Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. never imagined pursuing a career in acting, but life had other plans. Known primarily as the son of the incarcerated Black Mafia Family (BMF) founder Demetrius Flenory, his path took a sharp turn when rapper and producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson encouraged him to play his father in a television series. Now the star of BMF on Starz, Flenory Jr. is carving out his own legacy while telling his family’s complicated story.
How Did Flenory Jr. Transition from Business to Acting?
Before entering the entertainment world, Flenory Jr. was studying business at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His shift to acting was unexpected. After receiving a call from his father in prison, he learned that 50 Cent had secured the rights to tell the BMF story and wanted him to audition for the lead role.
Initially hesitant, Flenory Jr. confessed that acting was outside his comfort zone. However, 50 Cent saw potential in him and convinced him to move to Los Angeles to attend acting classes full-time. Over the next two years, Flenory Jr. trained rigorously, honing his skills five days a week before filming began. What started as an unusual opportunity soon became a newfound passion. “Now, I want to act for the rest of my life,” he says. “I feel like I’ve found my calling.”
What Is BMF About and Why Is It Important?
The BMF series on Starz chronicles the true story of the Black Mafia Family, a powerful crime organization founded by Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and his brother Terry Flenory in Detroit during the 1980s. Initially small-time drug dealers, the Flenory brothers eventually expanded their enterprise into a nationwide drug network. At its height, the BMF empire included over 500 members distributing more than $270 million worth of cocaine across the United States. The brothers also ventured into the hip-hop world with BMF Entertainment, fostering connections in the music industry.
The show goes beyond crime drama, exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and family values. “People misjudge what type of man my father is,” Flenory Jr. explains. “They see only what’s reported—drug dealer, mafia. But this story is about much more.” By highlighting personal elements of his father’s life, the series aims to humanize the Flenory family and challenge stereotypes.
What Was It Like Preparing to Play His Father?
For Flenory Jr., portraying his father was not just a performance—it was a deeply personal journey. Due to his father’s incarceration, he spent much of his childhood visiting him monthly for long hours. While preparing for the role, he couldn’t see his father in person and had to rely on daily phone calls. These conversations gave him insight into his father’s mindset during the early days of BMF, revealing the difficult decisions Big Meech faced as a young man growing up in poverty.
“I didn’t know a lot about how my dad grew up until he told me,” Flenory Jr. reflects. “He had to be a man at 15 or 16. Hearing about those challenges gave me a better understanding of his actions.”
To further embody the role, Flenory Jr. immersed himself in research, studying classic mob dramas like Goodfellas and The Sopranos. But he emphasizes that BMF offers more than just a tale of crime. “This is a story with soul—about family, brotherhood, and loyalty.”
How Did 50 Cent’s Guidance Shape Flenory Jr.’s Career?
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was instrumental in Flenory Jr.’s transition into acting. As the executive producer of BMF, Jackson not only secured the rights to the story but also believed that Flenory Jr. could authentically portray his father. However, Jackson made it clear that while he could help open the door, Flenory Jr. would have to prove himself.
“Fifty brought acting to me, but I had to show the network that I was the right choice,” Flenory Jr. says. Jackson’s mentorship extended beyond securing the role. He arranged for acting classes, provided personal guidance, and prepared him for the challenges of the entertainment industry. The experience transformed Flenory Jr.’s perspective on his future, leading him to pursue acting as a lifelong career.
How Has the Series Been Received by Viewers and Critics?
Since its debut on Starz, BMF has garnered significant attention for its gripping storytelling and compelling performances. Viewers have praised Flenory Jr. for his authentic portrayal of his father, a role he took on with a sense of responsibility. His family’s feedback has also been positive, with his father and relatives expressing pride in his performance.
“Once they saw me in action, they realized how seriously I was taking it,” Flenory Jr. shares. His goal remains simple: “I just want to make my family proud.” The success of the first season led to the show being renewed for a second season, further solidifying its impact.
The involvement of high-profile artists like Eminem and Snoop Dogg in supporting roles has added star power, attracting a diverse audience. However, the series also raises deeper questions about systemic poverty and the factors that push individuals toward crime—a theme that resonates with many viewers.
What Are Flenory Jr.’s Future Plans?
With the success of BMF, Flenory Jr. is determined to build a lasting career in the entertainment industry. Acting has become more than just a role—it’s a passion he intends to pursue for the long haul. “I want to keep acting for the rest of my life,” he says, excited about future opportunities.
Aside from acting, Flenory Jr. hopes to explore other aspects of filmmaking, including production. Inspired by the mentorship he received from 50 Cent, he also aims to help others break into the industry. His journey, much like his father’s story, is one of perseverance, growth, and redefining narratives.
Conclusion
Demetrius Flenory Jr.’s unexpected transition from business student to actor is a testament to embracing new opportunities. Guided by 50 Cent and supported by his family, Flenory Jr. has proven himself capable of telling his father’s story with depth and nuance. Through BMF, he sheds light on the complexities of family, loyalty, and survival, going beyond the surface of crime and power.
As he looks to the future, Flenory Jr. is poised to continue making his mark in Hollywood, driven by a desire to honor his family’s legacy and inspire others through storytelling. His journey from Las Vegas to the silver screen serves as a reminder that with the right support and determination, new paths can emerge from unexpected places.
