Source: David M. Benett / Getty
BMF has gotten off to an intoxicating start and British actor Eric Kofi Abrefa, who plays antagonist Lamar, is partly responsible for why we’re so hooked.
The new Starz series (the latest in a string of crime drama shows from 50 Cent) tells the story of drug trafficking and money laundering organization, Black Mafia Family. The show follows infamous BMF founders Big Meech and Southwest T, and their tale of how they made a name for themselves back in 1989 Detroit. Viewers are getting an inside look at how the brothers dealt with everything from gang wars to family feuds, as well as the limelight that comes with establishing yourself as up-and-coming kingpins.
Abrefa plays mentally unstable O.G. Lamar, who is recently released from prison and wants his girl, stepdaughter, and drug territory back. Unlike Meech and T, Lamar will do almost anything to secure what he believes is his — kill, cheat, rob, and plant seeds of discord until he’s the last man standing. Talk about playing chess, not checkers!
The quick thread below provides some (alleged) backstory for a few of the characters in BMF, Abrefa’s Lamar included…
In an interview earlier this month, BMF showrunner Randy Higgins dished on how essential Lamar’s story is to the overall plot. “It’s not just a drug show,” Higgins told TVLine. “We delve into mental illness with Lamar. Back in the 1980s, when [President] Reagan closed all those state-run mental health facilities, people like Lamar were released with nowhere else to go. He may have gone in the asylum thinking it was easier than prison, but he was probably already mentally ill and got worse.”
Abrefa’s portrayal of the unstable Detroit legend has been flawless so far, so if you haven’t watched BMF just yet, be sure to tune in every Sunday on Starz. We think you’ll agree he is masterful in the role. It’s also worth noting Big Meech’s real-life son, Demetrius Flenory Jr., takes on the task of portraying his dad in the show.
Check out a few more photos of Abrefa below and salute these rising stars.
