The Real Reason Lil Meech Struggles for Respect in Hip Hop

Lil Meech, son of the infamous street legend Big Meech, has faced an uphill battle in earning respect within the hip-hop community.

Despite carrying the weight of the Black Mafia Family (BMF) legacy, his journey has been marred by controversy, perceived inauthenticity, and public missteps that have distanced him from both fans and industry heavyweights.

Big Meech is a name synonymous with power, having built an empire from the streets that became a cultural touchstone in hip hop. However, Lil Meech’s attempts to step into that legacy have often fallen flat.

A significant incident that tarnished his image occurred in 2022 at an airport, where TSA agents discovered a Glock 19 in a bag linked to him. Instead of owning the situation, Lil Meech claimed to be a minor at 22 years old and insisted the bag wasn’t his, blaming others for the contents.

Such responses quickly labeled him as untrustworthy in street circles, where loyalty and accountability are paramount. The snitching allegations that followed became a stain on his reputation, a cardinal sin in the world he’s trying to navigate.

Further compounding his issues, Lil Meech’s background starkly contrasts with his father’s gritty rise. Raised in comfort with a private school education, his attempts to project a gangster persona often feel forced.

This disconnect became evident in a 2024 incident involving a close associate, Threeluck, who accused Lil Meech of setting him up during a police stop.

According to Threeluck, Lil Meech shifted illegal items near him while he was asleep in the car, leading to Threeluck’s arrest and a 40-month sentence.

Worse, body cam footage allegedly showed Lil Meech unnecessarily revealing more incriminating information to the police, escalating the situation. When Threeluck sought support, he received nothing, later exposing the betrayal on social media with receipts and recordings of unfulfilled promises from Lil Meech.

Lil Meech’s fallout with 50 Cent, a key mentor who cast him in the BMF series, dealt another blow. After Big Meech’s prison release in 2025, he aligned with Rick Ross, a longtime rival of 50 Cent, for a welcome-home concert.

This move was seen as a betrayal by 50 Cent, who had invested heavily in the Meech family’s story. In response, 50 Cent publicly criticized Lil Meech on Instagram, accusing him of disloyalty, substance issues on set, and even leaking private texts where Lil Meech pleaded for understanding.

By associating with 50 Cent’s enemies like Ross and Floyd Mayweather, Lil Meech further cemented a reputation for lacking loyalty—a fatal flaw in hip hop.

Beyond major scandals, smaller incidents like a 2022 arrest for fraud over a $250,000 watch and public spats, including being mocked for personal hygiene by comedian Jess Hilarious, paint a picture of recklessness.

Unlike Big Meech, who earned respect through real struggle, Lil Meech’s actions often appear as clout-chasing. In a culture where authenticity reigns, his inability to reconcile his privileged upbringing with the street image he projects leaves him struggling for the respect tied to his father’s name.