Benzino Reveals The True Story Behind Denying Eminem His Deserved Five-Mic Review

In a candid confession that sheds light on a historic hip-hop feud, Benzino, a prominent Boston rapper and co-founder of The Source, has unveiled the true story behind denying Eminem a coveted five-mic review in the pages of the revered magazine during their intense rivalry in the early 2000s.

The revelation came during Benzino’s recent appearance on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast, where he opened up about his actions that prevented “The Eminem Show” from securing The Source’s esteemed rating.

Benzino reminisced about his position as a top-tier figure in the hip-hop industry during an era when financial success was relatively scarce. With a commanding presence in a nearly $75 million empire, he held sway over industry titans like Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, and Steve Stoute. Benzino’s financial ascendancy allowed him to exercise his influence and shape the course of hip-hop history.

During this turbulent period, Eminem and Benzino found themselves engaged in a fierce lyrical confrontation, fueling a series of diss tracks aimed at each other. The crux of the issue lay in The Source’s review of Eminem’s “The Eminem Show,” which had received a four-mic rating. The stage was set for Benzino’s revelation as he explained the rationale behind his controversial decision to withhold a five-mic review from Eminem.

Benzino candidly explained that by the time the Eminem feud had escalated to The Source’s pages, the situation had become increasingly disrespectful. In light of the ongoing clash, Benzino questioned the appropriateness of granting Eminem the magazine’s highest rating. He likened it to a personal dilemma, asking listeners to imagine themselves in a similar predicament.

In his own words, Benzino expressed, “I was the top of my muthafuckin’ food chain. Even Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, all these n***as, Steve Stoute, and everybody, they all had to answer to somebody. I was the top of a damn near $75 million company when n***as wasn’t getting money like that. I got that big money first, and I was the top of that.”

He continued: “So when the Eminem thing came through The Source, at this point it’s getting disrespectful. So how the fuck am I gonna have this n***a in my magazine? Would you?“ You’re not gonna put nobody in your magazine to give this n***a five mics after this n***as being disrespectful. You wouldn’t do it, man. Nobody would.”

His stance on maintaining a degree of integrity amidst the conflict provides insight into his motivations, revealing the complexity of the feud and his commitment to his own principles.