Ever wonder when the day will come when rappers are not trying to bling with diamonds they spent their rent money to buy or balling in rented cars that will be towed away right after the video shoot is over? What about the day when Hip Hop artists take stands in their communities for something powerful, like fighting against racial oppression or for the respect of Black women? Well, Kansas City has an artist who embodies all of this in an unapologetic fashion.
His name is Vigalantee, and his goal is to get hip hop artists to stop (in his words) "Bojangling" for chump change. He lives for the street, fights for the poor and runs his own business in a highly profitable fashion. He takes the word "hustle" to a whole different level and is teaching artists how to change the game in their favor. AOL Black Voices had a chance to talk with Vigalantee about his work.
What is your name and where are you from?
Roger M. Suggs, aka Vigalantee. I am from Kansas City, Kansas.
You seem to feel that Hip Hop needs a transformation, what kind of transformation is that? Also, you are the creator of the "No Jangle Movement". What is that?
Hip Hop needs balance and in a hurry! The Big Brother is killing hip hop inside and out. That's why pimpin, thugs, and gangsta rap are thriving along with swag "Bojangling" at its finest. "No Jangle" means never compromising who you are, and realizing that you don't have to be ignorant to be successful. It also means respecting and recognizing those who've walked before you, taking the black face of shame off! It is a collection of teachers, students, and community forming an alliance for financial stability, community outreach, and connecting young adults in order to break the Willie Lynch mentality.
