After nearly two decades behind bars, Demetrius Edward Flenory Sr., better known as Big Meech, has recently been released from federal prison.
Key Takeaways
- Demetrius Edward Flenory a.k.a. Big Meech was recently released from federal prison.
- He was arrested along with his brother Terry in the charge of dr*g trafficking and money laundering.
- Big Meech is currently 56 years old.
On October 15th, Big Meech, one of America’s most notorious crime figures. was released from prison to finish the rest of his sentence at a halfway house.
His release has once again sparked interest in the story of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), the drug empire he co-founded, and his lasting influence on hip-hop culture.
The Rise of Big Meech and Black Mafia Family (BMF)
Big Meech, born on June 21, 1968, started the Black Mafia Family (BMF) in 1985 in Detroit with his brother Terry Flenory.
What began as a small dr*g business soon expanded across the country, involving over 500 people and making the brothers millions of dollars.
From 1989 to 2005, BMF made more than $270 million, according to Newsweek.
At the same time, Big Meech ventured into the entertainment industry, establishing BMF Entertainment, a hip-hop label that would become a front for their illegal activities.
Through BMF Entertainment, Big Meech connected with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including rappers like T.I., Jay-Z, and Young Jeezy.
The entertainment business provided a legitimate cover for laundering the organization’s dr*g money, further cementing Big Meech’s influence in both the criminal underworld and the hip-hop scene.
The Fall of Big Meech and Black Mafia Family (BMF)
The success of BMF came to an abrupt end in October 2005 when the Dr*g Enforcement Administration (DEA) dismantled its operations.
The DEA seized $2 million in cash, w*apons, and 2.5 kilograms of c*caine, taking down a dr*g trafficking empire that spanned multiple cities across the United States.
Authorities arrested Big Meech and his brother, and eventually convicted them of dr*g trafficking and money laundering.
However, earlier this year, a federal judge granted a reduction in Big Meech’s sentence by almost three years.
His attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, successfully argued that Meech had shown exemplary behavior during his time in prison, contributing to his release to a halfway house in October 2024.
Big Meech’s Impact Even After The Imprisonment
Even while behind bars, Big Meech’s name never faded from the spotlight, largely due to his lasting impact on hip-hop culture.
In 2010, rapper Rick Ross released the hit song “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast),” with the title referencing the Black Mafia Family.
Additionally, the rap legend 50 Cent has also played a big role in keeping the BMF story alive by producing the BMF TV series.
The show, which tells the story of the Flenory brothers and the rise of BMF, has captivated audiences and brought Meech’s story to a whole new generation.
Big Meech’s son, Demetrius Flenory Jr. “Lil Meech”, plays his father in the series, solidifying his own acting career in the process.
The series has also attracted major guest stars like Snoop Dogg, and Eminem, making it one of the most popular crime dramas on TV today.
At 56 years old, Big Meech is beginning a new chapter in his life, leaving behind the prison walls that confined him for almost two decades.
While he will continue serving his sentence in a halfway house, his release has reignited the public’s fascination with his story and the BMF legacy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The complete release of Big Meech might be on Jan 27, 2026.
- Initially, Big Meech and his brother called themselves the “50 Boyz” as they sold $50 bags of cocaine.
