Reality Rebirth: 10 Things To Know About Benzino [Photos]

Raymond “Benzino” Scott is a jack of all trades, and by “all” we mean music and reality TV.  Benzy has kept himself in the music mix all these years, first by co-founding The Source magazine in 1988 and later when Mona Scott Young gave him a gig on Love & Hip Hop: Atlantaa.

Reality TV has obviously added another 15 minutes or so, to his career time clock and he’s taking full advantage. This season, the world of Zino involves him moving away from a co-star to a main character. He gets pretty regular air time nowadays, especially after he was shot by his nephew at his mother’s funeral last year.

No matter how tragic the situation appeared, there are no boundaries with reality T.V. cameras and ratings. As such, on last night’s (June 30) episode, we watched Zino continue with his portrayal of a terrible actor. Even with a bullet in his arm, it’s hard to feel sorry for a guy like him. Something seems inauthentic, but again, that’s what reality T.V. is all about.

Then there’s that other part of Zino’s story, the one that involves The Source Magazine. He was forced out of the company after sexual harassment allegations, and stirring up trouble to entice advertisers didn’t quite work in his favor.

Check out 10 other things to know about him in the gallery.

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Photos: Instagram

He Used To Rock Struggle Braids

This should come as no surprise. Everybody was doing it.

He Launched The Source At Harvard

Dorms tend to turn big ideas into a reality. Def Jam, Facebook, and The Source all launched in the confines of a college boarding room.

He Called Eminem “Vanilla Ice” Once

No disrespect to Rob Van Winkel, but likening a White rapper to Vanilla Ice (or any rapper for that matter) is a pretty serious diss. Zino threw said slander at Eminem in 2003, back when they were beefing.

It’s a shame that Em didn’t go on to be one of the biggest names in the game. Oh wait….

He Released Albums (Yes, As In Plural)

Zino got his start in rap groups before he went out as a solo artist. His first album came out 2001, and the last in 2007. You may remember his single “Rock The Party” from 2005.

He & Amber Rose Aren’t So Different

These too aren’t related, yet they share cultural roots. Both of their mothers are from Cape Verde, an island off the coast of West Africa.

He Likes His Figure

No matter how old he gets, Zino will always prioritize enough time for nude selfies.  Also, he could’ve cleaned up that bathroom.

His Family Troubles Run Deep

Besides getting shot by his nephew, Zino has been in the news for (allegedly) not helping his mother out of debt before her passing. Her home reportedly went into foreclosure at one point.

His Bank Account Is Fat?

Zino is worth somewhere between $5 and $10 million.

We all know how well Twitter love works out.

He’s A Single Dad

Benzino is a father to three. Hopefully they don’t watch Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.