Benzino (real name Raymond Scott) is an American rapper and businessman best known as an iconic figure from hip-hop music during the late 1980s and early ’90s. Hailing from Boston with vibrant personalities such as his lively performances with sharp wordplay in his songs – his fame quickly spread thanks to Bostonians! Benzino soon rose as an innovator within hip hop with his dynamic performances as one of its prominent members during this era.
His life wasn’t limited to simply spending his days in the studio or as an artist; instead, Benzino expanded his impact as a record producer by co-founding The Source Magazine. A major player in music, The Source was one of Benzino’s many achievements outside of his time spent producing songs or performing. His contributions went far beyond producing music; his business acumen made him an impressive presence within the entertainment world.
He became well known for engaging in an intense dissing battle against Eminem; since then, Benzino has personally undergone significant change in shaping the industry around him. Though his journey may have diverged from traditional paths, his impact continues to resonate both within the spotlight and out.
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Benzino’s Net Worth
American rapper and record producer Benzino has amassed an estimated net worth of $400 thousand through various fields in his hip-hop career.
His journey in music began in the early 2000s when he released several solo albums: The Benzino Project (2001), Redemption(2003), Arch Nemesis(2005) and The Antidote(2007). However, his influence extends far beyond its musical component. David Mays and Benzino co-owned The Source and Hip Hop Weekly magazines that helped shape hip-hop culture.
Additionally, he made himself well-known through appearances on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” from 2012-14, increasing his public presence while strengthening brand recognition and his brand. Benzino has not only contributed his services in the music and TV industries but has also appeared in films including Bloodline(2005), Baghdad (2011) and Turnt(2020), as well as Hollywood Hearts(2016) TV movie as well as roles in series like Single Ladies(2014).
His career flourished when he executive produced the documentary Benzino: Arch Nemesis (2004) and served as director/producer on its subsequent sequels Benzino: Arch Nemesis 2005/06. Additionally, Benzino became part of various rap groups such as The Almighty RSO, Made Men, and Wiseguys, which helped expand his overall artistic portfolio.
With his dynamic career and ventures within the entertainment world, Benzino has established an unmistakable niche within the entertainment industry through various career/business ventures, establishing him within entertainment world circles as one of its finest performers.
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Early Years for Benzino
Benzino (Raymond Leon Scott) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 18th, 1965, to Mary Scott and Edward DeJesus. His parents worked together as postal employees until his mother retired from working for USPS in 1999.
Two of Benzino’s sisters became doctors: Maureen is now practising, and Anita is a veterinarian. This formative experience had profound impacts on his music and business careers later.
Career Path
Benzino (formerly Raydog) began his music career with Almighty RSO’s 1996 release of Doomsday: Forever RSO as his initial official endeavour. This marked his official musical endeavour.
Later, they collaborated with Wiseguyson on their album “In Tha Company of Killaz” and co-founded another group called Made Men (releasing Classic Limited Edition in 1999).
His solo debut came with The Benzino Project, released in 2001, followed by three more studio albums plus “The Benzino Remix Project” in 2002.
Over time, Benzino released multiple mixtapes, such as “Die Another Day: Flawless Victory” (2003), “When Heavens Fall” with 1st 48 (2010), “Caezar” (2011) and “Blue Bag” with 1st 48 (2011) as well as various collaborations such as “The Magnificent 757’s” with Stevie J (2012) and “Welcome to Texaco City” with OJ da Juiceman (2015).
His TV appearances helped cement his place as one of the leading figures of hip hop culture, most notably “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” in which he appeared for 43 episodes, along with “Soul Train”, “RapFix Live” (2012), and “Love Goals: The Final Sessions” (2020).
Benzino gained additional media coverage due to his ongoing feud with Eminem during the early 2000s. After The Sourcerated “The Eminem Show” with only four out of five stars instead of perfect five ratings, tension rose, and Eminem accused The Source of being biased against black people and making false allegations about him being racist against other races.
Acrimonious exchanges followed, leading to both artists releasing multiple diss tracks – “Pull Your Skirt Up” by Benzino and Eminem’s “The Sauce” and “Nail in the Coffin.” Their feud concluded in 2005, and years later, Benzino admitted his mistake by acknowledging Eminem as an exceptional poet/lyricist.
Regardless of this controversy surrounding his career path – music or otherwise – Benzino continued working consistently across music and TV productions while maintaining his presence within entertainment industries worldwide.
Bio Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Raymond Leon Scott |
| Stage Name | Benzino |
| Birth Date | July 18, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Parents | Mary Scott (mother), Edward DeJesus (father) |
| Siblings | Two sisters: Maureen (doctor), Anita (veterinarian) |
| Career Start | 1980s, rose to fame in the hip-hop scene |
| Notable Albums | The Benzino Project (2001), Redemption (2003), Arch Nemesis (2005), The Antidote (2007) |
| Rap Groups | The Almighty RSO, Made Men, Wiseguys |
| Notable Business Ventures | Co-founded The Source, Benzino Recordings, ZNO Publishing, co-owned Hip Hop Weekly |
| TV Appearances | Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta (2012-2014), Marriage Boot Camp (2015-2016) |
| Film Appearances | Bloodline (2005), Baghdad (2011), Turnt (2020), Hollywood Hearts (2016) |
| Feuds | Notable diss tracks against Eminem, “Pull Your Skirt Up”, “Die Another Day” |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $400,000 |
| Business Expansion | Seafood restaurant, diversified income streams |
| Children | Daughter: Coi Leray, Sons: Zino (with Althea Heart), Chavo |
| Legal Issues | 2014 – Shot by nephew Gai Scott, 2017 – Arrested for possession of THC oil and MDMA pills |
| Controversies | Feuds with Eminem, legal issues, altercations on reality TV |
| Key Collaborations | Dave Mays, J. Prince, Suge Knight, and various artists in rap groups |
Personal Life
Benzino has often been scrutinised when discussing his personal life, especially during his appearances on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta when he dated Karlie Redd.
Later that same November 2015, he and Althea Heart welcomed Zinoin together and appeared as a couple on Marriage Boot Camp from 2015-16 before an altercation led them both to be fired from the show during its reunion special. Following their breakup, Althea filed a restraining order against Benzinoof for threats, interference, stalking and being violent toward her children.
A judge granted Althea her request by ordering him to stay 500 feet from them, with strict orders that they do not communicate or attempt any contact between themselves. In 2018, Benzino filed against his former flame but later withdrew it; their paternity suit had since been dismissed by both parties involved.
Furthermore, Coi Leray and Chavo have become successful musicians; Chavo, in particular, has released two music albums under Benzino’s label, Black Phat Records.
Unfortunately, in March 2014, Benzino was shot during his funeral by Gai Scott; Gai shot him twice, hitting both his back and shoulder area, causing irreparable harm to his back and shoulder areas, which forced his replacement as president. Gai Scott claimed it was in response to threats against their family.
In 2017, Benzinowas was arrested in Atlanta for illegal possession of THC oil and MDMA pills, receiving two years probation with a $500 fine.
Two years later, in 2019, after failing to stop at a stop sign and failing to present car insurance documents as required at another stop sign, he was issued a ticket and arrested later using profanities and racist epithets against police officers during arrest proceedings.
Spin Records and Make Millions in Business Ventures of Benzino
Benzino has demonstrated remarkable business acumen beyond his hip-hop career, making smart moves in entertainment.
Together with Dave Mays, he co-founded The Source as one of the premier voices of rap industry news; collaborated with notable figures like J Prince from Rap-a-Lot and Suge Knight from Death Row; founded ventures including Benzino Recordings and ZNO Publishing to build strong financial portfolios; even opened an independent seafood restaurant further to diversify income sources despite setbacks on national TV; ultimately amassing an estimated net worth of approximately 10 Million dollars!