What Is Benzino's Net Worth?
Benzino is an American rapper, hip-hop media executive, TV personality, and record producer who has a net worth of $400 thousand. He has earned his net worth through his prolific career in music and publishing. Notably, Benzino was featured on the VH1 reality show 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta' from 2012 to 2014. He has also released the solo albums 'The Benzino Project' (2001), 'Redemption' (2003), 'Arch Nemesis' (2005), and 'The Antidote' (2007).
Beyond solo endeavors, Benzino produced albums with The Almighty RSO, Made Men, and Wiseguys. He co-owned influential magazines 'The Source' and 'Hip Hop Weekly' with David Mays. His acting career includes appearances in films like 'Bloodline' (2005), 'Baghdad' (2011), 'Turnt' (2020), and 'Indictment: Who Is Jonathan Carter?' (2020). He also featured in the TV series 'Single Ladies' (2014) and executive produced the documentary 'Benzino: Arch Nemesis' (2004).
Early Life
Benzino, born Raymond Leon Scott on July 18, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, is the son of Mary Scott and Edward DeJesus. His mother, Mary, worked for the United States Postal Service until her retirement in 1999. He has two sisters, Maureen, a doctor, and Anita, a veterinarian.
Career
Initially known as Raydog, Benzino began his music career with the rap group Almighty RSO, releasing the album 'Doomsday: Forever RSO' in 1996. In the same year, he released 'In Tha Company of Killaz' with Wiseguys. He co-founded the rap group Made Men, releasing 'Classic Limited Edition' in 1999, before launching his solo career with 'The Benzino Project' in 2001. His solo discography includes four studio albums and 'The Benzino Remix Project' (2002).
He also released mixtapes such as 'Die Another Day: Flawless Victory' (2003), 'When the Heavens Fall' (with 1st 48, 2010), 'Caezar' (2011), 'Blue Bag' (with 1st 48, 2011), 'The Magnificent 757's' (with Stevie J, 2012), 'Crushed Ice' (2013), and 'Welcome to Texaco City' (with OJ da Juiceman, 2015). From 2012 to 2014, Benzino was a cast member on 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,' appearing in 43 episodes.
In 2002, Benzino gained further attention after a public feud with fellow rapper Eminem, whom he referred to as '2003 Vanilla Ice.' The feud began when 'The Source' rated Eminem's album 'The Eminem Show' four out of five mics, which Eminem believed deserved a higher rating. This led to a series of diss tracks between the two rappers. The feud ended in 2005, and in 2012, Benzino publicly acknowledged that he was wrong.
Personal Life
Benzino dated his 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta' co-star Karlie Redd. He shares a son, Zino (born November 2015), with his ex-girlfriend Althea Heart. The couple appeared on 'Marriage Boot Camp' from 2015 to 2016. They were both cast members of 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,' where Benzino proposed to Althea.
However, the relationship ended tumultuously, leading to a restraining order against Benzino after accusations of threats and violence from Althea. Benzino also has an adult daughter named Coi Leray and a son named Chavo, both involved in the music industry.
In March 2014, Benzino survived a shooting incident perpetrated by his nephew, Gai Scott, during his mother's funeral. Gai claimed he shot Benzino out of fear for his family's safety.
Legal troubles have also shadowed Benzino. In January 2017, he faced felony charges for possession of THC oil gummies and MDMA pills, leading to two years' probation and a fine. In April 2019, Benzino was cited for driving an uninsured vehicle and later arrested for missing the related court date. During the arrest, he reportedly directed profanities and racial slurs at the officers.