Fanbase Is Now Part Of The BMF Family

The energy was electric as the red carpet lit up for the Season 2 premiere of Starz’s acclaimed drama BMF (Black Mafia Family). Hosted in Atlanta—a key backdrop in the real story behind the series—the event brought out fans, media, and cast members for an unforgettable night of storytelling, reflection, and celebration.

Fanbase correspondent Tempest Tuesday was on the scene, capturing the excitement and diving deep into conversations with the cast about the emotional weight of portraying real people and the show’s cultural resonance.

Based on the true story of brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest Tee” Flenory, BMF chronicles their rise from Detroit’s streets during the height of the crack epidemic to becoming one of the most influential and controversial figures in American crime history. With Demetrius Flenory Jr. stepping into his father’s shoes as Big Meech and Da’Vinchi portraying Terry, the show fuses gritty realism with deeply personal performances.

After an exclusive screening of the new episode, the cast took the stage for a candid live Q&A. The panel included Da’Vinchi, Myles Truitt, Yusuf Gatewood, Jason Dirden, Ralph Hughes, and Shalom Obiago, all greeted by loud applause from the packed venue.

The conversation kicked off on a humorous note when a fan jokingly called out their favorite part of the episode: “Them getting hit by a car!” The cast laughed along, breaking the ice before diving into the more serious themes of portraying such a storied legacy.

“My biggest challenge was knowing the man I play is still alive and watching,” said Da’Vinchi, reflecting on his portrayal of Terry Flenory. “But when I sat with him in Detroit and he said I nailed it? That was my Emmy.”

Yusuf Gatewood, who plays Roland West, opened up about portraying a character caught in the emotional crossfire of two brothers. “He’s Meech’s best friend and close to Terry. He’s constantly navigating loyalty. That’s real life stuff.”

Jason Dirden emphasized the show’s cultural importance, especially for Detroit and Atlanta. “It’s a blessing when people who were part of that history come up and say, ‘You got it right.’ That means everything.”

For actors portraying more fictionalized or composite characters, like Ralph Hughes and Shalom, the pressure came in different forms. “There wasn’t a blueprint,” said Obiago. “I had to build the character from the feeling of the time.”

Obiago shared a surreal moment from filming: “We were on set at the real Flenory family home, and Lucille Flenory walked in. She corrected how I was sitting on the couch. That grounded me—it reminded me that this is someone’s real story.”

Myles Truitt, reflecting on the complex arc of B-Mickey in Season 2, noted, “This season unpacks the fallout from Kato’s death. The relationship between B-Mickey and Meech gets tested in new ways. You’ll see those layers come undone.”

When asked what being part of BMF meant to them, Truitt—born and raised in Atlanta—said, “It’s like stepping into a time capsule. I get to live the music, the culture, the hairstyles. It’s powerful.”

Da’Vinchi echoed that sentiment, adding, “This show is for the culture. When people think of the Flenory brothers, they’ll see my face and Lil Meech’s face. That’s legendary.”

The night ended on an inspiring note as Gatewood offered advice to aspiring actors in the audience. “I auditioned for 50 Cent’s open casting call and didn’t get a part that time. But I stayed in the game. Look where I am now.”

Catch Up & Tune In
Season 1 of BMF is available now on the Starz app. Season 2 episodes premiere every Friday at 8 PM EST. Follow Fanbase and correspondent Tempest Tuesday for exclusive content and interviews all season long.

Season 1 of BMF is now available for streaming now on the Starz app and season 2 airs every Friday at 8 PM EST.