Tony Yayo (born Marvin Bernard on April 28th, 1978 in Queens, New York) is an American rapper who is signed as an artist to popular rap group G-Unit. Tony Yayo is known for his rapid-fire delivery, his witty outburst, and his favorite tradition, feuding with other rappers. The rapper even made monikers for his stage name. He is now dubbed Tsunami Yayo or his personal favorite T.O.N.Y. ("Talk Of New York").
Biography
Tony Yayo is the original member of G-Unit. While touring through New York, the rapper was arrested for an outstanding warrant on weapons charges and was sentenced to a year and few days in prison. The imprisoned rapper was recording with G-Unit, even though he only appears twice on the debut album Beg For Mercy. When he was initially released from prison he was arrested again the following day for possessing a forged passport. The incident forced Yayo to spend six months in prison. After release, the rapper began preparing for his debut album. While out of prison, Yayo modestly brags about the time spent in prison and usually mentions about being on probation and ankle bracelet that he had to wear.
Tony Yayo has been featured on many of his fellow G-Unit solo debuts, preparing himself for his own release. His features included 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck and The Game. Outside of G-Unit, Yayo has also recorded with such hip-hop artists as Lil' Flip, Paul Wall, Eminem and Dr. Dre. The title of his album Thoughts Of A Predicate Felon has already been released. Anticipation for this album has grown since new tracks are featured on mixtapes and the radio.
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Free Yayo
Free Yayo is a movement initiated by G-Unit with the intention of creating a support network for the imprisoned Tony Yayo. For instance, on the G-Unit track Stunt 101 fellow rapper Young Buck says "free yayo"; the video for that same track features "free Yayo" graffiti. The movement got to be much larger than any member of G-unit had predicted, even with such seasoned artists such as Eminem wearing a "Free Yayo" T-Shirt at an MTV award ceremony. And also resulted in the sale of clothing and accessories with writing 'Free Yayo' on them. The movement was responsible for the excitement and anticipation created for the release of the imprisoned G-Unit member. As another result, Tony Yayo's appearances on underground mixtapes greatly boosted sales of DJs such as DJ Clue and DJ Whoo Kid.
