Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority chants
are brief, rhyming compositions that are rooted in and reflective of Black oral
traditions & Black performing arts traditions. These oral traditions are
exemplified by the jalibas {griots}, the calypsonians, the bluesmen and
blueswomen, and hip-hop culture's rappers and other spoken word poets. All of
these African & African Diaspora traditions include compositions which praise
the individual, other individuals, a person's group, or other groups. All of
these traditions include words that insult, put-down, diss another person, other
individuals, and/or another group or groups. And all of these traditions use the
spoken or sung word to document and/or provide comment about historical, real
life events.
In my opinion, some Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority chants are also
similar in spirit, words, structure, and intent to certain
types of children's
rhymes, dance style cheerleader cheers, and foot stomping chants. Like Black
Greek letter fraternity and sorority
chants, the types of children's rhymes and
cheers that I'm referring to originated from or are heavily influenced by
African American
music & performance art traditions. Many examples of these children's rhymes and
cheers include lines of self-promotion and put-downs of another individual or
another group or team.
Black Greek letter fraternity & sorority chants are usually spoken in a dramatic
sing/song voice while performing the syncopated,
synchronized movement art
called "steppin". "Steppin" is a group movement
art that includes the creation of bass sounding foot
stomps, {usually
individual} handclaps, body pats, hip shaking, hand gesturing, dramatic facial
expressions, and other body
movements. Steppin performances sometimes also
include the use of props such as wooden canes. An increasing number of
African American,
Latino-American, Asian American, and multi-racial fraternities & sororities are
continuing or beginning steppin &
chanting traditions. In my opinion, Black
Greek letter fraternity and sorority chants {and the performance of steppin/chanting
by
other racial & ethnic groups and by multi-racial groups that are based on
Black Greek letter fraternity & sorority steppin/chanting}
differ substantially
from the structure, "spirit", lyrics, intent, and performance activities of
White fraternity and sorority praise songs
and drinking songs. It also seems to
me that audience responses to the performances of these types of fraternity &
sorority chants
are also very different from the audience responses to White
fraternity drinking songs and praise songs.
My personal recollection of White college fraternity "sings" at a small college
in Northern New Jersey in the mid to late 1960s is that the fraternity songs
were non-percussive. The songs were more on the order of ballads than chants.
The fraternity members formed a circle in the college "quad" {"quadrangle"-a
cleared grassy area in the center of the college's buildings; probably
comparable to the "village square"}. The White fraternity members neither
clapped their hands nor stomped their feet as accompaniment of their songs. As I
recall it, these men stood stiffly while singing their songs. Their who so-ever
will come audience of students, faculty, and staff also stood stiffly and
silently while this "concert" was occurring. Members of the audience didn't
cheer, or otherwise show their pleasure or displeasure with the songs or the
group's performance. This type of singing and audience response is entirely
opposite from what happens at performances of Black Greek letter fraternity &
sorority chants {and other steppin events that are patterned after African
American steppin & chanting traditions}.
In my opinion, no collection of African American folk rhymes & cheers would be
complete without the inclusion of examples of Black
Greek letter fraternity and
sorority chants. Unfortunately, until fairly recently, there has been few
efforts made to collect, record,
print, document, comment on, study, and
preserve Black Greek letter fraternity & sorority chants and their steppin
traditions. However, thanks to the Internet, there are websites such as YouTube
which include videos of step shows and strolls or party walks {a related
fraternity & sorority performance style}. There are also a few websites that
sell step show videos and CDs. And there are a few online websites {besides this
one} which include examples of and discussion about BGLO {Black Greek Letter
Organizations} chants. See the end of this page for a couple of links to
selected sites. One reason why fraternity and sorority chants
have seldom been collected, recorded, printed, and studied is the position of
these organizations that these creative products are only to be recited and
performed by their members. A consequences of such a tradition is
that undoubtedly many creative examples of fraternity and sorority chants have
been lost to future generations. And many more examples of chants recited today
will be lost if efforts are not made to collect these compositions.
Although this page focuses on {university based} Black Greek letter fraternity &
sorority chants, examples of fraternity,
sorority, and little sister group chants from
other races, ethnic groups, and other organizations are very welcome!
"Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities" is a referent for
incorporated single gender organizations that were formed by Black
people, and
whose membership is largely Black {African American}, whose undergraduate chapters are based on
universities & colleges, who often have graduate chapters {whose members have
post university or at least post-undergraduate university status, and whose
names are created by using letters from the alphabet of the Greek language.
Please help celebrate & preserve these often creative examples of the spoken
word by posting examples of fraternity & sorority chants and posting comments
about these chants on Cocojams!
click here to submit the words to other
fraternity and sorority step or pledge chants that you know. Also, please submit
other
versions of the chants that are already listed.
Examples Of Fraternity & Sorority Chants:
Numbers:
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 Zeta Phi Beta till the day I die No skee no wee no dst cause Zeta
Phi Beta is the one for me 24-25-26 them other girls you with sophisticated and
smart too we dont skee wee we dont oooh-oop Z-Phi, Z-Phi, Z-Phi-i-i What is a
Zeta what is a Zeta A Zeta is what a Delta ain't what a Sigma Rho wanna be but
an AKA can't What a Kappa love what a Q adore what a Phi Beta Sigma can't get a
enough of Ritz got the crackers Campbells got the soup Zeta got the Sigmas,
Alpha's Q's and the Nupes Ow-Ow-Ow Z -Phi-B Ow-Ow-Ow Oh so sweet My chapter made
this up Goes with Set it off by strafe Tall Tale Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated
Gamma Nu chapter Fall 1997
-Tall Tale Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated Gamma Nu chapter Fall 1997;
8/14/2007
Editor:
Thanks, Tall tale, for sending that example. I think there are multiple
chants
posted one after another. And I'm curious if they are all
chanted {sung? which
is the right word?} one right after another. And
btw, what is do you mean by "Set it off by
strafe"?
****
A,B
Adam Was An Alpha
This one I had to yell til my throat turned red when i was on line...it's
got a nice call and response groove to it:
Adam was an Alpha
(Adam was an Alpha)
Eve she was an AKA
(Eve she was an AKA)
Noah was a Sphinxman
(Noah was a Sphinxman)
They all pledged Alpha that day
(They all pledged Alpha that day)
A Phi A, got to be the only way x2
And how about this one:
Don't bring me no KA Psi
I don't wanna be no Que Psi PHi
Phi Beta Sigma, don't even try
I wanna be an Alpha til the day I die
BECAUSE I'M COOOLLLLLDDDDD
AND I'M COOCCCCKKKYYYYY
BECAUSE I'M COOLLLLLDDDDD
AND I'M OH SO COCKY!
-2COLD; 9/29/2005
****
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness {Comment #4}
This is to addressed to all those who are confused about the chant: "All of my
Love, my Peace & Happiness, I will give to Alpha" It
is
originally an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated chant...When
you look
at the main words, All, Love, Peace, Happiness and
Alpha,
it spells A-L-P-H-A...So for all you other greeks that claim this is
your chant it's not!!! The first and the finest were the
originators!!!
Oh Yeah!!
-OPaka1908; 6/12/2007
****
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness {Comment #3}
A L P H A All MY Love my Peace and Happiness i'm going to give it to Alpha Just a
miscellaneous of words. How can another
organization try to claim a song that spells out another fraternity.. thats my
06 cent..
-Encore06; 7/29/2006
****
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness {Comment #2}
the chant.... "All of my Love Peace and Happiness I'm going to give it to my
Alpha" was written by Alphas All of my Love Peace and
Happiness I'm gonna give it to my Alpha
-Tre; 7/27/2006
Editor:
Thanks for your comment Tre. I'm assuming by "Alphas" you mean "Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc." See the comment written by
BigBrotherPrincipal Player on 1/29/2005 that uses the same line as that chant.
Also see the comment from Aphrodite, Spring '84
Omicron Mu, Buffalo NY; 4/11/2006 and my comment about other groups who have
used the line line "All of my love, peace, and
happiness I'm gonna give to Omega." Is there any documentation to prove which
group was the first to use this chant?
****
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness {Comment #1}
I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority inc. I crossed on May 20, 1984. At that
time all of the Black Frats and Sororities of the time
had similar chants, but of course there were those that were unique to a
particular group.
All of our love, peace and harmony, I'm gonna' give to________(you fill in the
blank). It could be Zeta, Sigma, Alpha, Delta, Omega,
or Kappa. The groups that usually used this chant were the Sigmas and Zetas.
-Aphrodite, Spring '84 Omicron Mu, Buffalo NY; 4/11/2006
Editor:
I've heard members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc chant "All of our love, peace, and
happiness, I'm gonna give to Omega" . And, as
Aphrodite mentioned, this was done in staggered harmony-meaning one group of
brothers "sung" this chant and did a particular
step and then kept on chanting and doing that step, while another sub-group of
the step team started another chant and a different
movement, and then third group and last group sung another chant and did another
movement. All these sub-groups of that
fraternity step team were on the "stage" or the college gym floor at the same
time. The three divisions of the step team are in
triangle formation, and the step master stands in front of each and starts them
off by singing the chant and demonstrating the
specific step that sub-group was to do. Each member of that sub-group did that
step basically the same way, but some might do it a
little more forcefully than others. This gets the audience real hyped. In my
opinion, it's usually one of the highlights of a step show.
****
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness {Example #1}
All of my love Peace and Happiness I will give to Kappa!
-BigBrotherPrincipal Player 1/29/2005
Editor:
It appears that this chant is recited by multiple fraternities & sororities. As
you will see in the comments, there's some disagreement
as to which organization composed this chant and/or has the right to recite it.
****
Brrr! It's Cold In Here
Brr! it's cold in here.
There must be some Alphas
in the atmosphere.
[I said-ah]
Brr! it's cold in here.
There must be some Alphas
in the atmosphere.
-The editor has heard this at various step shows; Pittsburgh, Pa area; 1990s,
2000s
Editor:
This is a signature Alpha chant. "Brrr" is meant to approximate the sound a person makes when he or she
is freezing cold. "Alphas" refer to members of
the Black Greek letter fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In this
context, being "cold" is good {probably because of it's connection with being
both "cool" and being "cold blooded". See "Ice Ice" for an Alpha signature chant that also
references this "cold" theme.
Also, see versions of "Brrrr It's Cold In Here" on Cocojams' Cheerleading Cheers
page.
C,D
Conceited
Just the other day, I was called conceited. Had to turn my head, cause I just
couldn`t believe it. Conceited, Conceited, I`ve always
been this way. That's just the confidence and style of an AKA.
-Ashley P.; 5/11/2007
****
Delta All The Way
If I was too cool wouldn't it be nice. To see a true stepper step for crimson
and white. Delta all the way. Delta's what they say. Is
what some little girls want to be someday.
-Dezera K.; 2/5/2007
****
Do You Wanna Be
Alpha Angel Chant -
Doooo you wanna be.. NO! I dont
wanna be no sweeeet-heart Doooo you wanna
be ... NO! I dont wanna be no Sigma Dove Doooo you wanna be..... NO! I dont
wanna be no Que E Cuz i gave my heart to the frat
A Phi And there aint no turning back Oh No! Though I may have cried But i hoped
and prayed They'll let me into A Phi A
-Kyra H., 12/10/2006
Editor:
I was just told {6/18/2008} that this chant has also been used by other
auxiliaries {little sister groups to fraternities}. My "informant" {who wishes
to remain anonymous} also said that she recalls it being sung in Western
Pennsylvania in the mid 1980s by Omega Psi Phi fraternity. My informant recalls
the Q's singing "Dooo you wanna be" and going down the list of other
fraternities and then sayin "No!" And then singing "Do you wanna be an Omega?"
And then singing "YES!" I just wanna be a m*****fing Omega".
With regard to the Alpha Angel Chant that Kyra sent in: "sweet-heart" refers to
Kappa Sweetheart, the auxiliary for the Kappas; "Sigma Dove" is the auxiliary
for the Sigmas, and "Que E" {"Que Essence"; or "Q Pearls"} are the auxiliary
{little sister group} for the Q's {Omega Psi Phi}.
****
Down In The Valley
Down in the valley
Whoa Whoa
There is a place we long to go.
The name of it rings in our ears
Omega Omega Omega
land of the purple and the gold
land of the purple and the gold
-posted by the editor, from her memory of various step shows {East coast, USA}
Editor:
This song was sung in moderate tempo, not chanted. "Omega" is a reference for
Omega Psi Phi, Incorporated. "Purple and gold" is that fraternity's colors.
****
DST Be Sistas First Choice
DST be sistas first choice. And AKA second. Do u hear that noise… it’s the AKAs
stepping Cuz u see they can’t really step to this
sorority… DSTs. AKA’s wanna-be dream.
-Tiffany; 5/3/2007
E,F
Excuse Me Elephants
Excuse me Elephants what did you say? These girls of 20 pearls pledged A-K-A So
next time paper chasers get permission to
speak Line up and greet me when you see me or Just bow at my feet
-Anonymous; 10/30/2006
G,H
Hey, Soror Over There
Hey!
Soror over there,
with your nose up in the air!
to cute to be a DST, somebody say Skee Wee!!!
This is my pinkie (hold up pinkie)
And this is my hand (hold out hand)
It's just like an AKA to take your man
You're mad about your boyfriend
And that's no lie
It takes a real ALPHA Woman to keep him satisfied
So get yourself together and put your man on a leash because he'd rather be with
beauty (sorors hold up your pinkie)
Than to be with the beast!
(sorors do the Delta's hand sign upside down. Should be an upside down triangle)
-soulforealAKA;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
; 10-24-2005
-snip-
Editor:
"Skee Wee" is the AKA call; Delta's sign is a triangle made with both hands; "soror"
means "sorority sister", an AKA holding up her pinky is part of that sorority's
hand sign. See other references to "see my pinky" in examples posted on Cocojams
Taunting Rhymes page.
****
Hiro Hiro Hip Ah Ray
Hiro Hiro-o Hip ah ray
Hiro Hiro-o Hip ah ray.
Sad and lonely girls are we
Working-ing striving for to see
Alpha Kappa Al-alpha light
Working striving day-ay and night
Oh hiro hiro
Oh hip ah ray
Oh hiro hiro
Oh hip ah ray
-Azizi Powell, New Jersey; AKA pledge song {Gamma Zeta Chapter, New Jersey,
1966; posted by Azizi, 12/2005
Editor:
"Hiro Hiro" is a pledge song that I remember from pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc {AKA} Gama Zeta chapter in New
Jersey, 1966. "Hiro" is pronounced "High Row". I don't think it means anything.
AKA pledges were called 'Ivies" [because the official
plant of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc, is an ivy. I believe there are other verses to
this song, but I can't remember them. We performed a
'step routine' while singing this song in a program with other fraternities and
sororities {wearing pink and green dresses of course!}
I,J
Ice Ice, Baby
Ice ice baby,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice baby,
The black and gold
-various sources
Editor:
This is a signature Alpha chant {Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.}. The "black and gold"
refers to that fraternity's colors.
****
I Didn't Want To Be No AKA
I didn't want to be no AKA I didn't want an affiliation with A Phi A And if you
look at me, I aint no DST I didn't want Omega Psi Phi to
be barking at me Don't need no Kappa boy looking cuter than me And KKI aint no
sorority Iota Phi Theta came a little too late And
Sigma Gamma Rho, what can we say I need a Phi Beta Sigma who can handle me Cos
only blue and white is a TRUE FAMILY Z-Phi! By Spring '06 Unbreakable Line Copyright KE©
Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta
Sigma are the only official, constitutionally bound,
brother/sister organizations in the Pan-hellenic Council. A little information:
1.A member of Phi Beta Sigma helped found Zeta Phi
Beta 2.We share the same colors of Royal Blue and Pure White, and symbol - the
dove 3.Our letters together form Zeta Phi Beta
Sigma 4.When Sigma's "Blue Phi" Zeta's "So Sweet" in reply 5.We call each other
Frat and Soror 6.Don't be fooled by other who
imitate the first and ONLY family!
-Nikki ZKA ExquiZite #3 - Spring 2003 ; 5/4/2007
Editor:
AKA=Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ; A Phi A= Alpha Phi Alphi Fraternity,
Inc ; Kappa= Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, and Iota-Iota Phi Theta
Fraternity, Inc. See my comments below about The National Pan-Hellenic Council.
This chant references the images, customs, and opinions that this sorority {and
others} have about the various sororities and fraternities mentioned. Omega Psi
Phi's members call themselves "Que Dogs", their signature call is a dog's barl
{Woof Woof}; Kappas promote the image of themselves as handsome men; "KKI aint
no sorority" ?? {I'm not familiar with this organization}; "Iota Phi Theta came
a little too late" refers to the fact that this organization was just newly
founded; and "Sigma Gamma Rho, what can we say" means that that Zetas don't have
anything good to say about the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority or its members.
****
I Don’t Mind
I don’t mind
bein on line.
I just want to be
a little sister to the Qs.
{repeat as many times as you are directed to}
-a member of Q Pearl, Edinboro University, 1990s; posted by Azizi, 12/05
Editor:
This song was sung by Q Pearl pledges {Edinboro University. Edinboro, PA, early
1990s}. "Q Pearl" is one name for the little sister
group to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc. {as an informal name for members of
Omega Psi Phi is "Qs", also written "Ques"}
Little sister groups are {non-legal} auxiliaries to fraternity groups. Members
of these groups go through a pledge period similar to
that of fraternity and sorority pledges. The members of these groups provide
support for their "big brothers". Their hand signs are
like the one their big brothers do, and the two colors used to designate the
group are the same as their big brothers. For instance,
the Q's colors are purple & gold, and these are the same colors of Q Pearl
"paraphernalia" {meaning clothes & products that
signifies or promotes that group.
This song was given to Little Sister pledges by their big sisters {women who
were already in the Little Sister organization} to “pump
them up” i.e. get them excited; make them feel good. The song is sung in unison
to steps that are associated with Q steps. The persons singing this 'song' have
a happy facial expression {in contrast to the stern or serious facial
expressions that Ques and other groups often "wear" when they are steppin to
chants when they "go over" {become a member of the organization}.
“Bein on line” means undergoing the pledge process that hopefully will culminate
in your being accepted as a member of the
organization. A new member of a sorority, fraternity, or little sister group is
called a “neo”, short for “neophyte”.
It should be noted that in some campuses or at different years on the same
campus, sister groups get little to no respect. They are
generally not recognized as "real" Greek letter organizations. As such, they are
often not permitted to "step" in campus or
community step shows.
I collected this chant/song from an African American woman who attended a
Pennsylvania university that had mostly White students. During her attendance at
that university, there were two different little sister groups, a few members of
two Black Greek letter fraternities and two Black Greek letter sororities.
Another African American woman who attended that same university five years
after the first woman said that while she was at that school, the same
fraternities and sororities were active on campus, but no little sister groups
were active there at all.
I'm interested in preserving information about and chants from fraternity little
sister groups. click here to submit the words to
pledge or step chants from little sister groups. Thanks!
****
I Looked Over Jordan
I always liked...
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Kappa Alpha Psi looking up at me
I said, "Tell me Nupe, what do you say?"
He said "Damn I shoulda pledged that A Phi A"
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Omega Psi Phi looking up at me
I said tell me Que, to save your soul,
Why did you steal the PHI and Old Gold
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Phi Beta Sigma looking up at me
I said "Tell me Blue, what do you see?"
"I see Alpha Phi Alpha shining brighter than me"
Cause we're the ICE COLD brothers of A Phi A
And pledging our frat is the only way!
-ColdFront06; 9/28/2005;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
Frat/Soror Chants
****
I Said Hey Betas
Beta Phi Pi Fraternity Inc. is one of the newest African American Fraternity. We
were found on the campus of Western Illinois
University in April of 1986. We have expanded all across the nation,
establishing chapters in many Undergraduate Universities. An
example of our chant goes..
Hey Betas!! What!! I said Hey Betas!!!! Whaaattt!!
(UNISON) We decided to become the best in sight. That's why the baddest young
brothas wear the black and white!! So forget the
Black & gold, and...the blue and white! Forget the purple and gold and
those...candy strips!!!
-Simon H., 3/23/2006
Editor:
Thanks for that information, Simon H. I hadn't heard of Beta Phi Phi, Inc.
before receiving your post.
"I Said Hey Betas" is an example of how chants weave praise for their
organization with mild disses {insults} of other fraternities {or
sororities}. The colors mentioned in this chant are associated with the
following Black Greek Letter fraternities: Black & Gold=
Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc; "Blue & White"=Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.; "Purple & Gold"=Omega
Psi Phi, Ince.; and "Candy Strips" {Red &
White}=Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.
****
I Said Deltas
i said deltas what with the red and white i know we lookin and havin fun 2night
akas thank they high and fine look at these deltas
they ain't got nothin like mine moocha moocha i step in moocha moocha you step
out oop-ooop is what dst is all about
-poo-pooh; 4/25/2006
****
It's A Serious Matter
This is a Serious Matter
Yes
This is a Serious Matter
Yes Yes
Alpha Kappa Alpha
A-K-A
Sororities take note
We paved your way
So if your not AKA
You went the wrong WAY!
-Flojaune {Pittsburgh, PA}, from private electronic email to
Azizi Powell, 8/13/04; posted by Azizi, 12/2005
Editor:
"It's A Serious Matter" is probably Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. sorority's most well
known chant. It's performance routine includes
a side to side step with both palms of the hand held open by the stepper's
waist.
****
It's So Hard Pledging K-A-Psi
It's so hard pledging K-A-Psi It's so hard pledging K-A-Psi A konstant struggle
each and every day....But I'm gone accept,
That this is how its gone be. not trying to skate in this fraternity..I wanna be
like Diggs, Big Brother Diggs, The finest Kappa in this
fraternity...Phi Nu Pi The Diamond in the Sky...Many have tried but were denied
Phi Nu PI The Diamond In The Sky. I wanna be like
Diggs, Big Brother Diggs, The finest Kappa in this fraternity!!!!!!! K-A-Psi
None greater.. All men were kreated equal....Some just look
better.
-YO ENDLESS KLIMAXX ; 5/7/2007
****
I've Been Working Hard For Iota
I 've been working hard for iota/ Gotta that iota shield I've been working
hard for iota because it is my will (hold that line) hold that
and we will be together pledging now and pledging forever I've been working,
working striving. striving but i still gotta long way to
(Go oh oh oh)x2
-jamere t.; 6/7/2006
Editor:
I'm curious to know is Iota a fraternity or sorority? Also, it seems as though
there is a missing word after "Gotta"? Should that
sentence read "Gotta have or get or hold that iota shield"?
**
Finally! A response to my query:
I noticed one of my brothers posted one of our chants on your site and you guys
did not recognize the organization because he only
mentioned the first part of our name, Iota. Our entire name is Iota Phi Theta
fraternity incorporated and we are the latest and
greatest fraternity within the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
-Christopher S.; 9/12/2006
Editor:
Thanks, Christopher! I thought that the chant that Jamere posted was from Iota
Phi Theta, but I couldn't be sure. I invite readers to
check out the website for this fraternity which was founded in 1963:
http://www.iotaphitheta.org/.
I believe that fraternity & sorority chants are important expressions of folk
culture. In order to help preserve & celebrate these
chants, please send Cocojams some examples from your fraternity.
****
I Want To Be A Kappa As Soon As I Kan
I want to be a Kappa, I want to be a Kappaman, I want to be a Kappa, I want to
be a Kappa as soon as I kan. Don't wanna be an
Alpha, Don't wanna be an Alpha monkey, I don't want to be an Alpha, Want to be a
Kappa as soon as I kan. I don't want to be a
Sigma, Don't want to be a Sigma sissy, Don't want to be a Sigma, Wanna Be A
Kappa as soon as I kan.. Don't wanna be Omega,
Don't want to be a Que Psi puppy, Don't wanna be Omega, wanna be a Kappa as soon
as I kan...Don't want to be Iota. Don't want to
be Iota period!!! Don't want to be Iota, Gotta be a Kappa as soon as I kan. I
wanna be A Kappa. I want to be a Kappaman, I want to
be a Kappa, Gotta be a Kappa as soon as I kan.
-YO ROKK HARD KUMKLUSION; 7/5/2007
Editor:
Much respect to you Yo Rokk Hard Kumklusion! I've never heard that chant before,
but I can imagine it being performed at a step
show. See this is what I mean about these chants being pure de lux poetry and
worthy of being preserved for the future. Yeah, okay I
recognize it's a diss on the other fraternities. But I wonder if other
fraternities have been known to use this same pattern and diss
Kappas? I wonder where this chant came from. How old is it? Can you share any
information about it? It would be great if you could.
Also, is the use of "k" instead of a "c" something that is done in other Kappa
chants? Any information will be appreciated.
Thanks again to all those who have sent examples and information about
fraternity, sorority, and little sister chants to Cocojams!
K,L
Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi Kappa Kappa Psi, so clean so fly, Kappa's stay strong, Kappa's
never die alone, Love it what is is, No pain no
tears, In foggy weather Kappa's always stay clear, Gone bag down and leave with
fear, Cuz Kappa Kappa Psi never shed no tears.
-Nada J.; 4/20/2006
Editor:
Hey, guys and gals! It's cool that you are sending in examples of your
organization's chants. But help us out here, please.
Remember to include some information about the organization. Is it a sorority,
or a fraternity, or some other group? Is it university
based? Is it a predominately African American {or some other racial/ethnic
group} Greek letter organization? If it is relatively new,when and where was it founded? And does your organization have step teams?
That information will help spread the word about your organization. For
instance, I've heard of the university based Black Greek
letter fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi. But before this chant I hadn't heard of Kappa
Kappa Psi and I'm not sure if it's a sorority or a
fraternity or some other organization.
Including information about your organization will help spread the word about
that organization. Thanks!
**
[Editor.-See this comment about this fraternity]:
I was just surfing through and found this website. I see you mentioned you never
heard of Kappa Kappa Psi. Well I bet you have but
don't realize it. Its a Fraternity established in 1919 as Kappa Kappa Psi
National Honorary Band Fraternity, INC. It's sister Tau Beta
Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, INC. Kappa Kappa Psi was in the movie "Drumline".
Also Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta
Sigma are popular throughout the South in Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Marching Bands as well as other musical
ensembles.
-DJ ; 9/6/2006
Editor:
Sorry, DJ. I guess I'm culturally deprived. I did see the 2002 movie Drumline.
And I really loved the drum corp scenes alot. But,
I still must confess that I never heard of Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity or Tau
Beta Sigma sorority.
To partially remedy my cultural unawareness, I googled the names of those
fraternity & the sorority. Here's their national website:
http://www.kkytbs.org/. And here's the first sentence on the home page of that
website: "Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are
honorary service organizations whose sole purpose is to serve the college or
university band programs through service projects,
fundraisers, social events and other projects as needed".
-snip-
Thanks, DJ for sending in more information about this important fraternity &
sorority.
And for any readers who may be interested, click
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303933/ for reviews of & photos from Drumline.
****
Kappa Zeta Rho
Those chants were good but check dis one out:
Kappa Zeta Rho don't take none from deze hoez we come in wit a bang lookin so
good, struttin wit are cane dang we sound mean,
they cry when i cry, laugh when i laugh, tho bows when i tho bows, Kappa Zeta
Rho!
-Nicole J.; 4/13/2006
****
Look Over There
Ok
Heres an old one:
Look over there and tell me whose supreme - (echo) its the blue and the white
and not the pink and green
Look over there and tell whose ahead- (echo) its the blue and the white and
not the crimson and creme
Look over there and tell me whose got soul (echo) - its the blue and the white
and not the blue and gold.
Look out look out look out look out ohhhhh
Then it goes onto some other things cant exactly remember.
-zeta 4 life ; 9/29/2005 ;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
Frat/Soror Chants
****
King Tut
King Tut went to Egypt the other day
To Check out the greeks that were coming his way
He saw the Ques, and he said thay acted like a fool
He saw the Kappas, and he said that they were not cute
He saw the Sigmas, and he said that they made him sick
Then he saw the A-PHI!, and he made his pick
-ENewton; 9/30/2005 ;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
Frat/Soror Chants
M,N
Make Way The Q Train Is Comin
Make way the Q train is comin
Make way the Q train is comin
Make way the Q train is comin
And you don’t want to be left behind.
-posted by the editor; 12/2005 {heard at step shows I attended in the 1990s in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and from
viewing various step show tapes from that decade}.
Editor:
This song is often included in Omega Psi Phi, Inc step shows. The song is based
on the African American spirituals about the gospel train comin. These spirituals warn people to get on board the gospel train
because they don’t want to be left behind.
One theory is that these spirituals were sung to alert slaves to prepare to escape
on the "Underground Railroad". However, it doesn't
seem realistic to me that this song or other songs said to be used to convey
such messages would be effective over time {since I
just can't believe that Black snitches or White plantation masters etc. wouldn't
catch on to the "hidden meaning" of the song if every
time it was sung, a person fled slavery to freedom in the Northern USA or
Canada.
But that is a whole 'nother discussion.
This Omega Psi Phi, Inc. song is usually
started by a brotha with a deep, melodious voice.
****
Now do you wonder why we pledged Omega Psi Phi
during probate show we had our lamps sing in a raspy voice and say while
stepping
"Now do you wonder why we pledged Omega Psi Phi, we pledged with heart and soul
we love that purple and gold. (repeat) then
you go to Omega Psi Phi iii Oh let ah me see ah see what? Your funky four corner
step a funky four step"
...you put your individual chapter's [step] moves in there
-dimp ; 10/12/2006
Editor:
http://www.greekcreations.com/funfeatures_content/glossary_01.html is
a glossary of fraternity & sorority terms.
According to that glossary, a "probate show" is "A term used by NPHC (National
Pan-Hellenic Council} groups to designate the time
when new members of such groups come out to the campus to be revealed to other
students".
-snip-
See the listing of NPHC groups in my comments below on African American
fraternities & sororities.
Also, see this definition for pledges from that same website: "Pledge {New
Member}
"A term used to refer to a new member of a fraternity or a sorority. After the
recruitment period, pledges learn the history of their
national and local chapters, learn the ideals and principles of the group, get
to know their fellow new members and get to know the
initiated members."
-snip-
"Lamps" is the referent used for Omega Psi Phi, Inc.'s "pledges" {men who are
"pledging" that fraternity}.
****
Nu Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc
Nu Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. East Coast Asian-Interest Fraternity
www.naphi.com 1 - Lead: brothers
brothers, comin' through with
the NU! Brothers: Alpha! Lead: Nu! Brothers: Alpha! All: NU ALPHA PHI 2 - Lead:
N - U Brothers: ALPHA PHI Lead: N - U Brothers:
ALPHA PHI Lead: N - U Brothers: ALPHA PHI
-Emil R;, 2/14/2007
Editor:
Thanks for sending in that chant, Emil. I didn't know that there was an East
Coast Asian Interest fraternity until I ready your
comment. Thanks also for including your website.
O,P
Oh When I First Saw The Lady In Her Pink And Green
Oh when I first saw the lady in her pink and green She asked me what do I
want to be Well, I said I want to be an AKA Cause Alpha Kappa Alpha is the only
way I didn't see the Delta flicker, I saw the light Cause in my heart I knew my
choice was right Well, I didn't want to be no Delta I didn't want S G Rho I
didn't want to be a Z Phi B Cause I didn't want to step that low.
-Sophist08ed Lady ; 7/17/2007
****
Oh It's So Hard Pledging B-Phi
Song of Pledges: Ohhh its sooo hard pledging B-PHI a constant struggle each and
everyday/ Some wonder why...i chose B-PHI
and continue pledging this way/ Many are blinnnnddd And cannot find, the truth
cause no-one seems to really know? but I WILL
DROP!!! (Unison) HELL NO!!!/ And thats the way its gonna be
ohh Dean YOU'VE GOT TO LET ME AND MY LINE BROS GO!!/
-Simon H., 3/23/2006
****
One And One And One Make Three
One and one and one
makes three.
You better watch your man
cause your man is watchin me.
So if you came her with your man
you better hold him tight.
Cause you damn sure better believe
He’ll be leaving here with a
Q Pearl tonight.
-a member of Q Pearl, Edinboro University, 1990s; also featured in Meharry
College step show video, {with the name "AKA" substituted for "Q Pearl} late 1990s; posted by Azizi, 12/2005.
Editor:
My informant for this chant told me that she thinks that this chant probably
came from a sorority before it was "picked up" by her
little sister group. She also said that she thought that a lot of sororities use
this chant. Confirming that observation, I heard at least
the first four lines of this chant on a video of a Meharry College step show,
late 1990s. In that video, members of Alpha Kappa
Alpha sorority {AKA’s} who were seated in the bleachers began this chant after
their step team’s formal portion of the show. Several AKAs stood in front of the AKA's section of the gymnasium bleachers and
were chanting, pumpin up the others in that
section. Because of the chanting that was going on throughout
different sections of the gym, I couldn't understand
the rest of the cheer. But it certainly could have been the same words to the
chant given above.
Step chants {songs} and {certain} step routines that are performed by one
chapter within a geographical area may be picked up
and performed by other chapters who are in widely separated geographical areas.
These step routines and chants are shared
within chapters of the national organization at national & regional conferences
& step shows, and are shared informally by members from different chapters who
may visit each other. Step show videos are another way of learning new routines.
Increasingly, internet websites and bulletin boards are another way of learning
new chants and different versions of chants.
I've also collected a version of this chant performed by frat brothas who said
that "you betta watch your girl cause your girl is watchin me."
There was a time when it was absolutely prohibited for anyone other than a
member of a specific Pan-Hellenic organization to
perform that organization's chants or perform that organization's signature
steps. An exception to that firm rule was those portions
of a step show when members of a sorority [or fraternity or little sister group]
perform signature steps or chants that are clearly
associated with another organization in salute to that organization or as a
semi-serious 'crack' on that organization.
Although step routines and chants aren't supposed to be performed by people who
aren't
members of a specific fraternity or sorority, more and more nowadays,
non-members of these Greek letter organizations are
changing a word or a move here or there and using what them in the routines they
do for their community or school step teams.
See "Yo Sweet Nupe" below for the "1 and 1 and 1 makes three" line from a male
perspective.
Q,R,S
Represent Represent
Soloist#1 We are the Deltas
And we are here to represent.
Delta
Group
Represent Represent
Soloist #2 1913
Group
Represent Represent
Soloist #3 DST
Group
Represent Represent
Soloist #4 1913
Group
Represent Represent
-Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. chapter; Meharry Medical College, step show video,
1991
Editor:
Different soloists were used for each line of this chant. A different step
routine was performed for each line. "1913" is the date that Delta Sigma Theta,
Inc. was founded. “DST” is an abbreviation of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. In this
context, “represent” means to act as a representative for the group, to let
people know about the group, and promote the group’s virtues.
****
Right Smack Dab
Right smack dab in da middle of the sands you will find a proud Omega man! So
when this ole world starts getting you down
Omega Psi Phi will always be around !
-Que Pup; 4/5/2007
T,U,V
That Alpha Fever
Some men pledge Kappa,
Some pledge Que Psi Phi.
But I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha
And I'll be an Alphaman until the day I die!
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, my brothers I love my Black and Gold! 06!
I got the fever all in my body, the fever down in my soul
That Alpha Fever!
-ColdFront06' 9/29/2005;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
Editor:
This was posted on that website in response to Zoom Zoom Zoom {which is reposted
below}
****
They Tell Us We're Smart
Here is a chant that we used in step shows and it became a signature step for
Sigma Gamma Rho because we stepped with books.
They tell us that we’re smart as if something is wrong, Knowing that good grades
is what everyone wants.
They tell us aiming high is really not that great,
And then we turn to say: at least we make our grades ( or “at least we
graduate”)
-rhoyalty22 5/5/2005
****
To The Left
this goes to to the song Irreplacable by beyonce to the left to the left aka's
yall went the wrong way yall should of went rit wit tose delta's yall know thats
wats up. yall went left with them sidissy akas yall sould of went right get yall
minds rigt yall cant even step i bet yall cant even step to tis tune i bet yall
couldnt talk and step at te same time theres more
-Delta ; 8/13/2007
Editor:
Thanks for sending that example, Delta. I believe the words "theres more" aren't
part of the example itself but is an indication that there's more words to that
chant. I hope you send in those words, too and send in other examples-even
though you dissed the sorority that I was active in eons ago.
Btw: "sidissy" is probably a typo for "siditty" . "Siditty" means "stuck up"
which "snotty" which means a person who thinks that she or he is better than
certain other people. That word probably came from the word "city" and its
implication that city folk thought that they were better than folks who lived in
or came from the country {rural areas}.
W,X,Y,Z
We Are The Brothers of Que Psi Phi
[1995 Probates {pledges}, Howard University]
Refrain leader: Oh Oh Oh!
All: Oh Oh Oh!
Leader: Oh Oh Oh Oh!
All: Oh Oh Oh!
Leader: We are the brothers of Que Psi Phi
All: We are the brothers of Que Psi Phi
Leader: The Mother Pearl and that's no lie.
All: The Mother Pearl and that's no lie.
Leader: We're gonna live, we're gonna die
All: We're gonna live, we're gonna die
Leader: In the name of Que Psi Phi.
All: In the name of Que Psi Phi.
Leader: We've come from near we've come from far
Leader: first by lamp and then by star
All: first by lamp and then by star.
Refrain
Leader: In this place of pain and tears,
All: In this place of pain and tears,
Leader: I have learned to persevere.
All: I have learned to persevere.
Leader: Manhood and scholarship,
All: Manhood and scholarship,
Leader: and the meaning of uplift.
Leader: Cooper, Coleman, Love, and Just (varied rhythm) *
All: Cooper, Coleman, Love, and Just,
Leader: They are watching over us.
All: They are watching over us.
Refrain
Leader: I may not see my home again,
All: I'll wave good-bye to all my friends,
Leader: I'll tell my Mama not to cry,
All: I am pledging Que Psi Phi.
Refrain.
Leader: She said "Son along the way,
All: She said "Son along the way,
Leader: watch those cloudy skies of gray.
All: watch those cloudy skies of gray.
Leader: The sun is shining on the other side } (ritardando}
All: The sun is shining on the other side }
Leader; shining brightly Que Psi Phi" }
All: shining brightly Que Psi Phi" } (crescendo)
Refrain (resume previously tempo)
* The last names of the four founders of the fraternity
Source: Elizabeth Fine, Soulstepping-African American Step Shows
{University of Illinois Press; 2003; pg. 48-49
Here's a quote from that book about this chant: "With shaven heads and gold
paint glistening on their faces, the 1995 probates of Omega Psi Phi at Howard
University stand at rigid attention, holding across their chest shields
decorated with the fraternity insignia. In combat boots, tan trousers, blue
sweat shirts, sunglasses, the young men stand with their chins and lower lips
thrust out, a ritual facial expression known as the grit."
****
We Are The Men Of Q PSI PHI
We are the men of Q Psi Phi
Mighty Mighty Q Psi Phi
We come from near we come from far
First by lamp and then by star
Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa
Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa
I kiss my girl and made her cry
Cause I was pledgin Q Psi Phi.
I kissed my girl and made her cry
Cause I was pledgin Q Psi Phi
Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa
Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa
-posted by Azizi, 12/05 {heard at step shows that I attended
in the 1990s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and from viewing various step show
tapes from that decade}.
Editor:
"We Are The Men Of Q Psi Phi" is a popular Omega Psi Phi, Inc. song. Although
this moderately slow song is structured like a call & response song, the only
way I've heard it sung is in unison. Like the song "Make Way The Q Train Is Coming", often serves as a prelude or
introduction to other step routines.
"Lamp” is a symbol for Q pledges; “Star” is a symbol for men who have passed the
pledge process and become official members of
the fraternity.
The meaning I've gotten from the lines "I kissed my girl and made her cry/cause
I was pledgin Q Psi Phi" was that the girl cried because she knew that she'd
have less time with her man now that he was pledging Q Psi Phi.
Of course, that line is borrowed from the Mother Goose rhyme: "Georgie Porgy;
Puddin Pie/ kiss the girls and made them cry". However, since Ques are known as
real buff, macho men, the next lines for the Georgie Porgie rhyme "When the boys
came out to play/ Georgie Porgie ran away" wouldn't fit the image of the Q's at
all. See the example "We Are The Brothers of Que PSI PHI" that is posted
on this page.
****
We're Coming Through
We're comin through.... Hey all you girls from the other side watch out for that
Phoenix pride We're number 1 on that you'll bet girls like us you've never met.
We're calling you out so don't run and hide step up and show your pride Be sure
to stand tall cuz we're coming through make way for that pink, white and blue.
Step back way back 2x YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Comments:
Sigma Kappa Tau Sorority Inc. is a community service greek letter organization
that caters to lesbian women over the age of 21. Founded on October 14, 2005 in
los angeles, california with members in st. Louis, mo. Portage, Ind. Long Beach,
ca. Cockeysville,
Maryland. Kansas city, Mo. National website
http://sigmakappatau.tripod.com.
We're Coming Through" is our "National chant. Note to editor..... The phoenix
is the national mascot of SKT, It's chosen for its supernatural powers of
regeneration after living a full life the Phoenix submerges itself in its own
flames coming back stronger than before. YEEEEEEEEEE is the signature call of
SKT
-Salacious {Co-founder and Executive Director}; 3/13/2007
Editor:
Thanks Salacious, for that information about this new community service Greek
letter organization. Thanks, also for including a link
to your website.
What Is An AKA
"Ah AKA is what a Delta ain't what a Zeta wants to be what a Sigma can't what
the Ques like what the Kappas love what a APhiA
can't get enough of.
-AKA Soror; 8/10/2006
Editor:
"Soror" is the term used for a person who is a member of your sorority. It comes
from the Latin word meaning "sister" and is the beginning of the word
"sorority". "Fraternity" comes from the Latin word "frater" meaning "brother".
The comparable colloquial
term used in informal American conversation} for a male who is a member of a
fraternity is "frat brother". I've never heard or seen or heard "frat" used by
itself like the term "soror" is used. However, "frat" is used as a noun to refer
to a person's fraternity {for instance
"Which frats are in the step show tonight?". "Frat" is also used as an
adjective. For example, a "frat house" is a house on or off campus which is
reserved as the residence of members of a specific fraternity. However, I don't
think that there is a comparable term for a a residence for sorors. For example,
I've never heard of a "soror house".
For a general history of fraternities & sororities, click this link:
http://www.greeks.appstate.edu/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=61&MMN_position=119:119
Here's one quote from that article:
"Fraternities and sororities were established to further the social, scholastic
and professional interests of its members. They are
mainly associated with colleges and universities. Most fraternities and
sororities adopt Greek letters to represent their organization,
and as a result they are often referred to as Greek letter societies, or simply
Greek organizations."
-snip-
Although the first organizations to call themselves "fraternities" started on
colleges & university campuses in the mid 19th century, 'secret' religious
and/or social organizations were found in most ancient societies in Africa,
Europe, Asia, and elsewhere.
****
What Is A Delta? {Version #2}
Sorority Chant - What is a Delta: What is a Delta? What is a Delta? She’s an
imitator A perpetrator A wanna-be Wanna-be like me What Kappa don’t want What an
Alpha don’t need What a Q-Psi Phi wished was a Skee Wee
-IvyProne08 ; 12/4/2007
Editor:
Thanks, IvyProne08, for sending in that chant. The ivy plant is a symbol
for AKA and "Skee Wee" is the AKA call. Given these hints, I'm assuming that
you're pledging the Black Greek letter sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
"Delta" is the name of another Black Greek letter sorority, while Kappa, Alpha,
and Q-Psi-Phi are names of Black Greek letter fraternities. It should be noted
that persons may pledge these sororities and fraternities who are not Black.
I've posted information about these sororities and fraternities on this page
below the examples.
****
What Is A Delta? {Version #1}
What is a Delta? What is a Delta? A Delta is what an AKA ain't What a Zeta wanta
be What Sigma Can't What a Kappa likes What
a Alpha Loves What a Que Psi Phi Can't get enuf of. Ooo-oop Ooo-oop Oop oop oop.
-Anonymous; 4/27/2007
****
Whose Side You On
Heard some AKAs and some Alphas singin this one:
Believe me when i tell you...
Believe me when i say...
Martin Luther was an Alphaman
and Coretta is an AKA
Whose side you on X4
Believe me when i tell you...
Believe me when i say
Rosa Parks wouldn't give up her seat
she had the spirit of an AKA
Whose side you on X4
-2COLD;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
****
Yo Sweet Nupe
Yo Nupe Yo Nupe! (Yo!) Sweet Nupe! (Yo!) Kool Nupe! (Yo!) Fly Fly Nupe. (Yo yo
yo yo!) Yo Nupe! (Yo!) Sweet Nupe! (Yo!) Kool
Nupe! (Yo!) Fly Fly Nupe. (Yo yo yo yo!) 1 and 1 and 1 is 3 You better watch
your girl Bekause your girl is watching me 2 plus 2
and 1 is 5 We are those Pretty Nupes of the K A Psi And if at night You hear a
noise It's just your freaky girl with them Kappa boys!
-Devastating 2euce ; 7/2/2007
Editor,
Devastating 2euce, thanks for responding to the request for the words to that
chant! Since the person requesting these words
asked for a chant that included the line "yo pretty baby maker", and your
example doesn't include that line, I wonder if there are
other versions of this chant floating around.
Also, I find it interesting that part of this chant {from a female perspective}
is found in the chant on this page that is titled "One And
One And One Make Three".
****
Yo Sweet Nupe {Request for words to the chant}
does any boyd [body?] know the KAY chant that goes "yo nupe (YO) sweet nupe (YO)
yo playa (YO) yo pretty baby maker (YO)" i
dont know the rest
-TOBE1ASK1; 7/2/2006
Editor:
Unfortunately, I've never heard this chant. I'm hoping that someone reading this
will post the rest of this chant, or any other versions
of it that he or she may know.
I'm wondering by "KAY" if you meant the [Black] {university} Greek letter
fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc . Kappa men are known for
their physical attractiveness {i.e. the phrase in that rhyme "yo pretty baby
maker"}. And significantly, members of that fraternity call
each other "Nupes". This may be because the original name for the fraternity was
"Kappa Alpha Nu" See this website for more
information about the history of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc: http://groups.msn.com/GKNupes/
****
You Said
U said the mother of a Delta was an AKA
at least her daughter had the since to go the right way.
Let's not backtrack and go down into history
who runs this yard at present, you know it's DST.
Come on and admit it you know that it's true
when you see one of us, you wish that it were you
you could have never been a delta and I'll tell you why
cause 1st of all..you got to be fly
-REDalert05; 9/29/2005;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
Editor:
This is an example of a Delta Sigma Theta chant that taunts {rips} on Alpha
Kappa Alpha. The Delta sorority was started by former members of AKA.
****
You Said You Were The First
You said you were the first the first You're nothing but the first You said we
wanna be you Who knew, cuz we wear pure white and royal blue If yo AKA team was
so supreme what made your founders wear krimson and kreme 1- 9- 2- 0 came a
little bit later Your founders still wish that they waited to pledge Zeta
-Luv2BSeen; 4/10/2007
Editor:
Luv2BSeen, thanks for this example.
This chant is an example of one sorority 'rippin' on another by summarizing the
history of the different sororities. As evidenced by the words of the chant,
Luv2BSeen is a Zeta. "You said you were the first" refers to the fact that AKA
was the first Greek letter African American sorority. "krimson and kreme"
are the colors of the Deltas, a sorority that was started by former members of
AKA. The line "1- 9- 2- 0 came a
little bit later Your founders still wish that they waited to pledge Zeta"
reveals which sorority Luv2BSeen considers to be the best.
****
Z-E-T-A-P-H-I {Version #2}
I'm a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Here's one of the chants that we
do:
Z-E-T-A-P-H-I (spelled out), Zeta Phi Beta til the day that I die! There'll be
no skee wee, no ooo oop oops, no ee-yip yips, those just won't do. Ask me
why I pledged Zeta and all I can say, Zeta Phi Beta is the Only way!
-Inferno; 6/10/2006
Editor:
"skee wee" is the signature call for members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Inc. I'm not familiar with the other calls that are given here.
Hopefully, Inferno, or someone else will write in and share that info.
****
Z-E-T-A-P-H-I {Version #1}
This is a Zeta Chant:
Z-E-T-A-P-H-I Zeta Phi Beta till the day that i die, there'll be no skee no
wee, no DST, I'm just a devastating lady of Z-PHI-B
-ZETAPHIED; 5/26/2006
Editor:
Zeta Phi Beta is a Black Greek letter sorority. I'm guessing that to be "Zetaphied"
means to fully exemplify Zeta Phi Beta ideals.
The chant featured above is a representative example of sorority or fraternity
chants which promote one's own group and puts down other groups.
"Skee wee" refers to the signature call made by members of another Black Greek letter
sorority: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.{AKA}. "DST" refers to still another Black Greek
letter sorority: Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. These sororities are incorporated
organizations with undergraduate {university} and graduate chapters throughout
the United States, and in some other nations throughout the world.
****
Z-E-T-A P-H-I {Comment #1}
The Zetas also say: Z-E-T-A P-H-I B-E-T-A spells Zeta Phi Beta. The Sigmas spell
their name and repeat the same refrain. This goes along with All of our love..
And is usually sung in staggered harmony with both groups (major sista/brotha
thang!!!)
-Aphrodite, Spring '84 Omicron Mu, Buffalo NY; 4/11/2006
Editor:
See the chant "All Of Our Love" at the top of the page. Also, see the comment
that Nikki ZKA ExquiZite #3 wrote that she sent along with the example "I Didn't Want To Be No
AKA" . That comment provides information about the formal sister/brother
relationship between the Zetas sorority and the Sigmas fraternity.
****
Zetas Ain't Got Nothin On Me
zetas ain't got nothin on me they betta watch they back cuz they don't know
me we deltas full of red and white not the blue and white
and not sistas to the candy stripes
-keyaire; 4/24/2006
Editor:
When keyaire wrote not the blue and white, she's referring to the members of
another [Black] Greek letter sorority, the Zetas {Zeta Phi
Beta}. When keyaire wrote "and not the sistas to the candy stripes" she is
referring to yet another sorority {AKA's ??} who are sisters to a
fraternity who is referred to in this chant as "the candy stripes". My guess is
that this fraternity is the Kappas, whose colors are red and white.
****
Zoom Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom! I got the fever!
Zoom Zoom Zoom! That ALPHA fever!
Fever in the mornin'! Woo!
I got the fever all night long!
And as a matter of fact,
You can't take it back!
I got the fever for that A PHI A!!!
-FrozenMenace; 9/29/2005;
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
****
Overview of Steppin & Black Greek Letter Fraternities &
Sororities:
"Steppin'
is a high energy, percussive, syncopated, synchronized, competitive performance
art that originated with African American university Greek letter fraternities
and sororities in the late 1960s-early 1970s. There are both graduate and
undergraduate of university based Black Greek letter organizations. Some people
are very active in these organizations during their entire life. Since the 1990s steppin has expanded beyond those Greek letter membership organizations to youth
in high schools, middle schools, community organizations, and churches. There
are also non-African American step teams, and non-Black members in traditionally
African American Greek letter fraternities & sororities. Traditionally step
teams are male or female. However, some school based, church, or community
based teams are coed.
Some people say that the true origin of steppin is the South African Zulu boot
dance, and they may be some truth to that. University based military drill teams
are probably also a source for early step team moves. In addition, some of the
body stances used by step teams -such as leaning forward with knees bent instead
of standing erect- is traditional to many forms of traditional West African
dancing.
Step teams strive to "brand" their own styles. They have their own colors,
poses, personas, chants, calls, hand shakes, hand signals, logos, mascots, party
walks, sayings, and they have R&B or hip-hop records that are most closely
associated with their sorority or fraternity. Steppin is a HUGE creative form of
cultural expression that some people are just becoming acquainted with.
In addition to competitive Greek letter 'step shows' on university campuses and
in Black communities, throughout various parts of the USA there are also
community step show competitions for these non-Greek organizations.
Since you can find anything on the Internet, it's not surprising that there are
websites that promote various step competitions. However, because steppin is so
competitive, groups usually are extremely unwilling to share their routines or
their chants. It is my hope that this Cocojams page will be one way that these
chants are shared in the present and preserved for the future.
A must read book on steppin is Elizabeth C. Fine's Soul Stepping, African
American Step Shows Urbana, University of Illinois Press, 2003. Another
book that contains information & examples of African American Greek letter step
chants is Daryl Cumber Dance's For My People, 400 Years of African American
Folklore; New York, W.W. Norton & Co, 2002.
****
More Information About Black Greek Letter Fraternity & Sororities:
A number of folks have written asking where they could find
information about [predominately] African American fraternities and sororities.
Many of these requests have been for the names of universities that have
chapters of a specific sorority or fraternity.
Perhaps the best way of finding out that information is by contacting The
National Pan-Hellenic Council. Here is a description of that organization from
their website
http://www.nphchq.org/home.htm :
"The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently composed of
nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.,
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes interaction
through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and
engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities
and functions."
-snip-
Also see this website on the National Pan-Hellenic Council-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council
In addition, people interested in a specific organization can search online for
its website by using the organization's name as the key words. If anyone has
other suggestions as to how folks should contact these organizations or members
of those organizations, or for corrected information about these listings,
please use the Cocojams contact feature. Thanks!
Notice:
I'm sorry. Cocojams is unable to help its readers start any step teams. Cocojams
is also unable to help its readers identify any instructors for step teams.
****
Comments & Questions About Fraternity & Sororities and/or
Steppin:
A Comment About Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Ties
With Other Organizations
I just wanted to klear something
up. Yes, nupes have unofficial ties with other organizations. There are the
Diamonds and pearles (or pretty boys and pretty girls) with the AKAs, there is
Krimson and Kreme love with the Deltas, and, of course, there is Indiana Love.
None of these ties, however, are official. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. is
very adamant about *not* having a sister organization. So...please don't let the
uninformed mislead you. Thanks ~ Tre Klub, Yo Yo!
-Kornelius ; 6/1/2008
****
A Shout Out From An Old School
Nupe
I love this I am old school but still a Nupe till the
day I die Alpha Sigma chapter Southern University Yo Yo 1970!!!! Casper is my line name.
-Marshall H.; 4/17/2008
****
A Comment About The Iota Sweethearts
Just wanted to make a general comment in reference to the "little sister"
groups associated with various Fraternities. The Iota Sweethearts are an
official and recognized group by the brothers of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
For more info please visit:
http://www.iotaphitheta.org/sweethearts.html Thanks!!! Rebecca Reppin: Mu
Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. The FIRST MULTICULTURAL sorority in the nation.
www.musigmaupsilon.org
-rebecca ; 6/28/2007
****
Explanation about One Of The Zeta Chants
hey yo just wanted to explain one of the zeta chants, they mention the akas and
how nobody wants to be like them...sumthin like yeh...pink and green how
come your founders where crimson and cream? thats because the deltas founding 22
broke off of the aka's in 1912 (ideas to do so started then) and then
established themselves in 1913 because they wanted to change some things
about the sorority that they felt they could not do without establishing a
different one. also nupes always refers to kappas i want to know more about
this q pearl stuff. because pearls are AKA stuff, but I mean Deltas and Ques are
who go wayy back, i've definitely noticed some AKA/Que stuff too though, so I
wasn't sure if the AKA's are the Q Pearls?? thanks
-gracie; 2007
Editor:
"Q Pearls" is a little sister group to the Ques {"Qs"; Omega Psi Phi, Inc.}. I
believe that another name for "Q Pearls" are Q Essences. Q Pearls are not
affiliated in any way with Alpha Kappa Alpha. Inc.
****
Kappas & Their Sister Groups
I noticed that you didn't have a sorority listed that would match up with the
Kappas so allow me to share some insight with you. There is actually a bond
between Kappas and SGRhos called "Indiana Love". The meaning behind this is
somewhat due to the fact that both organizations were founded in Indiana,
but it extends beyond that. Unfortunately that information is only known to
members of Kappas and SGRhos so I will be unable to share that. But on another
note, Kappas have a connection with AKA ("diamonds and pearls" & "pretty boys
and girls") and DST (Crimson and Cream Konnektion). I hope this info can be
helpful.
-Kod8aK ; 1/2/2007
Editor:
Thanks, Kod8aK. I edited my listing of brother & sister connections between
Black Greek letter fraternities & sororities since it appeared from comments
that I received that I was sharing incorrect information. I'm willing to be
schooled about this topic!
****
Speaking up for Deltas
Speaking up for Delta, we
do know our colors are Crimson and Creame sweetie!! Who should know better than
us?
-Rockin Robin; 8/30/2006
****
Request For More Omega Psi Phi
Chants
I would love it if someone would post up
a lot more of the OMEGA PSI PHI chants and songs! I wanna pledge OMEGA but i
want 2 have a lot of knowledge before I get on line!!
-dave b.; 6/3/2006
****
Identifying Step Instructors
I am really interested in getting my
daughter involved in Street stomping or Foot street stomping. We live in the
Washington, DC area, and would like additional information about how to get
involved and perhaps bring step to her school some day. I hope to hear from
someone soon to point me in the right direction. Thanks!
-margaret c. {Washington, D.C. area}; 6/2/2006
****
Request For Kappa Alpha Psi Chants
where are the kappa alpha psi chants!!!!!!!!!!
-terrance; 5/24/2006
Editor:
terrance, you know that African proverb that you've probably tired of hearing
people quote {though no one ever says where in Africa it's from}: "It takes a
village to raise a child"? Well, it takes folks from communities all around the
world to help add to the material featured on Cocojams.
I know there's some people out there reading Cocojams who are either
fraternity or sorority members or know members or know some of these fraternity
or sorority chants just because they've heard them or read them somewhere.
While I can post some examples of chants that I've heard or read, I'm counting
on Cocojams readers to post examples that they know.
For those who are members of Greek organizations, promote your organization
while you help celebrate and preserve a seldom documented part of African
American heritage {and/or other heritages}. Share some chants that you know with
other people! Thanks!
**
For those persons interested in information about Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc, I just
found this website:
http://www.gmnupes.com/gpage4.html . This website contains a lot of
historical information about Kappas stepping traditions with canes.
****
I Luv Fraternities...
i luv fraternities,college parties, also step shows.my favorite are the
kappas.i consider myself a lil bro to the kappas.so keep doin yo
thingkappas always stay fly.
-lavandes l. ; 4/26/2006
****
Learn Our Colors
Hi to the Delta that said the Zetas Ain't got nothing on yall. Learn your
colors is not Red and White but its Crimson and Cream and Our colors are not
Blue and White but Royal Blue & that lovely Pure White Sweetie
-Royal Pheonix; 4/26/2006
****
Fraternity & Sorority
Chants
I really like the street
cheers and i want to see more. I'm starting kind of a step team in what u would
call an all white school with just a
little bit of black kids. I think it would be really cool if we could get some
ideas and some really cool black chants it make things really cool. i reaaly do
hope to hear from you. thank you so much appreciate it. holla!
-Atuka, 11/11/05
****
Request For
Chapter of AKA
To whom it may concern; My name is Priscilla and I am currently a student at a
Massachusetts University. I was writing this comment to ask if there is a way
that the A.K.A.s could come to my school to establish this sorority group here.
All my friends and I are very fond of this particular sorority also my school is in serious need of
a black greek life where we can all have the brotherly and
sisterly love and bond. Thank you very much
-Priscilla 2/17/05
**
Reply To Request
For AKA Chapter
One way would be investigate whether you can get a chapter your
college/university is to write to or call the graduate chapter in your area and
request a chapter be chartered at your school. If you go to the national
website, it may give you some direction on who to contact. There should be a
number to call nationals and a map locator to find a nearby graduate chapter.
www.aka1908.com
-A soror; 3/7/05
****
Don't forget to visit Cocojams' page of Internet Links to videos of
Steppin & Party walks {strolls}.
And visit these additional online resources for fraternity/sorority step show
information, discussion, and products:
and products:
http://www.stompshow.com/information.php?info_id=3
http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243
****
click here to submit the words to other
fraternity and sorority step or pledge chants that you know. Also, please submit
other
versions of the chants that are already listed.
****
Don't forget to visit Jambalaya!,
Cocojams' page for additional readers' comments & questions.
Share!
Learn! Enjoy!
