Benzino becomes the voice of reason…and 2025 becomes the craziest year in recent memory.
The ever-controversial Jim Jones continues to stir the pot, like he’s whipping it in the kitchen. This time, if you have not been looking, Jim’s igniting a firestorm over comments comparing his cultural relevance to that of rap legend Nas. The Harlem rapper recently said he helped Nas “go viral” more than he ever had in life. Of course, there was that thing with JAY-Z. Well the former Source Magazine executive and Hip-Hop honcho Benzino ain’t having it. Not. One. Bit.
In a fiery and emotional rant, Benzino slammed the idea that Jones could ever rival Nas in impact or relevance. He called the debate “one of the most disrespectful things that’s happened to our culture.”
“This Jim Jones and Nas thing wasn’t even a debate,” Benzino said. “Y’all are taking part in really ruining the legacy of this man… Nas is a f***ing legend.” He ain’t lying and he did not stop.
Benzino called out social media for allowing “clown s##t” to dominate Hip-Hop conversations. He argued that the internet has given platforms to individuals who “ain’t put no work in.” At times, it seemed like he was talking to Jim and other times, in general.
“Jim’s not even close. The sh#t Jim says doesn’t even make sense compared to what Nas has done for our culture,” Benzino continued. “You can’t play with Nas’s name and his body of work like that.”
Jim Jones Doubles And Triples Down
The backlash comes after Jim Jones appeared on the “Bag Fuel” podcast with DJ Clue, Esso, and Hynaken earlier this week. This was the last in a series of interviews, where Capo doubled down on claims that he’s more relevant than Nas today. By the way, Nas is part owner in a casino in Queens, just started a new magazine and also put out Slick Rick. But, that did not stop Jim.
“He’s never been this viral ever,” Jones said. “What I did for Nas probably never been done for him in his life… He’s never been talked about like this ever.” The conversation did say Jay-Z was the exception.
Benzino’s Call to Action
For Benzino, the controversy is more than just clickbait. This is a crisis within the culture. He warned that Hip-Hop is being commodified and torn apart from. “Every three months we’re getting worse and worse into oblivion,” he said. “We’re already in the worst shape we’ve ever been as Black people. Y’all let this device [social media and phones] take over your souls.”
He really made so much sense, I watched it over and over. The only thing is, I fear it is for naught.
“Social media can take anybody who ain’t sh#t and put them against one of the greatest men of our time and y’all think that’s cool?” Here is where I think he could be wrong. The blow back on Jim has been crazy. There have been memes and AI and endless comments. Even the hosts have gotten their share of the beef, because they let him talk crazy unchecked.
Benzino sees Jim’s moves as cultural vandalism. He urged fans and artists alike to remember the essence of Hip-Hop and treat its pioneers with the respect they deserve.
“You don’t play with someone’s legacy like that,” Benzino warned. “Y’all need to be ashamed of yourselves for even entertaining this Nas and Jim sh#t.”
Benzino’s message is perfectly timed. Salute.
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