Net Worth Ranker
What Is Benzino’s Net Worth?
Raymond Leon Scott, most famously known as Benzino, has carved a niche for himself across various entertainment and media sectors. His estimated net worth stands at approximately $400,000, a figure accumulated through his endeavors in music, media publishing, television appearances, and film roles. Each facet of his career has contributed to this financial standing, reflecting a diverse portfolio of income streams.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on July 18, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Mary Scott and Edward DeJesus, Benzino’s formative years were shaped by his upbringing in a working-class environment. Mary Scott, his mother, dedicated her career to the United States Postal Service before retiring in 1999. He grew up alongside his two sisters, Maureen, who pursued a career as a doctor, and Anita, who became a veterinarian. While specific details about Benzino’s early schooling and exact address are not publicly available, his roots in Boston significantly influenced his early musical aspirations. His journey into the music world began under the moniker Raydog, where he honed his skills and began to build a foundational understanding of the hip-hop industry.
Benzino’s formal entry into the music scene commenced with his involvement in the rap group Almighty RSO. The group’s release of the album “Doomsday: Forever RSO” in 1996 marked a significant milestone in his career. Concurrent to his work with Almighty RSO, Benzino also collaborated with Wiseguys, culminating in the release of the album “In Tha Company of Killaz” in the same year. These early projects were pivotal in establishing Benzino’s presence in the hip-hop community.Following his initial successes, Benzino co-founded the rap group Made Men. The group released the album “Classic Limited Edition” in 1999. These early projects set the stage for his subsequent solo career.
Solo Music Career and Album Releases
Transitioning into a solo career, Benzino launched “The Benzino Project” in 2001, marking his formal debut as a solo artist. This album was followed by “Redemption” in 2003, “Arch Nemesis” in 2005, and “The Antidote” in 2007. His solo discography also includes “The Benzino Remix Project” released in 2002. While specific sales figures for these albums are not publicly disclosed, they represent a core component of his income during this period. For instance, while pinpointing the exact royalties or sales revenue from “The Benzino Project” is challenging due to the lack of publicly available data, the album contributed significantly to his growing profile and financial standing in the early 2000s.
In addition to his studio albums, Benzino released several mixtapes, including “Die Another Day: Flawless Victory” in 2003, “When the Heavens Fall” (with 1st 48) in 2010, “Caezar” in 2011, “Blue Bag” (with 1st 48) in 2011, “The Magnificent 757’s” (with Stevie J) in 2012, “Crushed Ice” in 2013, and “Welcome to Texaco City” (with OJ da Juiceman) in 2015. Mixtapes, while often distributed for free or at a minimal cost, serve as promotional tools and can generate income through live performances and increased visibility, indirectly contributing to Benzino’s overall earnings.
Media Ventures: “The Source” and “Hip Hop Weekly”
A significant portion of Benzino’s net worth can be attributed to his involvement in the media industry, particularly through his co-ownership of “The Source” magazine. Specific financial details regarding the revenue generated during his tenure are not publicly available, but his role as co-owner and a prominent figure in the magazine undoubtedly contributed to his earnings. “The Source,” a leading hip-hop magazine, played a crucial role in shaping the culture and provided Benzino with influence and financial opportunities within the industry. After leaving “The Source”, Benzino co-owned “Hip Hop Weekly” with David Mays. Again, the precise revenue and profits from “Hip Hop Weekly” are not publicly accessible, but owning a stake in a media outlet focused on hip-hop culture further diversified Benzino’s income streams and solidified his position as a media executive.
Television Appearances and Film Roles
Benzino’s career expanded into television with his appearance on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” from 2012 to 2014. He participated in 43 episodes of the series. While the exact per-episode salary for Benzino is not publicly disclosed, reality television appearances can provide a substantial income. Industry estimates suggest that reality TV stars can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands per episode, depending on their role and the show’s popularity. Benzino’s recurring role on a successful show like “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” would have contributed significantly to his annual income during those years.
Beyond reality television, Benzino has also taken on roles in films such as “Bloodline” (2005), “Baghdad” (2011), “Turnt” (2020), and “Indictment: Who Is Jonathan Carter?” (2020). He also appeared in the TV movie “Hollywood Hearts” (2016) and the television series “Single Ladies” (2014). Additionally, he executive produced the documentary “Benzino: Arch Nemesis” (2004). Though specific salary details for these acting and producing roles are not public, such projects provide additional income and enhance his visibility in the entertainment industry.
Feud with Eminem
In 2002, Benzino’s public profile was heightened due to a high-profile feud with Eminem. The dispute began when “The Source” rated Eminem’s album “The Eminem Show” four out of five mics, a rating Eminem felt was unjust. He attributed the rating to racial bias on the part of Benzino, then co-owner of the magazine. Although the feud did not directly result in a quantifiable financial gain or loss, it increased Benzino’s visibility and marketability within the hip-hop landscape, leading to increased media attention and public interest in his music and other ventures. The back-and-forth diss tracks, including Benzino’s “Pull Your Skirt Up” and “Die Another Day,” and Eminem’s “The Sauce” and “Nail in the Coffin,” were widely publicized and discussed, contributing to Benzino’s notoriety. In 2005, the feud ended.
Personal Life and Relationships
Benzino’s personal life, often intertwined with his public persona, has also influenced his career and financial trajectory. His relationship with Karlie Redd, a fellow cast member on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” brought additional media attention. He has a son, Zino, born in November 2015, with his ex-girlfriend Althea Heart. Benzino and Heart appeared on the reality television series “Marriage Boot Camp” from 2015 to 2016. This appearance, like his time on “Love & Hip Hop”, contributed to his income. Althea was a cast member on “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” after she began dating Benzino, and he proposed to her on the show. After the couple had an altercation with two other cast members during a reunion special and Benzino later allegedly threatened one of the producers, they were fired from the show. After Benzino and Heart split up, Althea filed a restraining order against Benzino, saying that he had “threatened her, prevented her from calling for help, held her against her will, stalked her and was violent before her children.” Benzino was ordered to stay at least 500 feet from Heart, and a judge told Althea not to communicate with the rapper; she was sentenced to 10 days in jail after she confronted Benzino outside the court. Benzino then filed a paternity suit against Althea, but it was dismissed in early 2018 after he failed to show up to court.
Benzino also has an adult daughter named Coi Leray and a son named Chavo, who are both involved in the music industry. While the specific financial arrangements and support provided to his children are private, family relationships and obligations often play a role in an individual’s financial planning and resource allocation.
Legal Issues and Financial Implications
In March 2014, Benzino was shot in the back and shoulder by his nephew, Gai Scott, at his mother’s funeral in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Gai Scott stated he shot his cousin to protect his family, stating, “I was in fear for my wife and a baby. He’s been threatening my life.” While the shooting itself did not directly impact his net worth in a quantifiable way, the resulting media attention and potential legal costs may have had indirect financial implications. In January 2017, Benzino faced legal issues when he was charged with felony possession after police officers found THC oil gummies and MDMA pills in his Atlanta apartment. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years’ probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine. Legal issues such as these can incur legal fees and potential losses of income. In April 2019, Benzino was stopped by a police officer in Georgia for failing to stop at a stop sign. The officer discovered that the vehicle’s owner had not renewed the car insurance policy, so he had the car towed and cited Benzino for driving an uninsured vehicle. After he missed a court appearance related to the citation, he was arrested in June 2019, and he reportedly hurled profanities and racial slurs toward the arresting officers. These legal issues further highlight the challenges and potential financial burdens associated with legal entanglements.
