Almighty RSO

Made Men was previously known as the Almighty RSO, a rap group from Boston, Massachusetts. The group was formed in 1988 and was one the founding Boston pioneering rap groups. The rap outfit's songs targeted police, scruntized women and openly pledged a gangster lifestyle. The group had been managed by Dave Mays, the owner of The Source Magazine. The group founder, Ray Benzino, was also involved with the magazine and made decisions on its editorial. Alongside Benzino, group members also included Mr. Gzus, E-Devious (aka Antonio Twice Thou), and DJ Jeff 2X, all hailing from Boston. At the time of their release, the Made Men were signed to Surrender Records, although they were signed to as many as six major labels before they officially ever had a debut. Despite lackluster sales and general indifference from hip hop enthusiasts, The Source heavily backed the rap group and featured it in much of the magazine's content. The debut album Classic Limited Edition was the first and only major label release. The album was judged a near-classic by The Source, receiving 4 and a half out of a possible 5 mics (the magazine's type of star rating), forging the belief that special treatment was given to the group and damaging the magazine's reputation. After an article from GQ Magazine revealed that Benzino was co-owner of the publication, many believed that the rapper influenced The Source's album review. That controversy, plus the fact that the album itself did not generate much interest, led to the group eventually being dropped from independent label Restless. The album was eventually shelved. During this time, Benzino formed another rap group called the Untouchables. But, like Almighty RSO-Made Men, the group failed to elicit any critical acclaim. Made Men disbanded.