by Dr. Boyce Watkins, YourBlackWorld.com.
Vigalantee (aka Roger Suggs) is an enterprising artist in Kansas City, Kansas. In addition to producing independent music that is loved by his loyal fans, Vigalantee steps out of the comfort zone of most hip-hop artists and works to address the ills of his community. Both versions of Kansas City (the ones in Missouri and Kansas) are plagued with violence, poverty, high drop out rates and an incarceration epidemic. Activists like Vigalantee use the power of the microphone to speak to issues that matter most to those they care about.
In his latest book (yes, I said book, not album), “Love, Lust and Deceit,” Vigalantee explores the emotions which make us human, and talks about a plethora of issues, ranging from the disrespect of African American women to the importance of black men taking a stand in their communities. In light of the recent study in which a scholar in England attempted to conclude that black women are less attractive than women from other races, it appears that black women can use all the support they can get.
The book has a soundtrack attached that includes a song, “Chocolate Sunday,” which has been well-received by Vigalantee’s audience. I recommend checking it out, for Vigalantee is a glaring representation of the call I’ve been making for hip-hop artists to use their platforms to fight against social problems, especially mass incarceration. Rather than rapping about all of your homeboys in prison, why not help get them out? It’s only logical.
