LUDIC LOG

"Raymond Scott, aka Benzino, has indeed been a business partner and close friend to THE SOURCE co-founder Dave Mays for a long time, and throughout the years, Dave has supported his music. But don't get it twisted; Benzino and THE SOURCE are not interchangeable. THE SOURCE has always made it a point to keep Benzino's music career and the magazine business from interfering with each other." -- from an editorial in the January 2003 issue of THE SOURCE.

From THE SOURCE March 2003 issue, p. 28: Benzino is listed under his government name as "Co-Founder and Cheif Brand Executive". Typo in the original.

p. 42: Two-page ad for Azzure Denim, featuring Benzino as a model.

p. 47: mention in the "Say Word" section of a Big Pun tribute tour featuring Benzino's son Ray Ray.

p. 54: "Ear Street" section interview with Baby featuring two questions about Benzino and Irv Gotti.

p. 112: Subscription card for THE SOURCE features cover of past issue with prominent mention of Benzino.

p. 113: Interview with Canibus, featuring several mentions of Benzino.

p. 130: Article on New York's alleged 'hip-hop police task force' mentions recent raid on the offices of Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti. It is noted that Irv Gotti produced recent tracks by, among other people, Benzino.

p. 135: Cover story, "The Power in Numbers", a round-table discussion of hip-hop under attack and the future of rap music. One of the panel members is Benzino.

p. 136: Most of this and the next page are devoted to comments by Benzino. Several of the comments are about Eminem, who recently had mad beef with Benzino but unfortunately is not the co-owner of the world's leading hip-hop magazine. Benzino: "It's not personally about Eminem". Benzino mentions Eminem four times in a single paragraph.

p. 137: large photograph of Benzino at the round-table discussion.

p. 140: sidebar article on racial profiling by James Prince mentions Benzino and Irv Gotti.

p. 142: another round table discussion with the Source's editorial board, including associate music editor Irv Gotti. He mentions Benzino.

p. 146: Two-page feature article on the collaboration single "Would You", by Lisa Raye and Benzino. 'Article' consists of full-page photograph of Lisa Raye and Benzino and full-page article of Benzino interviewing Lisa Raye about the single "Would You" by Lisa Raye and Benzino.

p. 158: Fashion spread features full-page photo of Benzino.

pp. 173-184: Record reviews feature mentions of the single "Would You" by Lisa Raye and Benzino, upcoming collaboration between Irv Gotti and Benzino, and Benzino Presents Round 3 -- Die Another Day, a mixtape released by Benzino. All the reviews are positive.

p. 178: sidebar on the Boston hip-hop scene mentions Benzino.

p. 189: Full-page ad for Benzino's current album, Redemption. Oddly enough, this ad is not listed in the advertiser index. With the purchase of the CD, you get a free 6-month subscription to THE SOURCE.

p. 199: Full-page ad for Club Z-No South Beach, "the sexiest hip-hop club in Miami", which is owned by Benzino. Oddly enough, this ad is also not listed in the advertiser index.

p. 202: "Coast 2 Coast" section, featuring celebrity party and event photographs, features large snapshot of Benzino hanging out with boxer Vernon Forrest.

p. 204: Benzino is a clue in the crossword puzzle.