Today is Benzino's 53rd birthday.

The famed music executive, born Raymond Scott, is responsible for co-founding The Source magazine in 1988 with longtime friend Dave Mays during their time at Harvard University. Originally published as a one-sheet, The Source was the hip-hop plug to the hottest rap music and rappers on the rise—their coveted "Unsigned Hype" column covered several rappers who have gone on to reach legendary status, including DMX, Capone-N-Noreaga and, most notably, The Notorious B.I.G.

Benzino also rapped, dropping four solo albums over the course of his career, including Redemption, The Benzino Project and Arch Nemesis. All three charted on the Billboard 200, with Redemption peaking at No. 65. During that time, he also formed the group Made Men with Cool Gsus and Antonio Twice Thou. The group dropped Classic Limited Edition in 1999, coming in at No. 61 on the Billboard 200 and an impressive No. 9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Undoubtedly one of his biggest tracks was "Booty," which saw a fire remix with G Dep and Fabolous. He also saw success with "Rock the Party," which peaked at No. 86 on the Billboard 100 in 2002. Benzino also starred on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta for some time.

The rapper-exec has had a few hangups throughout the years, but at the end of the day will always be remembered as being one of the first in the industry to look out for the artists we've grown to know and love.

Happy Birthday, Benzino!

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