There are few truly unique stories in rap music any more but the life of Houston artist-turned-Pastor-turned-artist, Vaughaligan (Va-ha-li-gan) Walwyn, would definitely be an exception. Yes, there are the almost requisite tales of the drug life, and attempts at redemption through music but Vaughaligan's road begins with an athletic scholarship to Houston's Rice University, having moved to the city at a young age from St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.
Although he was always active in music through his church, it was his track skills that really enabled Vaughaligan to shine. Whilst at Rice, Vaughaligan became an All-American long jumper, breaking the US Virgin Islands long jump record with a leap of 26 feet 1 inch. His Olympic dreams were derailed, however, by a career-ending knee injury and it was during his recovery that he took full refuge in music. Although he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in History, Vaughaligan began pursuing a full time music career in earnest.Surrounded by the destructive lifestyle that his rap associations brought to his inner circle, it was easy for Vaughaligan to immerse himself in that world upon discovering that his father was dying of AIDS. Hard drugs washed down with plenty of alcohol and partying to mask his ever-growing depression became a way of life. In fact, it almost ended his life, when an altercation with Houston's finest that included being beaten and tased almost to death was the grand finale to one such party.Videos