50 Cent is becoming as prolific in television as he is in music. With shows like Power, For Life, and Black Mafia Family under his belt, it feels safe to say that 50 is a household name.
While his focus seems to be more on TV than in music these days, his resume in both realms has quite a few hits.
50’s most successful television endeavor is probably the Power franchise, though, in an interview with Brian J. Roberts, he admitted that the acclaim of Power worried him at first. He feared that he wouldn’t be able to replicate the success elsewhere.
“Producing a hit is not enough for me,” said 50. “When I got one, I’m cringing [sic] to get the next one. While Power’s working by itself, I go do The Oath on Sony Crackle, right, just to have something else.”
The Oath lasted for two seasons, however, 50’s other projects, like Black Mafia Family have proven to have more longevity. 50’s fear of not having an equally successful franchise in comparison to power is what’s kept him motivated to produce more television over the years.
“It’s just ’cause I needed something else there — if not, you a one-hit wonder,” he said. “I’m scared of that sh*t.”
This September, 50 will star in Expend4bles as a new member of the group named Easy Day.
For better or for worse, 50 Cent has always been a captivating entertainer and that’s emphasized on both ends. The Jamaica, Queens rapper was catapulted and then some into the masses with his undeniable classic debut album Get Rich Or Die Trying. The album presented 50 Cent as an indestructible and impenetrable figure like no other. These qualities helped make 50 Cent the monumental figure that we now know him as.
Nowadays, 50 Cent’s name is attached to his Power Universe, a crime drama television world that he co-created with showrunner Courtney Kemp with the launch of Power in 2014. That series concluded after six seasons in 2020, but that wasn’t the end of the Power experience. What started next was three spin-offs: Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. The universe dove into alternate narratives in the past, future, and a whole different world from the original Power series. It ensured that the Power legacy would last longer than most TV series do nowadays (minus The Walking Dead, which also has a plethora of spin-offs).
So how did 50 Cent go from hip-hop superstar with an undeniable classic album to a television mogul with a TV series beloved by his community?
It all starts heading into the 2010s, the decade that 50 Cent’s music stardom didn’t translate to the dominant commercial performances that we’d seen with his first three albums: Get Rich Or Die Trying, The Massacre, and Curtis. Before I Self Destruct was released at the end of 2009 and debuted at No. 5 on the album charts with first-week sales of 160,000 copies. While that number can get you a No. 1 album in 2023, that was not the case in 2009. What came next was 50 Cent’s slow exit from being a musician-first entertainer. Another album was delivered in 2014 with Animal Ambition after his release from Interscope Records. His long-delayed Street King Immortal album, which was announced in 2011, is now a “maybe one day” release, much like Dr. Dre’s Detox.
While 50 Cent’s music career was in a bit of a slump, his business ventures flourished. Various investments and partnerships brought the rapper massive success thanks to steps in the publishing, beverage, video game, and apparel industries. In 2010, months after releasing Before I Self Destruct, 50 Cent revived his G-Unit Films company that he originally launched in 2003 and renamed it G-Unit Films and Television. 50 Cent delivered several projects through G-Unit Films and Television within the first few years after the revamp, including Power. In a 2020 interview with The Washington Post, Kemp described the series as a “mixture of a detective story, cops and robbers, and it’s a soap also, it’s a love triangle drama, it’s a family drama.”
Initially, it wasn’t easy to find a home for Power. 50 Cent and Kemp shopped the series to a few platforms but failed to find one that would buy into the story until they came across STARZ and former CEO Chris Albrecht and former head of programming Carmi Zlotnik. “I remember being captivated by the ideas that they were talking about,” Zlotnik said. “I thought the combination of the vision that they had for a show would make something I had never seen before.”
Power delivered drama that left its viewers at the edge of their seats. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger enthralled fans with what could happen after each episode and season between main characters James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora), and others, regardless of how delusional the events in the series were. The growth was apparent too. Power season one finale reeled in 1.08 million U.S. viewers, season two’s finale had 1.54 million U.S. viewers, and season three and four’s finales had 2.01 U.S. million and 2 million U.S. viewers, respectively. Power was popular all over the world by the end of season four. According to Variety, with an average of 9.3 million multiplatform viewers per episode that season and an average of 7.3 million over the life of the series at the conclusion of season four, the success of Power was enough to earn 50 Cent a new four-year deal with STARZ reportedly worth up to $150 million.
By the time that deal was done, 50 Cent had another TV series in development: BMF. The now-released Demetrious Flenory Jr. and Da’Vinchi-led show recounts the rise and eventual fall of the Black Mafia Family drug organization that rose to prominence in the 1980s in Detroit. BMF currently stands as a cousin of sorts to the Power Universe.
Consistency is a key ingredient in the recipe to success for any artist in any field and 50 Cent was well aware of that. His run of consistent hits, catchy hooks, and exciting verses has turned into a run of his television shows that lasts for nearly an entire calendar year. To get a better picture of how continuous and frequent this cinematic universe runs, let’s take a look at the 2021-2022 “season.” Raising Kanan season one ran from July 18 – September 26, BMF arrived for season one from September 26 – November 21, Ghost season two aired from November 21 – February 6, 2022, and lastly Force concluded the run with its inaugural season that started on February 6 – April 17. After a break for the summer, Raising Kanan returned for season two on August 14, kicking off a new round for the run of shows. Through this, 50 Cent’s animal ambition seamlessly made its way from headphones and speakers to small screens all over the world.
Its ability to satisfy every fan of the original Power series is another reason that the Power Universe is successful. For those who desired a continuation of the story, there’s Ghost. If a new focus on fan-favorite Tommy Egan was sought, Force provided that. Wanted to see how the Power world was created? Look no further than Raising Kanan. Furthermore, 50 Cent’s cinematic world provided an aesthetic and focus to satisfy many tastes whether it be ‘80s hip-hop culture (Raising Kanan and BMF), present-day urban luxury (Ghost), a world controlled by the mafia (Force). Lastly, hip-hop culture remained present in all of the aforementioned series as names in or connected to it made appearances in all the shows. They include 50 Cent himself, Mary. J Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Jeremih, Redman, Jalen Rose, Method Man, LeToya Luckett, Omar Epps, Snoop Dogg, Serayah, Mo’Nique, Eminem, Yung Miami, and others. The culture that 50 Cent first rose to prominence in remained important to him even when he switched lanes and he made sure to include the names from today and yesterday to, once again, capture as many of its elements as possible.
In a world where television series don’t have the lifespans that they used to, 50 Cent and his team of crime drama producers and writers realized that aiming for lateral dominance with multiple options as opposed to longevity with just one would be more impactful for their universe. Add in consistency and attention to detail and audience, and you have the foundational pieces to build an empire that is the Power Universe. Nearly a decade in, 50 Cent wears the TV mogul hat proudly thanks to the success and growth of his cinematic universe.
Lala Anthony is one of the most prolific and cross-generational personalities that hip-hop culture has ever witnessed. There’s absolutely no one like her. The Brooklyn, New York-raised talent, born Alani Nicole Vázquez, got her start in radio at just 16 years old and it’s been on ever since. From radio to landing the coveted role as an MTV VJ for Total Request Live to huge acting roles as well as hosting the 2023 Met Gala red carpet for Vogue — and on top of it all, being a mother — there are so many reasons Lala is important to the culture and with Hip Hop’s 50th approaching, it’s time to highlight that.
Right before the 2023 BET Awards, at the Amex & BET Watch Party at House of BET, I got a glimpse of Lala at work with the lights, camera, and mic on. Oh, and the many eyes staring and all the ears listening (because it has to be quiet on the set, of course) while she did it. It looked like she could do this in her sleep — which should come as no surprise. She’s been thriving for years in an ever-changing media space and in so many ways. It’s to the point where there’s something comforting about knowing that Lala’s involved. Whether it’s on Starz’s BMF or a cameo in a Drake music video, there’s a certain standard that comes with her association.
“I started on TRL really young and that was live TV, and you couldn’t mess up,” she told me after she wrapped filming. “So, I think I’ve gotten trained over the years to try to just do it in one take because on live television, you can’t do it again. So, I’m used to it.”
Exactly. There’s a reason Lala will always be famous. During our conversation, we discussed her early days on the radio, with Ludacris giving her a shot, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and the music she’s looking forward to the most this year.
How did you get your start at the radio station in Atlanta?
I was an intern. And then from there, I worked really hard, and Ludacris, they gave me a shot at actually being on the radio with him when I was 16 years old. So that’s how everything started, and that’s how my career kind of started. I know, I know. It was young. It was young. Well, I lied and said I was 18 so I could get the job, but I was really 16. It was young, but I was driven. I knew I loved music, I knew I wanted to do something with music, so once the opportunity to intern came up, I knew that was something I wanted to do.
You took that risk?
I did. I took a chance. It was a fun job for me to intern at a radio station as a teenager. You get to hear all the music you love and you get to meet all the artists that you love.
And also, since… He wasn’t Ludacris then, right?
Chris Luva Luva.
Right. So you guys are both at the top of y’all’s game at this point. During that time though, when you both were on the radio, did you two ever discuss what you wanted the future to look like?
Chris always wanted to be a rapper and we knew that. I’ll never forget the day he came in the radio station and he said, “I’m going to leave this job now.” He said, “So you got two options. You’re either going to get in the car with me and we’re going to travel all over the country selling my mixtape or you’re going to have to find another radio job.” And I was like, do I want to be in his Hyundai for however many months just on the road? Or, do I want to pursue my own career? I always supported Chris, but I wanted to find my own lane.
I decided to go with the option of getting on another radio station. That’s when I moved to LA, probably at about 18 or 19 years old, and got on the radio here in LA.
It’s been so dope to see you go from radio to TRL to doing all the TV shows like Power and BMF and reality shows to hosting the Met Gala red carpet. What would you say is your most memorable interview moment?
The internship that we talked about started because I remember Method Man and the Wu-Tang Clan, they were opening up a clothing store in Atlanta and I wanted to meet Method Man. I wanted to meet the Wu-Tang Clan. I was such a fan growing up. So, it wasn’t an interview, but it was the moment where kind of my career started when I went to the clothing store that they were opening. I got the internship because the radio station was there.
I always think about Wu-Tang as what kind of started me in this career and everything, and then years later, I was also a part of the Wu-Tang series. So it all came full circle, to be acting in the Wu-Tang series and knowing that my career started following Wu-Tang at the clothing store that day. I feel like hip-hop is the soundtrack to my life and my career and my path, so I have so much love for it. It started my career in music. It’s been great to see a little bit of everything.
Do you remember the first rap you ever memorized?
Yes. “Anything” by Nas I memorized, and I still to this day know by heart.
Which album drops were you the most excited for this year?
I loved Drake and 21‘s album. Thug’s album was great. There’s been some great music this year for sure.
Do you have any projects that you’re looking forward to?
Well, if Drake does, then I’ll look forward to that, of course. Nicki Minaj said she was releasing, so definitely Nicki for sure. I mean, I just take them as they come, and then I get right into them. I know there’s some great concerts happening. Definitely, Beyoncé’s concert, so that’s going to be great. I know Drake is going on tour with 21, so I’m going to definitely go to that. It’s a great time for music.
Speaking of Beyoncé, I do have a question about a specific picture though, because I know one year at the Met Gala you, Beyoncé and Nicki took a photo. Tell me about that moment.
It’s always great energy with all of us. I think that Nicki, we were sitting next to each other at the Met, and then Bey was walking around and came over to say, ‘Hi,’ and then we just snapped a picture together. The Met is so fun. You never know who you’re going to see or who you’re going to run into. That was a couple years ago. It was a fun night.
It’s like a dinner and then a performance — but it’s really fun. You get to see people that you love, people that you’re fans of and you get to see friends. It’s like a gathering of just great energy and people you don’t see all the time. So, it’s really a fun night and it’s in New York, which makes me happy because a lot of events are in LA, and I’m from New York and I live in New York, so it’s nice to have events like the Met be in New York.
What’s next for you or something we should look out for?
I just had a movie drop, The Perfect Find on Netflix with myself, Gabrielle Union, and Keith Powers. I just finished filming season three of BMF, which will drop in January, so people seem to be excited for another season of BMF.
Lil Meech took to social media recently to share that the cast has completed filming the third season of BMF. The drama series, created by Randy Huggins, stars Lil Meech, Da’Vinchi, Myles Truitt, Michole Briana White, and more. In a new clip, Lil Meech is seen walking “in the middle of nowhere,” telling fans that they’re now “three seasons in.”
The actor also recently called out some cast members of another drama series, Power. He mentioned Gianni Paolo and Michael Rainey Jr. specifically in a recent Instagram post. He’s seen flexing on the cast while on a private jet with his BMF crew. He has has additionally made headlines as of late for his relationship with R&B singer Summer Walker. The two confirmed they were official earlier this year, and have been magnets for drama ever since.
Most recently, Lil Meech was accused of cheating on Walker after a woman posted a photo wearing his chain. He denies the allegations. Walker later posted screenshots of DMs between her and the woman, who claimed she didn’t even know the rapper. Lil Meech then claimed that his bodyguard had given the woman his chain and was later fired for it. After the exchange turned sour, the woman shared her own DMs with Walker’s boyfriend. In the screenshots, he appears to ask her to clarify the rumors in exchange for money.
After comedian Jess Hilarious weighed in on the drama, the couple clapped back. She had claimed to believe that he was cheating on Walker, going so far as to call him musty. Lil Meech later shared DMs she had sent to him, claiming she was shooting her shot. Walker also came for the comedian, calling her “ugly” and “weird.” Despite the drama, the couple showed off some incredible looks at the 2023 BET Awards last weekend. The two of them posed for several hands-on photos together, proving haters wrong.
Beef between the “BMF” cast and the “Power” cast is nothing new at this point, and it’s been to varying degrees of playfulness. Despite them both coming from more or less the same creative mind, namely 50 Cent, there’s still friendly and not-so-friendly debates between the two groups over which show is better. Well, that might be a misspeak, because it’s evolved further into a question of status, success, and private planes. Moreover, Lil Meech just posted an Instagram video of the “BMF” crew on what appears to be a private jet with luxury bags and items. Not only that, but Meech claimed that he’s “never seen” any of the folks from “Power,” naming Gianni Paolo and Michael Rainey Jr. specifically, living this large.
Of course, both shows are hugely successful and popular, so at a certain point, it’s like grasping at straws. Regardless, especially for Lil Meech and the rest of the cast and crew of both shows, that competition is something that fuels them to come back stronger in the next season. As such, maybe this is the kind of attitude that other shows should have at each other, the same way that a competitive edge pushes some other professions into greatness. Still, the material flexes are some of the most cheeky in this regard, and fans shouldn’t take them too seriously.
For Lil Meech in particular, he already has a lot more on his mind after finding breakout massive success with “BMF.” A lot of that recently revolved around drama concerning his relationship with Summer Walker. Their goings-on, cute boo’d-up pics on social media, and their drama with other celebrities resulted in a lot of conversation around them. Whether it’s for their responses or for people trying to bring them down, they always find a way to brush things off and make a statement in the process.
For example, their most recent feud was with Jess Hilarious, as Meech leaked DMs she sent him after she called him “musty.” Clearly they don’t mind airing out their dirty laundry for all to see, which makes them an online menace. Maybe they will turn over a new leaf in the future, or keep engaging with all the smoke. With that in mind, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Meech.
A co-producer on 50 Cent’s series BMF has been suspended by Lionsgate. The suspension follows allegations that the producer, Ian Woolf, threatened to hit striking writers with his SUV. According to reports, Woolf made the threat on June 8, allegedly using intimidation to “scare” picketers in Atlanta. Earlier this month, 50 Cent also shared that he himself doesn’t agree with the WGA strike. He claimed that he doesn’t “see it as a positive thing for the writers.”
One of the writers that was allegedly threatened by Woolf, Brian Egeston, spoke out about the incident on Twitter. “Dear Mr. Ian Woolf, Welcome to Atlanta,” Egeston begins the message, “What you did today on Hank Aaron Drive and blocks from the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr….was hateful.” He continued, “When you pointed your SUV at me as though it were a weapon and slammed the breaks within six feet of writers, I felt the hate and aggression of scenarios similar to Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and others who have been harmed at the hands of hate-filled oppressors.”
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson attends the “POWER” Season 5 Premiere at Radio City Music Hall on June 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)
Egeston continued the message, “As I marched with the WGA in a peaceful protest, similar to the giants who have walked the very streets where you almost committed manslaughter, you chose to—in your own words— ‘Tried to scare you.’” The writer also explains, “Mr. Woolf, this scare and intimidation tactic reeks of German Shepards, water hoses, bricks and burning flesh. It reeks of the worst kind of hate … I would implore you, in hindsight, to consider the ramifications of killing an African-American man in the streets of the city too busy to hate, while being the producer of an African-American TV show, created by an African American man, run by an African-American Man.”
Egeston’s account of the incident has also been corroborated by two other writers, Gabriel Alejandro Garza and Tom Smuts. 50 Cent has not yet publicly commented on the allegations. Lionsgate has also shared a statement pertaining to the recent suspension. “We take acts of intimidation and threats of violence seriously and investigate them thoroughly,” it reads. “As we continue to investigate, we have sent home the individual involved.”
50 Cent’s journey into becoming a media mogul began when he burst onto the scene as an abrasive rapper. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is held as one of the greatest debut hip-hop albums of all time. Chronicling the violent streets of Queens, New York, the album’s “we made it” narrative and chart-topping anthems, such as “In Da Club” or “21 Questions,” would elevate 50 Cent into a pocket of stardom. His career has seen him nominated for a double-digit amount of Grammys. While his music career began to diminish as he transitioned into other arenas, his classics make him one of the highest-streamed hip-hop artists to this day.
However, 50 Cent was always a businessman at heart. After the success of Get Rich or Die Tryin’, he got to work on forming his own record label. By 2003, 50 Cent had founded G-Unit Records. Signing the likes of Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, the label would quickly become a formidable force in the hip-hop industry. It was just the beginning for 50 Cent, who stands with the likes of Diddy and Jay-Z on the shortlist of rappers who’ve made successful transitions into other industries.
50 Cent Became A Mainstream Actor By The Late 2000s
HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 10: Executive producer/Rapper Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson attends the For Your Consideration Event for STARZs’ “Power” at ArcLight Hollywood on May 10, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)
50 Cent’s first concrete film role was in the crime drama Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Starring in a film about himself was a genius move from 50 Cent. He took advantage of his success as a musician to ease into the acting world. Intended to mirror 50 Cent’s upbringing, the film is a tale of an inner-city drug dealer who turns away from a life of crime to pursue his passion for music. While the film received mixed reviews, 50 Cent’s success as the spotlight of the film would earn him additional opportunities in the industry. Soon after that, he would act in high-grossing films such as Home of the Brave alongside Steven Jackson. The military drama saw 50 Cent play Jamal Aiken. He was a bitter Army National Guard Soldier who had difficulty re-adjusting to civilian life.
However, his highest-grossing film as an actor would come in the form of Righteous Kill. 50 Cent would act alongside film icons Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. He starred in the film as a drug dealer named Spider, who is murdered by a corrupt police team. Throughout 50 Cent’s acting career, many of his roles have reflected that of an enforcer or drug dealer. Fitting along with his gangster image from his MC days, he’s acted in similar films such as Den of Thieves and Before I Self Destruct. Throughout the late 2000s, he acted in various crime films.
Power Was 50 Cent’s Big Break As A Producer
As 50 Cent has proven throughout his career, he’s not one to be satisfied with where he’s currently at. After carving out successful careers as a rapper and an actor, he began looking towards production in film roles. His big break would be Power. Airing on Starz, the show would become one of the most successful on the platform, airing for six seasons. Like many of 50 Cent’s acting roles, the show is a crime drama. Power throws the viewer into a world of drug use and politics. Before the show’s success, he had also produced All Things Fall Apart and Fire with Fire. However, Power solidified 50 Cent as an iconic media mogul.
50 Cent Is Pivoting Into An Ownership Position
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson of ‘Power’ speaks onstage during the Starz segment of the Summer 2019 Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 26, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Power isn’t the only successful show that 50 Cent executive produced. He also played an instrumental role in the success of BMF. The 2-season show gives a haphazard look into the rise of the origins of a black mafia family in Detroit. His real-life son depicts Big Meech in the form of Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. BMF is a coming-of-age story based in the violent streets of Detroit. In addition, 50 Cent made his first appearance as a director on the show on Episode 7 of Season 1. If he is any indicator, his director appearance is likely a sign of things to come for 50 Cent. In addition, he’s set to star in The Expendables 4 alongside Jason Statham and Megan Fox. The film is expected to hit theaters in September.
Surprisingly, recent developments have hinted at 50 Cent looking to break away from Starz. He’s currently spearheading the construction of a 985,000-square-foot G-Unit Studio. The site intends to act as a film and television studio for his own network. He stated, “I have the number 1,2,3, and 4 top TV shows in African American and Latina households, and I hate that I did them with the wrong people. I’m not doing any BMF spinoffs or selling any shows to STARZ.” In addition, he penned a three-project deal with media company Lusid Media in October of 2022. Already highly successful as an actor and producer, the next stage of his media career will focus on ownership.
Lil Meech also known as Demetrius Flenory Jr., is the son of notorious drug lord Big Meech, but he has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. But, what is the rapper’s net worth in 2023? Let’s dive into the factors that have contributed to Lil Meech’s wealth.
Lil Meech Net Worth
In 2023, Lil Meech’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million, according to Heightline.
Early Life And Background
(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Meech was born in 2000 in Detroit, Michigan. His father, Big Meech, was a notorious drug lord and co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF). While Lil Meech grew up surrounded by wealth and luxury, he chose to forge his own path in the entertainment industry.
Lil Meech: Music Career and Collaborations
(Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage)
Lil Meech’s music career started in the late 2010s. With his unique style and undeniable charisma, he quickly gained a humble following in the rap community. His debut single, “Bad Habits,” circulated and showed promising signs of his talents.
Acting And Television
(Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Apart from his music career, Lil Meech has also ventured into acting. He portrays his father, Big Meech, in the Starz series BMF, which is based on the real-life story of the Black Mafia Family. This acting role has not only helped Lil Meech gain further recognition but also contributed to his net worth.
Lil Meech: Social Media And Branding
(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Meech’s strong presence on social media has been a significant factor in his success. With over 2.4 million followers on Instagram and other platforms, he has effectively used social media to promote his music and acting career. This online presence has helped him grow his fan base and increase his overall net worth.
Business Ventures And Investments
Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Pizza Hut)
Although primarily known for his music and acting career, the rapper has also been involved in various business ventures. These business endeavors have helped diversify his income sources and contribute to his $8 million net worth.
Looking Forward
(Photo by Derek White/WireImage)
With his music, acting career, and business ventures, Meech’s net worth is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As he releases more music and takes on additional acting roles, his popularity is likely to soar, resulting in even greater financial success. At just 23 years old, the sky is the limit for this young rapper and actor.
Conclusion/TLDR
In conclusion, Lil Meech’s net worth of $8 million in 2023 can be attributed to his successful music and acting career, collaborations with prominent artists, social media presence, business ventures, and investments. As he continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, there is no doubt that his net worth will continue to rise.
The Black Mafia Family, or BMF, was once one of the most notorious and powerful criminal organizations. Founded in Detroit in the early 1990s by brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, BMF soon became a formidable force in all things nefarious. We’ve seen this story dramatically played out in 50 Cent’s BMF drama television series, but we’re revisiting the real-life story of a criminal organization that terrorized a city—and beyond.
Big Meech and Southwest T were born and raised in Motor City and quickly established themselves as prominent underworld figures. They initially made their mark as drug dealers. Then, they soon expanded their operations to include a wide range of criminal enterprises. These reportedly included money laundering, extortion, and murder. BMF has created characters inspired by the Flenorys and their alleged associates, but some say it doesn’t do justice to what was really going on in the streets of Detroit.
According to the authorities, BMF’s drug trafficking operation was vast and sophisticated. The organization moved large quantities of narcotics throughout the United States from one coast to the other. The Flenory brothers built a vast network of suppliers, distributors, and customers, and they used their wealth and influence to expand their reach even further.
In addition to its criminal activities, the BMF significantly impacted the hip-hop community. The Flenory brothers were well known for their love of hip-hop music, and they used their wealth to cultivate close relationships with many of the genre’s biggest stars. They threw lavish parties and events that attracted the most prominent names and used their connections to promote their music and business ventures. BMF Entertainment surfaced, and the Flenorys cemented themselves as movers and shakers in music. Bleu Da Vinci‘s World Is BMF even earned itself a Source Award nomination in 2005. In 2008, Bleu was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
BMF’s rise to power would prove to be short-lived. In 2005, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) launched a major investigation into the organization. In 2006, Big Meech and Southwest T were arrested and charged with several federal crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering. The brothers were eventually convicted and sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
In 2020, Terry was granted a compassionate release due to health concerns over the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Big Meech requested the same but was denied while Terry was ordered to home confinement. The BMF series’s attention has helped push the brothers’ story to audiences that once had no idea who they were. Big Meech hopes fame will aid him in his quest for freedom.
Since his incarceration, several petitions and campaigns have called for Big Meech’s release or a reduction in his sentence. Many high-profile individuals, including members of the hip-hop community, have supported these pleas. They argue that Big Meech has served a significant portion of his sentence and been a model prisoner. However, these petitions have not changed Big Meech’s sentence, and he remains in federal custody.
Meanwhile, the former crime giant’s son has become a television star. Lil Meech portrays his father on BMF, and critics have widely praised his talents. He also has worked on a Rap career, and it’s rumored that the younger Meech has even sparked a romance with Summer Walker.
What started out as speculation of a fling between Summer Walker and BMF actor Lil Meech has only become more serious since blogs picked up on the gossip last month. It all began when internet sleuths realized that the pair may be spending time together thanks to careless clues left in their social media content. Shortly after that, a video of a woman hanging out with Meech and friends also landed online, and while her identity was hidden behind a ski mask, her curvaceous figure was much harder to conceal and deny.
Since they’ve been caught, the Still Over It songstress and the 23-year-old have been posting up together on social media. From the looks of their latest stories, they’ve been having plenty of fun together, and Walker obviously isn’t afraid to let her famous goofy side shine around Meech. In an Instagram Story post on Monday (May 1), Summer wears her new boo’s massive silver BMF chain around her next, earning several heart-eyes emojis as a sign of approval from the young star.
Elsewhere on Meech’s IG Story, he and the mother of three shared several cute photos and videos together using various filters. “Issa takeover,” Walker wrote over one of them, which heavily emphasized her brown eyes and glossy lips while her latest lover remains barely visible in the bottom corner. In another snapshot, the Atlanta native rocks a hilarious moustache, keeping her expression completely serious while Meech smiles from ear to ear, seemingly mid-laugh.
Of course, neither star has officially confirmed their relationship, though the Miami-born entertainer did declare that “Summer is [his]” after a photo of him in bed with another woman appeared on @theshaderoom last week. As was pointed out at the time, he could have just as easily been talking about being young, wild, and free over the coming months instead of claiming the vocalist already. Do you think that Lil Meech could be the right man for Summer Walker? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and tap back in later for more pop culture news updates.
Lil Meech’s Instagram Story Lights Up with Funny Content
