This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Joyous! (talk | contribs) at 01:37, 20 June 2006 (verify-tagged). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 01:37, 20 June 2006 by Joyous! (talk | contribs) (verify-tagged)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Some of the information in this article or section has not been verified and might not be reliable. It should be checked for inaccuracies and modified as needed, citing sources.The Black Mafia Family or BMF is an extensive criminal organization that recently delved into the world of hip-hop music and entertainment. It was founded in the 1980s in Detroit, Michigan and has since spread nationwide. During a two-year federal investigation of the organization, it was revealed that members were known to have operated in Detroit, Michigan; Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; Greenville, South Carolina; Louisville, Kentucky and even Sinaloa, Mexico where they worked with the Malverde Mafia. Very little information has been made public about the criminal activities of the BMF, however, the association of BMF members and high-level leadership with famous rap stars and their own moves towards hip-hop stardom began to garner attention at the time of the organization's disruption in late 2005. BMF commands a high level of respect in the hip-hop community, although they have remained out of the public eye for years, their influence extends throughout the hip-hop community, and there is an almost unspoken code of respect and fear associated with the group for rappers not under their umbrella.
Hip-Hop Presence
BMF Entertainment began to generate buzz in the national hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. Although the group had nationwide influence, much of the music industry activity was centered in the group's adopted hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. BMF appeared in numerous underground hip-hop DVD magazines, most notably several issues S.M.A.C.K. DVD Magazine and The Come Up DVD. The label's premiere artist, Bleu Da Vinci, hails from the West Coast. His project, The World is BMF's, was nominated for an award by The Source Magazine in 2004.
BMF is also reported to own underground Atlanta music magazine The Juice.
Hip-Hop Affiliates
Although not members of the BMF clique, several prominent hip-hop artists have appeared on underground records with Bleu Da Vinci. Atlanta-based rapper Young Jeezy in particular is a frequent BMF affiliate and has been seen at numerous video shoots and parties with the group. Jeezy has never officially acknowledged his BMF ties, and refuses to comment on them to news media. On March 11, 2006, Jeezy and several alleged BMF associates were arrested in connection with an incident in Miami.
In addition to Young Jeezy, other artists known to collaborate musically or associate with BMF include:
Underground Atlanta artist Baby D
Da Brat
The new Detroit rap group Y.B.I.
Lifestyle
As depicted in their numerous DVD and music video appearances, BMF members engaged in a lavish lifestyle perhaps not fitting of many up-and-coming hip-hop labels. Members were often seen driving luxury European sports cars on screen and in music videos. They are also known to "make it rain money" in strip clubs, spending thousands of dollars a night. In one filmed DVD interview Meech claimed to regularly spend $50,000 a night while clubbing. In addition, BMF were known to have thrown extensive and enormously expensive industry parties and birthday bashes for their members in Atlanta, complete with rented displays of exotic animals and BMF-logo ice sculptures. A particular DVD appearance has artist Bleu Da Vinci showing off a fleet of Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, BMW, Mercedes, Bentley, and Range Rover cars. CEO Big Meech later attests to the crew owning homes in locales across the country. The clique is reported to own at least one luxury car dealership.
2005 Raid and Arrests
In October, 2005, it was reported that some 30 members of BMF were arrested in a massive drug raid orchestrated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). During these raids, the DEA claimed to have seized over $3 million in money, assets, and weapons, as well as 2 ½ kilograms of cocaine. It was also reported that prior to the raid, 17 members had been arrested and $11 million in money and assets had already been seized. In addition to large amounts of cash and assets, some 632 kilograms of cocaine had been reported to have been seized over the course of the investigation prior to the October raid.
The DEA classified BMF as " a sophisticated drug smuggling and money laundering organization," with "direct links to Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations."
Among members arrested at this time was the alleged leader of the organization, Demetrius Flenory (Big Meech). In early 2006 it was reported by associates (but not confirmed by news media) that Meech and another member had posted bond and are currently free on bail. Shortly thereafter, BMF posted a new image of Meech on their webpage. Jacob the Jewler was recently arrested for laundering over 200 millon dollars and drug trafficing for BMF .He is said to have ties to the Russian Mafia.
No further details surrounding the case, future trial dates, or a continuing investigation, have thus far been revealed to the public.
Death of Baby Bleu
On March 9, 2006, "Baby" Bleu, the younger brother of BMF recording artist Bleu Da Vinci, was shot and killed. He had made the news previously for allegedly stabbing the nephew of R & B artist Bobby Brown during an altercation.
==
External links
Official site of BMF Entertainment
AllHipHop.com article detailing the October, 2005 raid
Category: