
Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory is one of the co-founders of the Black Mafia Family, a drug trafficking organization founded in the mid '80s that would become an influential force in hip-hop as its reign grew. Sentenced to 30 years in prison on drug charges in 2005, Meech was released to a halfway house last October; this February 13, he'll host some of the most popular names in hip-hop for his "Welcome Home Concert" at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. Tickets are available here.
Rappers from across the United States will attend the concert to pay tribute. Slated so far are: Lil Baby, Rick Ross, 21 Savage, Sexyy Red, Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, Boosie, EST Gee, Kodak Black, Babyface Ray, Bossman Dlow, Tee Grizzley, Young Scooter, Skilla Baby, and Payroll Giovanni.
Initially starting in Detroit, BMF's trafficking territory would span across multiple states, including Georgia, where Flenory helped create a legitimate front for BMF: entertainment. Thanks to its association with popular rap artists and the expensive lifestyle of its members, BMF became "a cultural phenomenon," according to Atlanta hip-hop veteran T.I. The organization's rise and fall has been dramatized in the Starz series Black Mafia Family; the program has run for three seasons and stars Meech's son Demetrius "Lil Meech" Flenory Jr., who plays his father.
A statement from Meech's representative indicated a hope that Meech's release would shine a light on the need for criminal justice reform. “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.”
