The Hub’s Entertainment Watch List: BMF
The Mafia is considered a network of organized crime groups with believed origins in Siciliy and has since evolved over time. The American Mafia rose to power in the 1920s, and although the two entities share similarities and traditions, it is separate from the Mafia in Italy. Mafia culture has always piqued the interest of the mainstream, rather it is in admiration or fear.
For the Black Mafia Family (BMF), the leaders and its members chose to embrace the mentality. BMF was founded in Southwest Detroit by Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest” Flenory. The duo trafficked drugs and established a cocaine distribution network through connections in Los Angeles–based and Mexican drug cartels. Newsweek reports that during its height, the organization consisted of more than 500 members across the country and saw an estimated $270 million in revenue between 1989 and 2005.
Big Meech and Southwest Tee became cultural phenoms that rappers would even reference in songs. Their reputation garnered them much attention even after being arrested and serving time in prison. The two brothers have become such popular figures that 50 Cent and STARZ created a series and documentary to tell audiences the story of the Black Mafia Family. BMF is produced through G-Unit Film and Television in association with Lionsgate Television for STARZ.
The series debuted on STARZ in September 2021 and consisted of eight episodes. BMF stars co-founder Demetrius Flenory’s son, Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. The series is dramatized for viewing audiences, but viewers get a feel for how the organization was run and came to be. Viewers are introduced to the duo’s parents, Lucille (Michole Briana White) and Charles (Russell Hornsby) Flenory. their sister Nicole (Laila Pruitt), various members of their crew and a street rival, Lamar Silas (Eric Kofi-Abrefa).
Season two debuted in January 2023, and the Flenory brothers are expected to see a third season. Fans of the BMF series seem to be tuning in as the network announced that the series ranked as the most socially engaged drama across all networks over its premiere weekend with 4.1 million multiplatform viewers.
