Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory, co-founder of the infamous Black Mafia Family (BMF), was indicted in 2005 after an intense investigation by federal investigators.
Under the direction of Big Meech and his brother Terry "Southwest T" Flenory, the BMF was recognized as one of the largest drug trafficking and money laundering operations in the United States, moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine.
Their illicit business was closely linked to the hip-hop scene; BMF became well-known not only for their drug empire but also for their opulent lifestyle and connections to the music business.
In 2008, Big Meech received a sentence of 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in the group. Numerous crimes, including money laundering and narcotics trafficking, led to his sentencing.
Operation Motor City Mafia, a multi-year operation that resulted in the arrest of hundreds of BMF members and the recovery of millions of cash and massive quantities of cocaine, brought the brothers to justice.
Big Meech has received a lot of attention and support over the years, despite his extended sentence. His initiatives while incarcerated, like starting the Build More Families program, have improved his reputation by encouraging constructive community service.
Hip-hop leaders have also praised him, which has helped to maintain his legacy despite his imprisonment.
Big Meech's legal team successfully argued for a sentence reduction in 2020, citing his good behavior and revisions in federal sentencing guidelines as justifications for an early release.
His sentence was subsequently shortened by almost three years, and he has now been released from jail, three years ahead of his initial term, which was supposed to expire in 2028.
His release is being celebrated as a momentous occasion by his family as well as those who consider him a renowned figure in hip-hop culture and the criminal underworld.
How the Hip-Hop community is reacting to Big Meech's release
People from the Hip-Hop community have been posting supportive messages on Big Meech's release.
Sexxy Red, an American rapper took to her X account to write:
"Where da welcome home party @ I'm trona perform for da freeski 👀"
Boosie BadAzz, another celebrated rapper, wrote:
"WELCOME BACK #BIGMEECH #LEGEND"
Chellz, a famous pop culture content creator on TikTok wrote:
"Me in Big Meech section at his Welcome home party cause in the Clerb we all fam."
Slim Thug, another bigtime rapper took to his Instagram account to post:
"Big Meech Free 💯💯💯"
DJ Self has also posted a picture of him with Big Meech and wrote:
"Meech Home!!!!! Welcome to home take ya time get right and get back out here welcome home party I’m on the DJ Set !!!! Picture: Gav Bleu ZaB DJ Self and Big Meech"
Numerous artists and fans who've responded to Big Meech's early release into a halfway house, have solidified his standing as an iconic figure in hip-hop culture.