The Almighty RSO Biography

The Almighty RSO Biography

Hailing from Boston, the mid-'90s rap group the Almighty RSO (which stands for "Rock Solid Organization") is comprised of Deff Jeff, E-Devious, Tony Rhome, and Ray Dog. After releasing an EP, Revenge of da Badd Boyz, in 1994, they delivered their full-length debut, Doomsday: Forever RSO, in the fall of 1996. The album became a success on the strength of the hit single "You Could Be My Boo," which featured guest vocals by hip-hop diva Faith Evans.

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.