drug trafficking organization, from the ’80s to the mid-2000s. Before the indictment against them in 2005, they also operated as a rap label that formed strong ties to the culture. Both brothers received a 30-year prison sentence, for which T saw an early release from federal prison in 2020.
Furthermore, you may also know the story of Big Meech from the 50 Cent-helmed BMF TV series starring Meech’s son as his father. But back to the big news at hand. Meech reportedly no longer appears in Federal Bureau of Prisons’ database for incarcerated individuals, a matter that TMZ confirmed with the Bureau this week. Instead, Demetrius Flenory will serve the rest of his prison sentence at a halfway house in Miami. As for when this sentence will end, the reported official release date is currently indicated as January 27, 2026. “Guess who’s back! Welcome home my brother Big Meech! Now let’s see if all them YouTube stories yall been telling add up!” Bun B shared on IG.
Of course, if you’ve been following the story of Big Meech in recent years, then this news probably did not surprise you. After all, even Lil Meech spoke on the possibility that his father would see his freedom sooner rather than later, as this process developed over months and months of legal procedures. Now, that possibility fully manifested, or at least, in the sense that the former drug lord is no longer in federal prison. Still, this is a relatively early story, so we’ll see what other clarifications and updates emerge. Check out more reactions to his release from the hip-hop world and beyond down below.
Meanwhile, even Skilla Baby “predicted” this news back in April with his single “Free Big Meech.” Maybe when we look back at this whole development, the signs of an earlier release will become much more apparent. But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t still heartening news for Meech’s family and loved ones.
50 Cent has some choice words for Southwest T. The BMF (Black Mafia Family) co-founder crossed enemy lines over Father’s Day weekend, as he met up with Kenneth McGriff Jr., who is the son of Kenneth McGriff Sr. (aka Supreme). The former drove “nine hours” to see Southwest T and gift him some apparel. For context, the latter had allegedly try to organize the murder of 50 Cent back in the early 2000s when he got hit nine times. The G-Unit mastermind caught wind of this link-up due to a commenter on Instagram sharing similar disdain for Southwest T’s switch-up.
So, as 50 Cent normally does, he hopped on his keyboard and sent a pretty hilarious but threatening message to T, according to AllHipHop. “Hey I know T feel like he is not making the money @lilmeechbmf is making but I thought they would all be happy for him”, he begins. “It’s not like I didn’t help your family make millions. Cool when STARZ start suggesting the wrong moves, I’m simply going to sit and watch. Don’t worry you will be off the air in no time.”
Outside of the hatred that 50 has for the McGriff family, this is also in relation to the BMF television series that he executive produced. It follows the drug trafficking and money laundering operation of Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory back in the 1980s. Lil Meech, the son of “Big Meech”, plays his dad in the program.
What are your thoughts on the warning shot from 50 Cent toward Southwest T? Do you think that this is a great move by Fif, why or why not? What do you think Southwest T is up to by linking with the enemy? Could you see this escalating any further? If so, what do you see the worst-case scenario being? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding 50 Cent. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Lil Meech recently explained his decision to focus fully on acting instead of a career in music during an interview with AllHipHop. He told that outlet that he quickly realized hip-hop wasn’t for him after getting in front of a mic with nothing to say. Meech currently stars on the hit series, BMF.
“I was there for like eight hours trying to figure out what to say and I realized this ain’t for me,” Lil Meech admitted. “I love music, I have an ear for it, but being in front of the mic, that’s not where I shine.” He also reflected on what it takes to make it in acting. “It’s all about hard work, dedication, and really soaking in everything around you. You’ve got to have tough skin in both industries, but for me, acting became the clearer path,” Meech said.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 29: Lil Meech attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Starz Series “BMF” Season 3 at Hollywood Athletic Club on February 29, 2024, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Meech further reiterated that he’s fully committed to acting. “This is what I know. This is what I’m supposed to be doing. Once I started getting comfortable in the first and second seasons, I knew that I could handle my job. Not just do the role, but embody it,” he said. “I want people to know that I really went to acting school and buckled down and focused. This is something I really want to do. This is not something that I am just trying. I wanted to show people that I could really act.”
Lil Meech Reveals Why He Didn’t Commit To Rapping
Following his success on BMF, Meech landed a guest role on the second season of Euphoria on HBO. He was also previously in a relationship with Summer Walker, although the two infamously split back in July of 2023. Check out his full interview with AllHipHop above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Lil Meech on HotNewHipHop.
Tonesa Welch says she’s not happy about the portrayal of her on the show, BMF. Speaking with The Neighborhood Talk at the NAACP Image Awards over the weekend, she explained her issues with the character that La La Anthony presented on screen. She was at the ceremony to promote the new BET+ film, First Lady of BMF.
“I’m not happy about it,” she explained. “They’re everywhere with their story. I don’t know who I am in that story. Every Friday I gotta get anxiety cause I don’t know what I’m doing next. Am I dating a teenager? Is he buying me a home? Is his baby mama beating me up? I don’t know what to expect.”
Tonesa Welch at the 55th NAACP Image Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on March 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Salangsang/Variety via Getty Images)
It’s not the first time she’s criticized BMF. Back in February, she accused the show of having the character she inspired look like a pedophile. “WTF who wrote this part of the Story,” Welch said. “Terri 17 I’m 26 years my Husband a king pen but I’m having sex with a 17 year old who’s supposedly still in high school. So before Terri goes on the run he comes to my job, its close for the day we sneak in the janitors room and have Sex. I guess he’s to young to have an apartment he’s still in high school or lives with his parents. I guess they have Markisha looking like a pedophile. If This was reverse and Markisha was 17 years old y’all be trying to put him in jail.”
At the NAACP Image Awards, First Lady of BMF competed for Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, and Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special. Be on the lookout for further updates on Tonesa Welch on HotNewHipHop.
50 Cent’s original series, BMF, is all about the rise and fall of the Black Mafia Family. The public remembers the real-life enterprise as ‘Blowin’ Money Fast,’ thanks to its many references in rap music. But its latest episode shows that writers are the ones speedy through materials. Users online have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the show for what they believe to be a historical inaccuracy and a questionable casting decision.
In its latest episode, “Sanctuary” (Season 3, Episode 3), the series’ main character, Meech (played by Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr., yes, that’s his actual father) so, happens to run into the late Tupac (played by Mason Douglas). The episode’s description explains that the encounter, seemingly inspired by true events, would’ve taken place at the Jack the Rapper Weekend in 1993.
However, users online couldn’t help but clown the series for the ‘off-brand’ portrayal of the rap legend. Others called about the series from time jumping, making the encounter highly unlikely.
Check out a few of the responses below.
“‘BMF’ can’t be serious with this TEMU version of Tupac,” wrote one user.
Some users attempted to defend the scene by verifying the event details. “For everyone confused, Meech is attending the 1993 Jack the Rapper convention; that’s why Tupac is bald. They briefly show us the Wu-Tang Clan and Kid n Play, too,” explained one user.
For everyone confused, Meech is attending the 1993 Jack the Rapper convention, that’s why Tupac is bald. They briefly show us the Wu Tang Clan and Kid n Play too #BMFStarzpic.twitter.com/4D2U8Ma9El
But others were going for the breakdown. “It’s supposed to be 1990/91 in the show, though, not 93. Season 1 was 89. Timelines aren’t matching up, and that’s where the confusion is stemming from,” replied a user.
it’s supposed to be 1990/91 in the show though, not 93. season 1 was 89. timelines aren’t matching up n that’s where the confusion is stemming from.
Here’s actually photos of what Tupac actually wore to the Jack the Rapper events in Atlanta in 1992. I find it lazy to just put a bandana on a bald guy & say “this is pac,” they were better off doing similar fits like this #BMFpic.twitter.com/m09TXSGgjH
BMF fans have voiced their frustration over the show’s weak casting and portrayal of Tupac Shakur. Actor Mason Douglas only bears a passing resemblance to Pac, while the costuming debate chose to give him what can only be described as a Spirit Halloween 2Pac costume. Online, many fans commented “WhoPac” on clips from the show’s latest episode. 2Pac does not play much of a role in the story of BMF. However, his association with the powerful crime outfit is enough to warrant a brief cameo appearance as the show’s story unfolds.
The casting of 2Pac has always been a daunting one. Anthony Mackie, now best known for his work in the MCU, has famously recalled the dread he felt announcing that he would be playing 2Pac. Overall, most depictions of the beloved rapper have not gone over well with fans. How did you feel about 2Pac in BMF? Let us know in the comments.
However, BMF is not the only 50 Cent show grabbing disappointing headlines this week. Power Book II: Ghost will end after its upcoming fourth season. Starz announced the decision as a cost-cutting measure. “We want to contain content costs by developing more new shows versus sustaining series longer as they become more expensive,” Star CEO Jeffrey Hirsch explained.
Furthermore, Hirsch expanded on the rationale. “You look at the [Power] map and say, ‘OK, if I take one of those characters out and spin one of those out, I can bring that on to replace the Power show at half the cost.’ Now I’m putting a lot of money right to the bottom line. And I’m really not losing anything in terms of acquisition costs and subscriber viewership, because we know what those demos want,” he added. It’s not the first time money has been a factor with Ghost. Omari Hardwick revealed last year he was made an underwhelming offer to return to the franchise as the eponymous Ghost.
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