50 Tyson
Antonio Henderson Davis (born 1993), known as 50 Tyson, is an American autistic rapper from Minneapolis. In 2009, he gained popularity through videos of himself rapping, which he uploaded to video sharing site YouTube. Later, he signed to Hudson Records, a label started by former NBA player Troy Hudson.
He is a supporter of autistic support programs.
YouTube Videos
In February 2009, Tyson posted to YouTube the first of two videos, both entitled "50 Tyson," and both of which featured him rapping freely without beat or rhythm.
The videos were viewed heavily after they were parodied in popular comedy shows.
In 2010, comedian Kevin Hart made a video imitating 50 Tyson and his rapping. In a segment of comedy show, Tosh.0,Daniel Tosh also parodied Tyson's rapping style.
Many other parody videos were subsequently made.
Hudson Records and career
In 2010, Hudson Records signed 50 Tyson, after founder Troy Hudson viewed his YouTube videos and believed he had potential as a rapper and as an inspiration to the autism community. Since then, the label has marketed him as both a member and supporter of the autistic community.
Under the Hudson label, Tyson released a single and video for "I Ain't Gonna Lie", featuring fellow Hudson artists T-Jeezy and Nerdy Star. The song included an altered version of Tyson's rap lyrics from his first YouTube video.
In 2012 Tyson appeared on rapper Doe Boy's album Paid in Full, rapping on the track "50 Doe Tyson", the album was also produced by Lex Luger and released in parts of the US under Luger's 1017 Brick Squad Records label.
Involvement in the autistic community
Tyson is involved in the autism community. In 2011, he was a main guest of the Autistic Society of Minnesota's 11th Annual Steps to Hope Fundraising Walk. And, in 2010, Tyson founded the Rhythm of Autism Charity Movement, which commits itself to supporting autism charity events.
As the first rapper with autism who is deemed relevant, Tyson has gained media interest.