Exclusive: Benzino Thinks The Internet Is Killing Hip-Hop

With a recent influx of online rap wars, former Source magazine big wig and current Hip-Hop Weekly publisher Raymond "Benzino" Scott to talk about his thoughts on the Internet's impact on the industry.

Speaking on the net's role in such battles as the YouTube war between Soulja Boy and Ice-T and the 50 Cent and Young Buck taped conversation, Zino believes these actions are hurting the state of hip-hop.

"I think people use it irresponsibly - artists as well as consumers" he said. "Their intention starts getting off the music."

Zino thinks the main problem stems from the anonymous users making controversial statements and not showing their actual image or age.

"The Internet is something that nobody knows who anybody is," he argued. "People that answer blogs [and] people that comment, I mean, nobody really knows who these people are. Everybody can have an opinion, but if you have an opinion, stand by it. Put your face out there. Let it be known who you are."

Yet the ex co-owner of Source did admit the net can offer a positive impact if used properly.

“It’s really about people understanding that [it] can be used to further your career independently, to help promote your career without having to pay all this money to the [record labels],” he added. “If used right, it could be a great tool, but people use it wrong.”

In related news, Benzino, the rapper, is prepping an upcoming album. The Boston native, who is more well known for his skills in the magazine world, feels as if his rap abilities have grown much grown stronger in recent times.

“I stepped my shit up 100 percent, lyrically,” Zino revealed to. “I feel a lot of motherfuckers out there can’t even fuck with me. I don’t think I’ve ever said that in my life, this might be my first interview—but it’s only because I stepped up my shit. I put in hours in the studio. I’m not one of these niggas that just watch BET and think he can rap. I’m not no battle rapper, I make songs.”

As of press time there is no release date for Zino’s upcoming project.