Big Meech claims BMF created the “making it rain” era in the strip club [VIDEO]
Big Meech claims responsibility for iconic strip club trend
Demetrius Flenory, widely known as Big Meech, is once again making headlines—this time not for his past in the drug game, but for his claimed influence on hip-hop culture.
In a recent interview, the Black Mafia Family co-founder stated that he was the originator of “making it rain,” the now-iconic act of throwing large amounts of cash—typically one-dollar bills—inside strip clubs.
While the phrase and practice have become synonymous with hip-hop nightlife, Meech says the movement didn’t start as entertainment. Instead, it was born out of necessity during the height of BMF’s operations.
The rise and fall of BMF
To fully understand Meech’s claim, it’s important to revisit the scale of the empire he helped build.
Founded in 1985 in Detroit by Meech and his brother Terry Flenory, BMF grew into one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the United States.
By the early 2000s, the group had established a nationwide cocaine distribution network, with operations stretching from Atlanta to Los Angeles and direct connections to Mexican cartels.
At its peak, federal authorities alleged that BMF generated over $270 million in revenue. However, the empire eventually collapsed under the weight of a massive federal investigation. In 2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration led coordinated raids that resulted in dozens of arrests, millions in seized assets, and the dismantling of the organization.
Meech and his brother were both sentenced to 30 years in prison under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute.
How excess cash sparked a cultural phenomenon
According to Meech, the roots of “making it rain” trace back to the logistical challenges of handling massive amounts of money generated through illicit operations.
As a leader of the Black Mafia Family, Meech explained that dollar bills became impractical for business.
“When you’re dealing with that kind of money, ones are useless,” he essentially described, pointing out the inefficiency of counting small denominations at scale.
Faced with an overflow of cash that couldn’t easily be processed, Meech says he took it to the one place that would accept it without question—the strip club. What began as a way to offload excess currency quickly turned into a spectacle. Throwing money in the air became a visual symbol of wealth, power, and status.
BMF’s deep ties to hip-hop culture
Even as a criminal enterprise, BMF’s influence extended far beyond the streets. Through BMF Entertainment, Meech attempted to legitimize his empire by entering the music industry. The label promoted artists and collaborated with major names in hip-hop.
The organization’s flashy lifestyle became aspirational content in rap music, influencing lyrics, visuals, and branding across the genre.
Perhaps the most notable tribute came from Rick Ross, whose 2010 hit B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast) immortalized Meech’s nickname and further cemented his legacy in hip-hop culture.
From street hustle to hip-hop lifestyle
The BMF era in the early 2000s was marked by extreme opulence. Lavish parties, luxury cars, designer fashion, and stacks of cash became synonymous with Meech’s image.
Through BMF Entertainment, Meech and his organization embedded themselves deeply into hip-hop culture. Artists, DJs, and industry insiders were exposed to their lifestyle firsthand.
As a result, “making it rain” evolved from a practical solution into a cultural statement.
Soon, rappers and celebrities began replicating the act, turning strip clubs into stages for displays of wealth. Over time, it became a defining element of hip-hop nightlife.
Artists like Drake and Offset have been widely documented throwing tens of thousands of dollars in clubs, while figures like Jermaine Dupri have also been credited with popularizing the trend.
The modern strip club economy and “making it rain”
Today, “making it rain” is more than just a trend—it’s an integral part of the strip club economy.
In cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Houston, the act of throwing money has become a performance in itself. It’s not uncommon for high-profile guests to spend tens of thousands of dollars in a single night.
Social media has only amplified this behavior, turning private club moments into viral content.
Artists like O.T. Genasis have even used tools like “cash cannons” to distribute money, while celebrities such as Jadakiss and Post Malone have been seen handing out stacks of cash during club appearances.
Whether Meech truly invented the practice or simply popularized it at scale remains up for debate—but his influence on the culture is undeniable.
Controversy continues to follow Big Meech
Since his release, Meech has remained a polarizing figure. In 2025, 50 Cent publicly accused him of cooperating with federal authorities—an allegation Meech strongly denied.
“I never folded, never told, never will,” Meech said in response. “Death before dishonor.”
The controversy added another layer to his already complex legacy, which sits at the intersection of crime, culture, and entertainment.
BMF’s legacy lives on in media and music
The story of BMF continues to captivate audiences years after its downfall.
The STARZ series BMF, produced by 50 Cent, dramatizes the rise of the organization, with Meech portrayed by his real-life son, Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. The show has introduced a new generation to the BMF story, blending street history with entertainment.
Meanwhile, artists continue to reference the organization in music, including SZA, whose 2025 track “BMF” nods to both the group and the lavish lifestyle it represented.
Who really invented “making it rain”?
Meech’s claim adds a new chapter to an ongoing debate.
While some credit industry figures like Jermaine Dupri with popularizing the phrase and culture, Meech argues that he laid the foundation long before it became mainstream. In many ways, both perspectives can coexist.
Meech may have introduced the behavior within a specific context—one rooted in excess cash and underground wealth—while hip-hop artists later amplified and commercialized it for a global audience.
Legacy Beyond the Legend
Big Meech’s claim that he invented “making it rain” offers a fascinating glimpse into how street culture can evolve into mainstream entertainment.
What started as a practical solution to handling overwhelming amounts of cash eventually became one of the most recognizable symbols of hip-hop luxury.
Whether viewed as a pioneer or a participant, Meech’s influence on the culture is undeniable.
As his story continues to unfold through interviews, television, and music, one thing remains clear: the legacy of BMF—and its impact on hip-hop—still resonates today.