Raymond Leon Scott, known as Benzino, has spent decades at the intersection of hip-hop culture, media influence and reality TV drama. From his rise in Boston’s rap scene to his role as a co-owner of The Source magazine during its most iconic years, Benzino has played both star and tastemaker.
As conversations about hip-hop history keep resurfacing online, Benzino’s name continues to trend. Whether people are revisiting his feud with Eminem, discussing his influence on music journalism or reacting to his 2024 apology on Drink Champs, he remains a figure people can’t stop debating. His career highs once aligned with major media power and strong revenue streams, but the setbacks that followed shifted the financial picture dramatically. Still, his imprint on the culture is impossible to deny.
Before breaking down how Benzino made and lost millions, it helps to understand where his journey began. Here’s a deep dive into the life that lead to his trailblazing career.
What is Benzino famous for?
Long before the headlines, feuds or reality TV cameras, Benzino was carving out a name in Boston’s underground hip-hop scene. He launched his professional career in the mid-1990s as a rapper and producer with Almighty RSO, a group rooted in the city’s street culture. Their music introduced him to regional audiences, and his presence in the group evolved into leadership roles. Later, Benzino formed Made Men, another Boston-based rap collective that built loyal local traction. This era solidified his identity as an artist and a cultural connector.
As his reputation grew, Benzino began releasing solo albums. The Benzino Project, Redemption, Arch Nemesis, The Antidote and various mixtapes showcased his lyrical style and collaborative spirit. He often worked with producers and artists like Wiseguys, Stevie J, 1st 48, and other members of his inner Boston circle. His music alone didn’t make him a household name, but it opened the door to his most influential move: media ownership.
In the late 1990s, Benzino partnered with David Mays to run The Source magazine. This is a move that shifted his public identity from rapper to industry gatekeeper. The Source became one of hip-hop’s most powerful publications, famous for its coveted “mic” rating system and its ability to define cultural moments. Benzino’s editorial reach positioned him at the center of rap commentary, shaping which artists earned spotlight and how albums were received. He also co-founded Hip Hop Weekly, further cementing his influence in music journalism.
Benzino’s fame took another leap when he joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta in 2012. The VH1 series exposed him to mainstream audiences who may not have known about his music or media background. His relationship with Althea Heart, his friendships and conflicts with Stevie J, and his high-profile moments on the show made him a reality TV fixture. By the mid-2010s, he had transitioned into a cultural personality recognized far beyond his rap origins.
Does Benzino own ‘The Source’?
Benzino co-owned The Source magazine, a critical hip-hop publication of the 1990s and early 2000s. He and David Mays shared ownership and editorial control, allowing Benzino’s net worth to increase considerably. The magazine’s influence elevated his status, but it also drew controversy. Benzino lost notoriety during his feud with Eminem when the rapper accused The Source of bias.
Today, he does not independently own The Source. Over time industry changes and business shifts diluted his stake, and the magazine no longer operates under his leadership.
How did Benzino lose his money?
Benzino’s financial fortunes dwindled due to a combination of business setbacks, public disputes and media fallout. He lost control of The Source as business disagreements pushed him out, including tensions tied to his highly publicized feud with Eminem. The publicity surrounding that feud damaged Benzino’s net worth as well as his brand and business relationships. As the magazine’s influence faded, so did advertising revenue and cultural relevance. Moreover, his exit from Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, which came after a violent fight between his then fiancée Althea and Joseline Hernandez, cut off his reality TV income streams. These setbacks compounded over time, eroding Benzino’s net worth and earnings.
Did he apologize to Eminem?
In February 2024, Benzino delivered a tearful apology on Drink Champs. He clarified that he did not “hate” Eminem and cried while explaining that Eminem “is not a bad person and he has a place in Hip Hop”. During that emotional conversation, he admitted the feud caused lasting harm, especially to his relationship with his daughter, Coi Leray.
Why did Benzino and Althea leave ‘Love and Hip Hop’?
Benzino and his fiancée at the time, Althea Heart, exited Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta after a violent confrontation aired during a reunion special. Althea engaged in a physical fight with Joseline Hernandez. The producers filmed the altercation and chose to side with Joseline and Stevie J, resulting in Benzino and Althea being fired from the show. This dramatic departure ended their reality TV tenure, cutting off the steady exposure and income they had been relying on in the early 2010s.
What is Benzino’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Benzino’s net worth amounts to approximately $400,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That figure stems from the estimate and reflects his earnings from music, publishing and TV, adjusted for lost business and media setbacks. While he once raked in substantial income from active roles in The Source, record sales, and reality TV, those revenue streams have long eroded. The estimate of Benzino’s net worth remains modest today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nationality is Benzino?
Benzino is American. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and he holds United States nationality.
How long have Eminem and Benzino been beefing?
Their feud began in the early 2000s, when The Source rated The Eminem Show four out of five mics and Eminem accused Benzino and the magazine of racial bias. That sparked a years-long rap battle and public conflict. In 2024, Benzino added that he had been feuding with Eminem for nearly 25 years.
Does Benzino have children?
Yes. He is the father of rapper Coi Leray, who has built her own successful career in the industry. Despite ups and downs in their relationship, Benzino has expressed pride in her accomplishments.