LL Cool J pleads for Obama to pardon Big Meech and his brother Southwest T
The rapper explained why the Black Mafia Family drug cartel leaders, serving 30 years in prison, deserve a second chance.
With just days left until President Barack Obama leaves office for good and Donald Trump becomes this nation’s new Commander In Chief, LL Cool J is hoping to score on a Hail Mary. The hip-hop legend and actor made an impassioned plea on Instagram that the government show mercy and pardon the heads of BMF drug cartel Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and his brother Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, both of whom are serving 30 years in prison for drug trafficking.
Cool J made the case that the brothers were convicted for nonviolent crimes and would better serve the community outside of prison walls.
“I think these two guys who are both products of my generation could do a lot of good in the community if they were pardoned,” LL wrote. “They were incarcerated for non violent drug offenses. If they were pardoned I’m sure they would do the right thing. It’s a matter of character. From the outside looking in I think they both have it. Although they set what some would call a negative example I think the second chapter of their lives could potentially bring a lot of healing and inspiration to a downtrodden community and show all our citizens that the USA is a country where second chances are possible.”
I don’t condone what they did but I understand why they did it. The inner city is is a rough place to be born and raised. Temptation is everywhere tempting us to find a fast way to escape poverty. This is nothing new, but still very true. I really think these guys along with some of the guys they were incarcerated with should have their cases reviewed. They should receive either a full pardon or at a minimum a sentence reduction. 30 years for a “non violent” charge no matter how large the case may be; Still feels heavy handed to me. Let’s all hope it happens for them. Keep your heads up fellas. I’m praying for you. 🙏🏾 I love our country. I believe this would be a just decision. Pardon Meech and Terry Flenory. #forgiveness#justice #mercy.”
Members of BMF were taken down by the DEA in a series of raids and arrests from 2005, the year the Flenory Brothers were caught by the authorities, to 2009. Besides being street legends and constantly referenced in a slew of hip-hop songs, Big Meech and BMF are forever immortalized by Rick Ross’ song “BMF” and his chorus that celebrates Meech. 50 Cent has also announced plans to shoot a new drama series based on the lives of BMF.