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Known to the general public as one of the founding fathers of The Source magazine, dubbed the Bible of hip-hop, Benzino's contribution to the urban music industry exceeds the spheres of influence of many of the genre's entrepreneurs.
Raymond E. Scott was born to Edward DeJesus and Mary A. Scott on July 18, 1965, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Mary Scott was employed by Travelers, the Mass Pike, and the Postal Service before retiring in 1999. In addition, Scott's father, Edward DeJesus, was considered a person of interest by Boston city authorities for activities that might compromise authoritarian law and regulation. Growing up, Scott was exposed to the environment of the most degenerate section of the city of Boston, which led him to perceive more conventional ways of living a lavish lifestyle.
Interacting with like-minded peers, Scott glimpsed the opportunity to take part in the urban music revolution of the late 1980s. In time, Scott formed a hip-hop group known as The Almighty RSO (definitions of "RSO" have varied, from "Rock Shit On" to "Raymond Scott Organization"). Scott's intention for the group was based on the fact that each individual hailed from a different Boston neighborhood. The group consisted of members Ray Dog (the original moniker Scott had adopted before becoming known as Benzino), Marco Antonio Ennis (also known as "Twice Thou"), Tony Rhome, DJ Deff Jeff, E-Devious, as well as the late Rodney "MC Rock" Pitts. The group became known as one of the first of its kind to record Gangsta Rap music. The group released its single "We're Notorious" in 1988.
Alongside the creation of his group, Scott struck up a friendship with David Mays from Washington D.C., a student at Harvard University. Mays came from a good background, but admired urban music and culture. Mays, fascinated by the genre, saw the Harvard institution as a platform to celebrate the genre, while during his time as a student, he had launched a radio show that showcased urban artists. Being based in the same city as Harvard University, Mays saw The Almighty RSO's invitation to the radio station as an opportunity for the band to grow. Since then, Mays and Scott have developed their friendship. Mays also launched a one-page newsletter for Harvard students to keep them informed about what's happening in the genre in terms of artists and news.
The Almighty RSO signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1991, after the death of former band member Rodney Pitts. The group released their Revenge of Da Badd Boyz EP on September 27, 1994 on RCA Records, managing to enter the R&B/Hip Hop Charts top 100 albums chart. The group became embroiled in public perception with the release of their single "One In The Chamba", which led to a boycott and action against the group by the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, accused of creating discord and encouraging unrest among Boston youth, who accused the authorities of harassment and unwarranted police brutality. As a result, the record company, bowing to pressure from the federal government, released the band from its recording contract. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
