https://simplecast.com Benzino, also known as Raymond Scott or Ray Benzino, is a rapper, record producer, television personality, and urban media proprietor. He first gained recognition as a member of the rap group Almighty RSO in the 1980s and 1990s. Later, he collaborated with Mr. Gzus and Antonio Twice Thou to form the group Made Men. Benzino has cited the film Wild Style as one of his main inspirations for entering the rap genre. As a founding member of both Almighty RSO and Made Men, he played a significant role in shaping early East Coast hip-hop. Since 2012, Benzino has appeared on the reality television show Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. Benzino also co-owned The Source magazine with David Mays in the late 1990s. The Source is an American music magazine and website specializing in hip-hop and entertainment. It was founded in August 1988 by Harvard University students David Mays and Jonathan Shecter, initially as a black-and-white, one-page newspaper promoting their college radio show. Within months, it evolved into a professionally designed, full-color magazine. Dubbed “the bible of hip-hop,” The Source primarily focused on hip-hop music and culture, while also covering politics and fashion. Its music reviews were highly influential in the hip-hop community, with the coveted “five mics” rating regarded as a significant achievement. These ratings frequently sparked heated debates among artists and fans alike. en Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:30:00 +0000 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:30:11 +0000 https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/96b53e67-fd3a-4fc8-8813-b800a33897a8/564c223c-e45c-44e2-b0d0-d1d156c32d24/3000x3000/podcast_image.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com episodic Benzino, also known as Raymond Scott or Ray Benzino, is a rapper, record producer, television personality, and urban media proprietor. He first gained recognition as a member of the rap group Almighty RSO in the 1980s and 1990s. Later, he collaborated with Mr. Gzus and Antonio Twice Thou to form the group Made Men. Benzino has cited the film Wild Style as one of his main inspirations for entering the rap genre. As a founding member of both Almighty RSO and Made Men, he played a significant role in shaping early East Coast hip-hop. Since 2012, Benzino has appeared on the reality television show Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. Benzino also co-owned The Source magazine with David Mays in the late 1990s. The Source is an American music magazine and website specializing in hip-hop and entertainment. It was founded in August 1988 by Harvard University students David Mays and Jonathan Shecter, initially as a black-and-white, one-page newspaper promoting their college radio show. Within months, it evolved into a professionally designed, full-color magazine. Dubbed “the bible of hip-hop,” The Source primarily focused on hip-hop music and culture, while also covering politics and fashion. Its music reviews were highly influential in the hip-hop community, with the coveted “five mics” rating regarded as a significant achievement. These ratings frequently sparked heated debates among artists and fans alike. Benzino false https://feeds.simplecast.com/WqQewoAn Benzino Booking@podgo.io a8028bfd-5f8e-40c9-b45d-f43b8836593b Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:30:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Benzino) https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/straight-from-the-source-episode-6-benzino-dives-into-the-heartbreak-and-raw-reality-of-the-streets-covering-the-tragic-murder-trial-of-19-year-old-karmelo-anthony-chikei-rick-chow-walks-free-uPXF2ICl Straight From the Source - Episode 6 - Benzino dives into the heartbreak and raw reality of the streets, covering the tragic murder trial of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony. Chikei Rick Chow walks free. Benzino 00:47:11 Straight From The Source Episode 6—this one hits heavy. Benzino dives into the heartbreak and raw reality of the streets, covering the tragic murder trial of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony. The courtroom drama kicked off June 1 in Collin County and ended with a guilty verdict for murder on June 9—a life changed forever. In another twist, Chikei Rick Chow walks free after a South Carolina jury finds him not guilty in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. But it’s not all pain—Benzino keeps it hip-hop with wild updates: Stephen A. Smith calling out President Trump for a debate, a little Source Awards throwback with Tupac, and classic moments from Source Magazine history. It’s real, it’s tragic, and it’s all straight from the culture. Don’t miss this episode. Straight From The Source Episode 6—this one hits heavy. Benzino dives into the heartbreak and raw reality of the streets, covering the tragic murder trial of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony. The courtroom drama kicked off June 1 in Collin County and ended with a guilty verdict for murder on June 9—a life changed forever. In another twist, Chikei Rick Chow walks free after a South Carolina jury finds him not guilty in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. But it’s not all pain—Benzino keeps it hip-hop with wild updates: Stephen A. Smith calling out President Trump for a debate, a little Source Awards throwback with Tupac, and classic moments from Source Magazine history. It’s real, it’s tragic, and it’s all straight from the culture. Don’t miss this episode. false full 6 1cfaae37-0a31-4b4c-86fd-d8871db532e6 Mon, 1 Jun 2026 17:43:55 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Benzino) https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/straight-from-the-source-episode-5-ray-j-knocked-out-drake-breaking-michael-jacksons-1-hit-record-and-more-lo9gP1Fs Straight From the Source - Episode 5 - Ray J Knocked Out - Drake Breaking Michael Jackson's #1 Hit Record and More! Benzino 01:05:31 Yo, tap in for Episode 5 of Straight From the Source! Benzino’s got the streets buzzing as he breaks down the wildest headlines in hip-hop and culture. First up—Ray J gets rocked in the MMA ring by Supa Hot Fire, and the internet can’t stop talking. Then, witness history as Drake dethrones the King of Pop, breaking Michael Jackson’s record for the most No. 1s by a solo male artist—Janice STFU’s debut sets the scene! But that’s not all. Benzino’s bringing the heat with the raw truth about Kevin Hart’s outrageous roast and Tony Hinchcliffe’s straight-up disrespectful George Floyd joke. Plus, we’re putting a spotlight on Black women making moves in Hollywood, saluting legends like Vivica Fox and Big Daddy Kane, and even catching DJ Khaled in the crossfire after Drake drops a diss in his latest track. You don’t wanna miss this episode—hip-hop, controversy, and real talk, straight from the source. Lock in! Tune in for Episode 5 of Straight From the Source, where Benzino dives deep into the controversy surrounding singer and actor Ray J’s knockout loss in his MMA bout against Supa Hot Fire. The episode also covers Drake’s historic achievement in surpassing Michael Jackson’s record for the most No. 1 hits by a solo male artist, as Janice STFU debuts. Benzino doesn’t shy away from addressing the shameful moments, including Kevin Hart’s infamous roast and comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s insulting George Floyd joke. Plus, stay tuned for more hot topics: the challenges Black women face in Hollywood, highlights featuring Vivica Fox and Big Daddy Kane, and DJ Khaled getting dissed by Drake in one of his latest tracks. Don’t miss this episode packed with controversy, culture, and candid commentary—Straight From the Source! Yo, tap in for Episode 5 of Straight From the Source! Benzino’s got the streets buzzing as he breaks down the wildest headlines in hip-hop and culture. First up—Ray J gets rocked in the MMA ring by Supa Hot Fire, and the internet can’t stop talking. Then, witness history as Drake dethrones the King of Pop, breaking Michael Jackson’s record for the most No. 1s by a solo male artist—Janice STFU’s debut sets the scene! But that’s not all. Benzino’s bringing the heat with the raw truth about Kevin Hart’s outrageous roast and Tony Hinchcliffe’s straight-up disrespectful George Floyd joke. Plus, we’re putting a spotlight on Black women making moves in Hollywood, saluting legends like Vivica Fox and Big Daddy Kane, and even catching DJ Khaled in the crossfire after Drake drops a diss in his latest track. You don’t wanna miss this episode—hip-hop, controversy, and real talk, straight from the source. Lock in! Tune in for Episode 5 of Straight From the Source, where Benzino dives deep into the controversy surrounding singer and actor Ray J’s knockout loss in his MMA bout against Supa Hot Fire. The episode also covers Drake’s historic achievement in surpassing Michael Jackson’s record for the most No. 1 hits by a solo male artist, as Janice STFU debuts. Benzino doesn’t shy away from addressing the shameful moments, including Kevin Hart’s infamous roast and comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s insulting George Floyd joke. Plus, stay tuned for more hot topics: the challenges Black women face in Hollywood, highlights featuring Vivica Fox and Big Daddy Kane, and DJ Khaled getting dissed by Drake in one of his latest tracks. Don’t miss this episode packed with controversy, culture, and candid commentary—Straight From the Source! false full 5 fd054742-d9aa-4b55-972c-46dc19925e2a Fri, 29 May 2026 07:30:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Benzino) https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/straight-from-the-source-episode-4-the-life-and-times-in-miami-florida-lbahksI6 Straight From the Source Episode 4 - The Life and Times in Miami, Florida Benzino 00:45:05 Get ready for an unforgettable ride in episode 4 of Straight From the Source! This time, Benzino pulls back the curtain on the wild, star-studded nights when he brought the legendary Source Awards to Miami, Florida. Hear the untold stories of battling racial profiling and breaking barriers in Miami Beach, all while running a club so hot it became a magnet for the world’s biggest icons—think Mike Tyson, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, and a parade of A-list celebrities. Packed with jaw-dropping moments, behind-the-scenes drama, and raw honesty, this episode is pure can’t-miss TV. Don’t just hear about hip-hop history—experience it straight from the source! Get ready for an unforgettable ride in episode 4 of Straight From the Source! This time, Benzino pulls back the curtain on the wild, star-studded nights when he brought the legendary Source Awards to Miami, Florida. Hear the untold stories of battling racial profiling and breaking barriers in Miami Beach, all while running a club so hot it became a magnet for the world’s biggest icons—think Mike Tyson, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, and a parade of A-list celebrities. Packed with jaw-dropping moments, behind-the-scenes drama, and raw honesty, this episode is pure can’t-miss TV. Don’t just hear about hip-hop history—experience it straight from the source! false full 4 12d9fbe0-e34d-47b9-81e0-f7d3870d7f83 Thu, 21 May 2026 18:42:15 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Benzino) https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/straight-from-the-source-episode-3-XdG7gtfS Straight From the Source Episode 3 Benzino 00:45:43 Episode 3 Recap: Straight From the Source Episode 3 of “Straight From the Source” is packed with jaw-dropping revelations and untold stories. Benzino kicks things off with exclusive insights into the explosive Julio Foolio verdict, unpacking the high-stakes courtroom drama where a Tampa jury handed down life sentences to Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy for the shocking murder of the rising rapper. But the episode doesn’t stop at headline news. Benzino takes listeners on a wild ride down memory lane, recounting his once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the legendary Michael Jackson and how he teamed up with super-producer Teddy Riley to work on an album for the King of Pop. These behind-the-scenes stories offer a rare glimpse into music history. Hot topics keep coming as Benzino weighs in on Drake’s audacious move to release three albums at once, dissecting whether the hype matches the substance. He also exposes the truth behind the social media frenzy over the sky-high prices of the Audemars Piguet (AP) Watch, questioning whether the luxury watch lives up to its legend. To top it all off, Benzino drops the curtain on his own journey into reality TV, sharing how he made his unforgettable entrance as a cast member on “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving raw stories, industry secrets, and unfiltered opinions straight from Benzino himself. Episode 3 Recap: Straight From the Source Episode 3 of “Straight From the Source” is packed with jaw-dropping revelations and untold stories. Benzino kicks things off with exclusive insights into the explosive Julio Foolio verdict, unpacking the high-stakes courtroom drama where a Tampa jury handed down life sentences to Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy for the shocking murder of the rising rapper. But the episode doesn’t stop at headline news. Benzino takes listeners on a wild ride down memory lane, recounting his once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the legendary Michael Jackson and how he teamed up with super-producer Teddy Riley to work on an album for the King of Pop. These behind-the-scenes stories offer a rare glimpse into music history. Hot topics keep coming as Benzino weighs in on Drake’s audacious move to release three albums at once, dissecting whether the hype matches the substance. He also exposes the truth behind the social media frenzy over the sky-high prices of the Audemars Piguet (AP) Watch, questioning whether the luxury watch lives up to its legend. To top it all off, Benzino drops the curtain on his own journey into reality TV, sharing how he made his unforgettable entrance as a cast member on “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving raw stories, industry secrets, and unfiltered opinions straight from Benzino himself. false full 3 f1251ea7-c18e-4db0-a556-f6b29ce9ff3c Tue, 19 May 2026 19:30:00 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Benzino) https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/straight-from-the-source-episode-2-EP2I9Faf Straight from the Source -Episode 2 Benzino 00:49:22 Episode 2: Straight from the Source Get ready for a wild ride in this episode! Benzino dives deep into his roots after taking a saliva test and sending it out to Ancestry.com, unearthing a truly electrifying mix of African, Irish, and Jewish ancestry. The stakes get even more interesting with a raw, no-holds-barred coverage of Big Banks' interview with Tekashi 69, pulling back the curtain on the rapper’s chaotic world. And that's not all—tensions explode as the simmering feud between Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane takes center stage, shaking up the hip-hop scene like never before. Episode 2: Straight from the Source Get ready for a wild ride in this episode! Benzino dives deep into his roots after taking a saliva test and sending it out to Ancestry.com, unearthing a truly electrifying mix of African, Irish, and Jewish ancestry. The stakes get even more interesting with a raw, no-holds-barred coverage of Big Banks' interview with Tekashi 69, pulling back the curtain on the rapper’s chaotic world. And that's not all—tensions explode as the simmering feud between Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane takes center stage, shaking up the hip-hop scene like never before. false full 2 c9327bbb-52bd-4d7d-9011-e8b50248aa01 Fri, 15 May 2026 11:14:16 +0000 Booking@podgo.io (Benzino) https://straight-from-the-source-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/straight-from-the-source-episode-1-benzino-LZ2_0_QX Straight From The Source Episode 1 - Benzino Benzino 00:43:41 In the premiere episode of Straight From the Source, Benzino bursts onto the mic with passion, purpose, and a powerful message. Stepping boldly into the world of podcasting, he makes it clear that the culture is craving a voice rooted in wisdom, authenticity, and real-life experience. With fearless honesty, Benzino brings a fresh perspective to hip-hop while standing firm in his truth—staying real, staying Black, and speaking unapologetically in a time when that voice matters more than ever. In the premiere episode of Straight From the Source, Benzino bursts onto the mic with passion, purpose, and a powerful message. Stepping boldly into the world of podcasting, he makes it clear that the culture is craving a voice rooted in wisdom, authenticity, and real-life experience. With fearless honesty, Benzino brings a fresh perspective to hip-hop while standing firm in his truth—staying real, staying Black, and speaking unapologetically in a time when that voice matters more than ever. false full 1