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.
BMF & Its Impact On Hip-Hop
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.
The Law Closes In
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.
Big Meech Remains Hopeful
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.