An Overview Of Foot Stomping Cheers (Part II -Types Of Cheers With Examples)

Edited by Azizi Powell

[Latest update: November 22, 2024

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series on foot stomping cheers.

This pancocojams post provides examples of foot stomping cheers from four different categories of those cheers.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/an-overview-of-foot-stomping-cheers.html for Part I of this post. Part I provides a general overview of the textual structure and performance of foot stomping cheers. Part I also includes my theories about the sources of this children's recreational activity.

****
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the unknown composer/s of these cheers. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post, the performers who are featured in these videos, and the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE

"Foot stomping cheers" are a sub-set of cheerleading cheers. These cheers originated and were first performed among African American girls/pre-teen females in the early to mid-1970s to around 2009 as an informal recreational activity in which two or more girls role played being actual cheerleaders.  

I directly collected examples of foot stomping cheers and hand clap rhymes from mostly African American girls in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and some of its surrounding communities from the mid 1980s to 2009. I also collected examples of these recreational cheers and rhymes from the internet (including my cocojams.com website that was online from January 2000 to October 2014) and from other sources. It appears to me that for a number of reasons since 2009 or thereabouts, foot stomping cheers are no longer being composed or performed. However, modified versions of a few foot stomping cheers still live on as softball chants. A good example of this is the "Rock The Boat" softball chant.

That said, from the online examples that I have come across, it also appears to me that these softball chants are usually performed without the consecutive solo performance style and the choreographed syncopated, percussive foot stomping/hand clapping routines that are both essential characteristics of foot cheers.   

I coined the term "foot stomping cheers" in 2000 to distinguish examples of that category of cheers from other cheerleader cheers. However, it appears from my direct collection of these examples and from my online collection that people (including the girls who performed them) usually referred to these compositions as "cheers" and -less often- as "chants", "steps", or "cyphers".

"Foot stomping cheers" are formulaic compositions which have a modified call & response structure that I refer to as "group/consecutive soloist". What "group/consecutive soloist" means is that the group voice is the first voice that is heard in those cheers. A designated soloist responds to the rest of the group's words and those voices alternate until that rendition ends (usually with the soloist's voice or the soloist & the rest of the group's voice). However, the cheer immediately begins again with the next designated soloist and this pattern continues until every member of the group has had a turn as the soloist.

Foot stomping cheers are chanted while their performers execute choreographed, syncopated, percussive movement routines that are very similar to African American originated Greek lettered fraternity & sorority stepping (steppin). 

Most foot stomping cheers use this beat pattern: "stomp clap/ stomp stomp/ clap". Another commonly used beat pattern for foot stomping cheers is "stomp stomp clap/ stomp stomp clap." Those two standard beat patterns appear to be used for all foot stomping cheers. Moderate tempo 4/4 beats created by those foot stomps alternate with the chanters'(individual) hand claps, body pats (especially thigh pats), and less frequently, finger snaps. Because these 4/4 beats are omnipresent in R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Gospel, and other forms of music, foot stomping cheer routines are much more a part of African American cultural aesthetics than White American cultural aesthetics.

The well known 1977 record "We Will Rock You" by Queen is a very familiar Rock song that could serve as an example of the type of beat that is used for foot stomping routines - (recognizing, of course, that foot stomping chants aren't meant to be performed to recorded music).

It should be noted that the textual structure (the words) and the movement activities for foot stomping cheers is different from the type of cheers that are now (in the 2000s) called "foot stomps" or "stomps". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/11/how-stomp-cheers-differ-from-foot.html "How Stomp Cheers Differ From Foot Stomping Cheers".

****
PART II: CATEGORIES OF FOOT STOMPING CHEERS
I've identified four main categories of foot stomping cheers:

1. Introductory cheers

2, Confrontational (bragging/insult) cheers

3. Other types of bragging cheers

and

4. Dance style cheers


A foot stomping cheer may be a combination of two or more of these categories.

****
INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES OF THESE CATEGORIES:

INTRODUCTORY CHEERS
These cheers serve the purpose of introducing members of the group -one at a time- to their imaginary audience. In these cheers girls state their name and/or their nickname, and may also state other personal information such as their favorite color, what they want to be when they grow up, their astrological (sun) sign, their boyfriend's name etc.

Two example of an introductory foot stomping cheer:
Group: Hey, Shaquala!
Soloist #1: Yo! *
Group: Innn-TRO-duce yourself.
Soloist #1: No way.
Group: Innn-TRO-duce yourself.
Soloist #1: Okay.
My name is Shaquala.
Group: Hey! Hey!
Soloist #1:They call me Quala.
Group: Hey! Hey!
Soloist #1: My sign is Aries
Group: Hey! Hey!
Soloist #1: I like to dance
Group: Hey! Hey!
Soloist #1: I wanna be a dancer for the rest of my life.
-T.M.P.; Pittsburgh, PA mid. 1980s; transcribed from audio tape by Azizi Powell, 1997
-snip-
*"Yo" was changed to "What" when that vernacular word became outdated.

Notice that there are no confrontational (threatening) or insult lines in this example.

Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWG4AX09mqQ
for a video example of "Introduce Yourself" (prom scene) from the 2006 American cheerleader movie Bring It On: All Or Nothing (Note that the performance movements of this cheer have been significantly modified.)

****
CONFRONTATIONAL (BRAGGING/INSULT) FOOT STOMPING CHEERS
These cheers focus on the chanters confronting (saying threatening words to) an unnamed opponent or opponents. The chanter brags about herself, and also may insult (dis) that opponent

Two examples of confrontational foot stomping cheers:
Example #1: HULA HULA
Hula hula
Now who thinks they bad
Hula hula
Now who thinks they bad
I think I’m bad
‘Cause Acie my name
And toys is my game
Take a sip of my potion
And dance in slow motion
Uh-huh
She thinks she bad
Baby baby don’t make me mad
Un-huh
She thinks she cool
Baby baby don’t act a fool
Uh-huh
She think she sweet
Sweetest person you ever meet
Uh-huh
She thinks she fine
Baby baby I’ll blow your mind
-Barbara Michels and Bettye White, Editors: Apple On A Stick, The Folklore of Black Children (Putnam Juvenile; First Edition November 11, 1983)
-snip-
"Bad" here means "very good".

****
Example #2: CALL REPUTATION (also known as "Razzle Dazzle")
my name is yonnqa
i'm number one
my reputation has just begun
so if you see me
step a side
cause i don't take no jive
oh think she cool
correction baby
i no i'm cool
i no karate
i no kunfu
you miss with me
i co it on you*
rasasol o dazzo o ox2 **
-yaya, cocojams.com, 2/23/2007
-snip-
*"co" here is probably a typo for "do"
**"ox2" probably means "repeat two times.
-snip-
"Shabooya Roll Call" is another example of a confrontational foot stomping cheer. Here's a video of that cheer from the 2006 Bring It On: All Or Nothing:

Shabooya!! (Dance On Duh Table)

iluzyoo, Apr 2, 2011

movie: Bring it on all or nothing [August 2006]
-snip-
The textual structure of "Shabooya Roll Call" fits the foot stomping cheer pattern. However, the movements that the girls perform while chanting aren't synchronized foot stomps combined with hand claps.  

An earlier version of "Shabooya Roll Call" is included in Spike Lee's 1996 movie Get On The Bus. However, that cheer is best known from the 2006 cheerleader movie series Bring It On: All Or Nothing. The words to that version of "Shabooya Roll Call" and other information/examples of that cheer are found in 
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/right-rhyming-pattern-for-shabooya-roll.html for a pancocojams post on Shabooya Roll Call. 
-snip-
The cheer entitled "U.G.L.Y" that was in that same Bring It On movie and was also in the 1986 movie Wildcats doesn't have a call & response structure. Instead, it is said in unison. Therefore, "U.G.L.Y"it's not a foot stomping cheer. Click http://cocojams2.blogspot.com/2014/11/childrens-taunting-rhymes-m-z.html for the words to that cheer.

****
OTHER TYPES OF BRAGGING FOOT STOMPING CHEERS
In some examples in this category, the chanters brag about their group (their athletic team or school). In other examples the chanters brag about their boyfriend/s. These cheers have less insult content then confrontational foot stomping cheers.

Two examples of other bragging foot stomping cheers:
Example #1: L-O-V-E

All: L-O-V-E. [clap- not spoken]
L-O-V-E. [clap
L-O-V.
L-O-V.
L-O-V-E.[clap]

Soloist #1: Well, Kayla’s my name. [clap]
And love is my game.[clap]
I got this boy on my mind [clap].
And Lord knows he’s fine. [clap]
He calls me his girl. [clap]
His number 1 girl.[clap]
I don’t know his sign, [clap]
But Taurus is mine. [clap]

All: L-O-V-E. [clap]
L-O-V-E. [clap]
L-O-V. 
L-O-V. 
L-O-V-E. [clap]

Soloist #2: Tamika's my name. [clap]
And love is my game. [clap]
I got this boy on my mind. [clap]
And Lord knows he’s fine. [clap]
I got his name on my shirt. [clap]
And don't call it dirt.[clap]
Don’t you worry bout my lover. [clap]
Cause there is no other. [clap]

All: L-O-V-E. [clap]
L-O-V-E. [clap]
L-O-V. 
L-O-V. 
L-O-V-E. [clap]

(Return to beginning and repeat with a new soloist. That soloist repeats the same verses or similar verses. This pattern continues until everyone in the group has had one turn as the soloist with this cheer.)
-Tazi M. Powell (African American female; remembrance of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the mid 1980s; performed by African American girls ages around 8-12 years old.

(Note from Azizi Powell - I transcribed this cheer in February 1996 from my daughter's "re-enactment of that cheer at my request. However, I had observed her and some of her girl friends perform this cheer in the 1980s.

Here are my general statements about the performance of the "L.O.V.E" foot stomping cheer:  

The girls stood in a circle. The order of soloist was determined by who was the fastest to yell out "first", "second", "third" etc. One way that girls used to know when it was their turn was to remember who they came after.

Each soloist remained standing where she was for her solo part. (She didn't move into the center of the circle.). When it was the soloist's turn, the rest of the girls continued doing the same movement routine, but were silent while the soloist chanted. 

The beat is continual, like a metronome. The object was to remain "on beat" throughout the entire cheer without any interruptions. (The cheer immediately begins with the next soloist and continues until everyone has a turn as the soloist.) If anyone goes "off -beat" -by messing up the foot stomping routine or forgetting what to say or otherwise messing up the flow of the chant- the cheer stops and has to begin all over again. Usually girls who didn't know a particular cheer would sit out that cheer until they were confident that they really knew it. One way that girls gained respect and status regardless of their age or what grade they were in school was being "really good at" doing cheers. 
-snip-

During most foot stomping cheers that I observed, girls stood facing forward in a horizontal line or in a half circle so that their movements could be seen. When it was their turn as soloist. the girl moved up from her spot in the line. When her soloist turn ended, the girl moved back to her spot while she was still facing forward.
-snip-
Here's what my daughter shared with me about how she and her friends performed this cheer*.

The movement routine for "L.O.V.E" differs from the other foot stomping cheers that my daughter and her friends showed me. My daughter wrote down these performance instructions for me on October 28, 2018:

1.Right leg stomp forward - for the letter "L"

2. Jump open with both legs - "O"

3. Jump close with both legs -"V"

4. Right leg stomp forward" - "E"

Then clap your hands one time. 

Continue this pattern for the entire cheer.

****
Example #2: FLY GIRL

All: Fly girl
Fly girl
Fly girl One
Fly girl Two
Pump it up Teresa
See what you do.
Soloist #1:(Oh) my name is Teresa
and I’m a fly girl
It takes a lot of men
to rock my world.
‘cause I can fly like a butterfly
sting like a bee
and that’s way they call me
Sexy
-Tazi M. Powell, (African American female, memories of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the mid 1980s (audio-tape made in late 1980s and transcribed in 1996)
-snip-
"Fly Girl" means an attractive, hip female (one who is up to date with the latest urban culture fashions, lingo, dances etc)

****
DANCE STYLE FOOT STOMPING CHEERS
These cheers provide opportunities for the group and its individual members to show off their dance (and/or stepping) moves. These cheers often mention one or more (then) popular dances. Dance style foot stomping cheers are much less confrontational than cheers in that other category. While dance style foot stomping cheers may include some bragging words, they
usually include little or no insults. Consequently, the cheer performers (stompers/steppers) ddn't act surly or as aggressive as they play act during the chanting of confrontational foot stomping cheers. Many of dance style cheers can be immediately recognizable by the "Hey (person's name) Show me" lines that begin those cheers.

***
Two examples of a dance style foot stomping cheer:

Example #1: GET DOWN
Group (including the first soloist) - I saida D. O. W. N.
And that's the way we get down.
D. O. W. N.
And that's the way we get down."
Group (excluding the first soloist) - Hey, Shayla
Shayla - What?
Group- Hey, Shayla
Shayla - What?
Group - Show me how you get down.
Shayla - No way.
Group- Show me how you get down.
Shayla - Okay.
[Shayla does a hip swinging dance while saying]
I saida D. O. W. N.
And that's the way
And that's the way
And that's the way I get down.
[Group does dance with Shayla and says]
Group - She saida D. O. W. N.
And that's the way
And that's the way
And that's the way she gets down.
-T.M.P, mid 1980s, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; collected by Azizi Powell
-snip-
This foot stomping cheer starts again from the beginning with the next soloist who says the same soloist lines but traditionally isn't supposed to repeat the same foot stomping/dance routine. This pattern continues until every member has had one turn as soloist.

****
Example #2: MOVE GIRL
You betta move
girl you betta move.
[say both lines(3x)]
Now drop it low
Drop it low.
Drop it low
Drop it low
-Shaw High School [transcription of the video given below]
-snip-
* Thanks to tknight51, lauren patton, and PrincessAmandaTVfor adding comments to this video's comment thread which indicated that the girls were saying "drop it low".
-snip-
Notice that the soloist's name isn't called. And, unlike most other foot stomping cheers, the soloist doesn't speak, but does her own dance while the others chant. "Now drop it low" means to dance down [close] to the ground, and then comee back up.

****
Here are two video examples of dance style foot stomping cheers:
Example #1: Shaw Cheerleaders "Move Girl"



Brandon Thurman, Uploaded on Jan 9, 2011

Shaw High School Cheerleaders Before the game hype
-snip-
The words to this cheer are given above.

**
Example #2: Dailey Tigers "Rock Steady"



daileytigers, Published on Nov 17, 2012

Cheerleaders
-snip-
Unlike the "standard" structure for foot stomping cheers, this cheer begins with a soloist's voice.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/rock-steady-childrens-cheer-examples.html for a pancocojams post on the "Rock Steady" cheer.

****
This concludes Part II of this post on foot stomping cheers.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

How Stomp Cheers Differ From Foot Stomping Cheers

Edited by Azizi Powell

Revised- October 26, 2018

This post provides information and examples of children's foot stomping cheers and foot stomps.

The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and recreational purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

****
DESCRIPTION OF FOOT STOMPING CHEERS
"Foot stomping cheers" is the term that I coined in 2000 for a relatively new category of children's recreational play that involves chanting and choreographed foot and hand clapping movements.

Foot stomping cheers "traditionally" have a signature group call & consecutive soloist response structure. "Group call" means that the entire group (or the group minus the first soloist) is heard first. "Consecutive soloist"' means that in that cheer is immediately repeated from the beginning so that every member of the squad can an opportunity to be the soloist. Each soloist's performance is the same length. Some foot stomping cheers have several group calls followed by brief responses by the soloist before the soloist has a somewhat longer verbal and/or movement response. Other foot stomping cheers have one or two group calls followed by the soloist's verbal and/or movement response.

Another signature feature of the textual style of foot stomping cheers is that the cheer is supposed to be repeated in its entirety (sometimes with soloist text changes and sometimes not) until every group member has one turn as the soloist.

Traditionally, foot stomping cheers are chanted while the group performs a synchronized, percussive routine in which individual hand claps (chanters clapping their own hands and sometimes substitutes hand claps for body pats) alternates with bass sounding foot stomps. Once this foot stomping routine begins, it is supposed to continue throughout the routine. However, toward the end of most examples of foot stomping cheers that I've found, the soloist chants a verse or line. That soloist's portion serves as a "call" and the group has a responsive line or lines during that call. While the rest of the group watches, the soloist usually performs a dance step or steps, and/or pantomime movements, and/or gymnastic movements during this portion of the cheer.

In some cheers that I've found, the cheer ends with the entire group-including the soloist- performing the same exact movements that the soloist performed. The cheer then immediately begins from the beginning with the next soloist and that pattern continues until every member of the group has had a turn as the soloist (hence the term "consecutive soloists). Each soloist turn is exactly the same length. In some cheers, the words and movements are exactly the same with each soloist, except for personal information such as the soloist's name or nickname and the soloist's astrological sun sign. In other cheers, the words for the soloist portions can change within a seemingly small memorized, formulaic set of verses that have the same theme and the same rhythmical pattern.

It appears to me that one difference between "old school" foot stomping cheers, and those types of cheers that are performed since at least the 1990s (which I call "neo-foot stomping cheers") is that- instead of being informally performed by children or pre-teens pretending to be cheerleaders- these cheers (or modified versions of these cheers) are performed by actual (children's and teenage) cheerleaders either during the warm up to a game, or during "cheer offs" (cheer competitions), or as part of the cheerleading squad's cheer performances during actual athletic competitions.

It also appears to me that the post 1990s new forms of foot stomping cheer performances have much less foot stomping or no foot stomping at all- particularly when these cheers are performed by squads that are majority White. Instead of actual syncopated, choreographed foot stomping routines, nowadays performances of modified or actual foot stomping cheers (particularly with squads which are majority White) feature much more pantomiming of actions, such as "turn around" and "touch the ground". Also, it appears to me that these new foot stomping cheer performances by majority non-Black squads appears to feature little to no dance moves, and more actual standing, jumping up and down, and shaking pompoms. Furthermore, all individual members of the squad may not have a turn as the soloist. Instead, the squad is divided into sub-sets (such as school grade levels, or two or more line formations) that have their own "soloists time". Also, instead of individual soloist, or sub-sets of the squad, the entire squad might recite these neo-foot stomping cheers.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/09/foot-stomping-cheers-alphabetical-list.html for Part I of a five part series of text (word only) examples of foot stomping cheers.

****
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF FOOT STOMPS (STOMPS)
The term "stomp cheers" ("stomps") appears to have been coined in the early 2000s as a referent for certain types of cheers and chants that are performed by children and teenagers (usually females), ages 5-18 years old, who are members of athletic teams' cheer squads. Most stomp cheer videos on YouTube feature White American female teenagers.

I believe that stomp cheers are an adaptation of - if not appropriation of- African American originated foot stomping cheers that are often combined with the African American orginated cheer/chant performance styles of stepping, and, less often, stomp and shake cheerleading. But then again, instead of an appropriation, stomp cheers could be considered a folk processed form of that performance art or performance art forms.

STOMP CHEER THEMES
Stomp cheers may focus on introduction. However, unlike foot stomping cheer, the introduction often is of the cheer squad itself and not its individual members.

The words to stomp cheers may also provide an opportunity for the squad to dance as a group or as individuals. Some stomp cheers are confrontational, but usually not as much as foot some foot stomping cheers. And the bragging that occurs in stomp cheers is often bragging about the athletic team, or the school, and not the individual members.

Stomp cheers also focus on the actual game (for instance calling for more offense or defense.) And those cheers also directly address the crowd (for instance, asking the crowd to repeat a line in a chant.) Since foot stomping cheers usually have no audience, they don't include any references to an audience.

Some stomp cheers repeat themselves with a new soloist after one rendition of that cheer. However, unlike foot stomping cheers, every member of the cheerleading squad may not get a turn as the soloist for that cheer, or they may not get an equal turn (a turn for the same amount of time.)

DIFFERENCES I'VE NOTICED IN THE "ATTITUDE" IN THE PERFORMANCES OF STOMP CHEERS AND THE PERFORMANCES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ORIGINATED CHEER/CHANT MOVEMENT ARTS
In my opinion, the main difference between the chanting that's done in stomp cheers and the chanting that is done in three African American originated movement arts-foot stomping cheers; historically Black Greek letter fraternity/sorority stepping, and stomp and shake cheerleading is whether or not those performers convey "attitude".

In most of the stomp cheer videos I've seen, when they are chanting confrontational/bragging cheers, the (usually White) stomp cheerleaders in those videos don't have the super-confident, aggressive, "don't mess with me 'cause we come to battle" demeanor (dramatized or otherwise) that is integral to those cheers.

Furthermore, the foot stomping movements often seem too mechanical to me. By "mechanical" I mean that not only are the stomps and other movements in the stomp routine not crisp (tight, sharp, on point), but it often seems as though the cheerleaders are performing the movements machine like, from memory, without any spirit or energy.

Here's an observation that I included in a 2013 pancocojams post on foot stomping cheers:
Drama (role playing) is supposed to be an important part of chanting insult/bragging foot stomping cheers. These cheer performances fail if the stompers/chanters don't have "attitude" (i.e. How they say the cheer (intonation), their facial expressions, their moves and body gestures are supposed to support and reinforce the word of the cheer. For instance, in confrontational (insult, bragging) cheers the girls are pretending to have disdain for and aggressive stance toward their (imaginary, unnamed) opponent. http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/an-overview-of-foot-stomping-cheers.html An Overview Of Foot Stomping Cheers (Part I- Characteristic & Sources).

I believe that this observation also applies to the performance of historically Black Greek letter fraternity/sorority stepping chants and to the performance of stomp and shake cheers.

STOMP CHEER PERFORMANCE MOVES
Many but not all stomp cheers include the word "stomp" and a brief stomp clap routine. However, the beat pattern of stomp cheers may differ from that of foot stomping cheers. And in some stomp cheers the same beat pattern isn't done in a metronone manner throughout the entire cheer as is the case with foot stomping cheers.

PERFORMING OTHER TEAMS'/SQUAD'S CHEERS
Apart from whether stepping performances in mainstream cheerleading are done well, I think that stomp cheer squads aren't aware that it's considered socially incorrect (bad form) to perform, even in a modified manner, the distinctive signature step moves and/or chants/cheers that are associated with a particular historically Black Greek fraternity/sorority or a stomp and cheer cheerleading team.

With regard to historically Black Greek letter fraternities & sororities, those moves/chants are only supposed to be performed by members of those particular organizations.

With regard to university stomp and shake cheer squads, the protocol appears to be that those cheers with their signature movements are supposed to only be performed by high school or middle school squads who were taught them by members of that particular university's cheer squad who composed and choreographed those cheers.

However, since YouTube showcases videos of historically Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority step teams' ping and historically Black colleges and universities stomp and shake cheerleading squads, it's very easy to learn other organizations' and cheer squads' steps and cheers. Therefore, particularly in the case of stomp and shake cheers, certain cheers have become very popular.

****
TEXT (WORD) EXAMPLES OF SOME STOMP CHEERS

Example #1:
Cheerleaders: Hey Cherokees!
Crowd: Hey What!
Cheerleaders: Let me see you get down! Let me see you shake it!
Crowd: No way!
Cheerleaders: Jump shake your booty! Jump! Jump! Shake your booty!
Cheerleaders: Hey Cherokees!
Crowd: Hey What!
Cheerleaders: Let me see you get down! Let me see you shake it!
Crowd: Okay!
Cheerleaders: Jump shake your booty! Jump! Jump! Shake your booty!
Cherokees! We wanna see you stomp (stomp) and shake it! (repeat)
-SEXYTAYLOR17, http://cheerleading.about.com/od/collectionofcheers/l/blcheer3.htm
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/an-overview-of-foot-stomping-movement.html for an example of "Get Down".

****
Example #2:
Irish fans in the stands,
let me hear you clap your hands.
(clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap)
Now that you've got the beat, let me hear you stomp your feet
(stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp)
Now that you've got the groove, let me see your body move
Ahuga ahah Ahuga (clap clap)
-SEXYTAYLOR17, http://cheerleading.about.com/od/collectionofcheers/l/blcheer3.htm

-snip-
"Irish" is probably part of the team name or part of the name of the high school.

****
Example #3:
You may be good at Football
You may be good at Track
But when it comes to Wrestling
You better watch your Back
Cadets Attack!
(Stomp, Clap, Stomp Stomp, Clap, Stomp Stomp, Clap Clap, Stomp Stomp, Clap)
Repeat Once
Repeat Cheer and Stomp and Clap
-no name given, http://cheerleading.about.com/od/cheerschantsyells/a/cheers100.htm

****
Example #4:
The one i learned when i was in 5th grade was (out mascot was an eagle so we replaced girls with eagles):

Bang bang choo choo train
Come on Eagles do your thing
Peanut better reese cup
Mess with us, see whats up
To the front to the back to the front back side side
Let me see your butterfly
And shake and shake your funky little hips
Now i want you and you too cheer with me too
-Amanda,cocojams.com, June 21, 2012

****
VIDEO EXAMPLES OF STOMP CHEERS
These examples are presented in no particular order.

Example #1: Stomp Cheer



kmt122181, Uploaded on Jul 14, 2008

Stomp Cheer
-anip-
The narrator says "You have to remember that the most difficult thing about this cheer is keeping the beat". The neat pattern these girls are using for this routine as superimposed on the screen is
"stomp x stomp stomp x stomp stomp xx stomp stomp x" ["x" = clap]
-snip-
There are two standard beat patterns for foot stomping cheers. Those patterns remind consistent throughout almost all cheers. They are either "stomp x stomp stomp x" or "stomp stomp x stomp stomp x">
-snip-
I think that if these girls had raised their feet higher off the ground, they would have gotten a deeper bass tone. That bass is what steppers doing foot stomping cheers want to achieve.

****
Example #2: Reno Cheerleading Stomp



Anne Goodman. Published on Mar 25, 2013
2011 RHS
-snip-
The switching movements that this cheer squad does before they begin their routine reminds me of the switching, preening movements that are a signature feature of the historically Black Greek letter sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpvlfWVYX6s

That type of female preening isn't at all a part of stomp and shake cheerleading. That switching movements also doesn't occur as a prelude to foot stomping cheers - although girls often shake their hips during
their solo portion of those cheers. Also,
for a video of those same movements by those sorors.

****
Example #3: Sikeston Cheer 2014 Stomp



T&Cs Dad, Published on Apr 11, 2014
-snip-
Click for another stomp vide of this cheer squad. Both videos really remind me of the signature, distinctive step style of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The chant in the video that is embedded in this post also is a lot like (same tune as) a Que (Omega Psi Phi) chant that is well known to those who are familiar with historically Black Greek letter fraternities.

****
Example #4: Cheer Squad Stomp During Pep Rally



Shelly Tan,Uploaded on Aug 10, 2010

The 09-10 JV and Freshman Cheerleaders doing a stomp for the Bird Bowl Pep Rally! :)

i had a blast with these girls, some of my bestest friends EVER.
-snip-
I think that this cheer squad didn't convey the attitude and spirit that I believe is an integral part of foot stomping cheer performances, or that I think should be an integral part of stomp cheer performances. Also, a cheer squads performance would make the audieence be attentive. The cheerleaders don't have to tell the crowd to be quiet. Actually, in the case of stomp and shake cheerleaders, or historically Black fraternity or sorority step teams, the cheer squad wants to raise the enthusiasm of the crowd (pump them up). They don't want the crowd to be quiet.

****
RELATED LINK
http://cocojams2.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-african-american-sources-of-bring.html The African American Sources Of Bring It On (2000 & 2006) Movies Cheers

****
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to those who published these videos on YouTube.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric and recreational purposes.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Military Influences On Fraternity & Sorority Steppin

Edited by Azizi Powell

[Revised August 7, 2016]

This is Part I of a two part series on the influence of the United States military on historically Black Greek lettered fraternity & sorority steppin. Video clips are added throughout this post to illustrate the points that are made in the excerpts.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/devil-dogs-q-dogs-are-there-connections.html for Part II of this series. In that post I speculate about the possible relationship between the military referent "devil dogs" and the "Que dog" referent for persons associated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

****
UPDATE August 12, 2016

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-military-influences-on-historically.html for an expanded excerpt from the 2005 book African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision by Tamara L Brown, ‎Gregory Parks, ‎Clarenda M. Phillips, et. al. as well as an except from a Phi Beta Sigma fraternity website.

****
DISCLAIMER
By no means is this meant to be a comprehensive presentation of information on the subject of the influence of the United States military on fraternity & sorority steppin. For instance, this post only features videos of two historically Black Greek lettered organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Furthermore, the huge influence of military cadences on fraternity step chants and vice versa isn't discussed in these posts.

The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
INFORMATIONAL EXCERPTS
(These excerpts are presented in no particular order and are numbered for reference purposes.)

Excerpt #1
From African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision edited by Tamara Brown
Google Books, p 327-329
"The military has played a large part in the formation and continuation of BGLO chants and steps. One might even say that the performance behaviors of both the military and BGLOs exist in a type of symbiotic relationship.... As a result of blacks entering the military before, during, and after attending college, one find BGLO behavior in the military, and military behavior in BGLO system.

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi with their paramilitary garb, trace stepping back to the military influence of the 1900s. Ex-soldiers attending college would incorporate marches and drills into their BGLO performance…Shannon Rawls of Kappa Alpha Psi elaborated: “Members of black organizations, brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi...who went to the military for World War II in the late ’30s and early ‘40s would come back home and incorporate some of the same cadence and military style back into....the stepping style, or into the dancing style that they did.”

Stepping during that early period was called lining, descriptive of the formation in which soldiers march. Some Omegas and other BGLO members still refer to stepping as marching on account of this early military influence.

This military behavior is further observed in the clothing, stance, and marching of BGLO members. Part of the basic working military wardrobe consists of camouflage pants, or fatigues, and combat boots. These garments, though found in all fraternities, are especially prevalent in brothers of Omega Psi Phi..."
-snip-
"BGLO" = Black Greek letter[ed] Organizations

****
Excerpt #2
From Soulstepping: African American Step Shows by Elizabeth C. Fine (University of Illinois Press (2007, pp 56-57)
"Perhaps the most striking nonverbal facial expression that reveals the lowly, liminal status of pledges is what students throughout the country refer to as “the grit”.

Appearing to grit their teeth, pledges performing in their first steep show, called a “probate” or “neophyte” show, frequently affect a stoic demeanor as they stand in line with fellow pledges, their lower lips often thrust out...When questioned, examined, and sometimes taunted or criticized by members of the society they want to join, they strive to keep their cool and show respect by staring straight ahead without moving or showing any emotion. The stance closely resembles that required by the military when new recruits stand stiffly at attention under review by their superiors. It is possible that returning Black G.I.’ brought the grit to campuses when they joined fraternities after World War I and the Korean War. The compulsory ROTC participation requited by Howard and other land grant universities may also have contributed a military influence to stepping....

In addition to ROTC and the influence of returned service men and women, military influences were perhaps from a tradition of the mock military reviews that were held among slaves. During “Training Day” performances, slaves “lampooned white military practices”. “Burlesque" military-style parades flourished in the 1830s from New England to Georgia and later became a standard feature of minstrel shows and other forms of entertainment. Many African American benevolent and secret mutual aid societies enjoyed elaborate public parades and encouraged youth to participate in drill teams….Because of their emphasis on piety and respectability, the black schools established by northern missionaries after the Civil War refused to allow students to dance. Some, however, “permit[ed] them to ‘march’ on social occasions, E. Franklin Frazier notes.”

****
Excerpt #4
From http://students.washington.edu/pbskl/step.htm
The history of Stepping according to the Temple of Blue [Phi Beta Sigma] SOURCES:
Brother Terrence A.B. Lewis
Brother Ahab El'Askeni
..."Other elements of stepping formed after the return of brothers from World War II. Various elements of military marching and line formations were implemented into fraternities with the end of the war and the advent of peace time. This, along with the founders influence, are some of the origins for the use of the cane by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in many regions. To this day the military influence as well as Masonic influences can still be seen in the step process as well as the pledge process of most Black Greek Lettered Organizations. It is through these and many other factors that stepping began to become an intimate part of Black Greek Lettered Organizations...

For Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, in many regions, canes were used due, in part, to the influence of the founders, but for the most part by the military drill sergants who were members. In the late 40's and early 50's, for the purpose of identification, many black drill sergants carried canes. These canes allowed other black soldiers to identify with their rank, which was neccessary on many bases where racism was prevalent. Of course there were some drill sergants that were members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. as well as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and it is possible that these were some of the influences for using canes as a part of the step process."

****
Comment (added on August 5, 2016)
Here's a comment from the discussion thread of the video given below as Video #3:
George m, 2013
"These POGES need to stop barking, they STOLE that Bulldog bark from us the Marine Corps, they are NOT a TRUE brotherhood WE ARE! throw a grenade in the middle of that crowd and see if a q dog belly flops on top of it, I THINK NOT! The Marine Corps have been doing that WAR BARK a lot longer than you have, THATS WHY WE ARE DEVIL DOGS!!!! You guys are Pathetic, do something constructive instead of Hazing and popping each other in the Ass which is what you guys do seeing as you are a Greek club."

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Omega Psi Phi 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic Hop team @atlgreekpicnic


Atlanta Greek Picnic Published on Jun 10, 2013

2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic Omega Psi Phi Hop team/ Stroll Off ||
Follow us http://twitter.com/atlgreekpicnic

-snip-
The video that was initially showcased is no longer available.

Notice these men's military fatigue pants.

****
Video #2: NCCU Homecoming 2012 Step Show- Phi Beta Sigma



NCCULife, Published on Nov 9, 2012

This video is uncut, raw footage filmed by NCCU students. Congratulations to the men of Phi Beta Sigma on their 1st place win for the second year in a row!

****
Video #3: Omega Psi Phi Que Dogs

.

mrchangeurlife, Uploaded on Jul 18, 2008

Gamma Sig Ques Settin' It Out 75th Conclave 2008
-snip-
Note the Step master standing on the side of the step team, similarly to how the Drill Sergeant stands to the side of his unit.

****
Video #4
Phi Beta Sigma WINS 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show @Atlgreekpicnic



Atlanta Greek Picnic·Published on Jun 10, 2013

Phi Beta Sigma WINS 2013 Atlanta Greek Picnic $10,000 step show

****
OTHER RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/cane-kane-performances-in-black.html This is Part I of a three part series about cane (kane) twirling by historically Black fraternities & sororities. Part I provides some historical information about that subject.

**
http://zumalayah.blogspot.com/2013/05/prince-hall-shriners-riding-doing-camel.html This post shows the similarities between steppin and the camel walk performed by Prince Hall Shriners

**
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-chain-gang-cadence-soul-patrol.html This post shows a movie version of Black military cadence marching.

**
Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/branding-mean-mugging-grittin-in-omega.html for a pancocojams post on branding and "mean mugging".

****
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, to those who are featured in these videos and to the publishers of these videos. Thanks also to all members past and present of historically Black Greek lettered organizations.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

What "Getting Up In Someone's Face" Means (in African American Vernacular English)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post provides definitions for the phrases "getting up in your face" & "getting all up in [someone's] face". Examples of that body gesture are presented in this post from videos of stomp & shake battle cheers.

The content of this post is presented for sociological and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
DEFINITIONS
[Additions & corrections of these definitions are welcome.]

“To get up in someone’ face" is an African American derived slang phrase that means to literally or figuratively disrespect and confront another person by putting your face very close to that peerson's face. A person can "get [up] in someone else's face" by leaning his body over towards a person. Or a person can actually move into his or her opponent's personal space until they are standing eye to eye.

A person who gets in another person's face may have different facial expressions. She or he may be smirking, or my have a closed mouth slightly smiling face as if to say that what she or he is doing is of little importance to her or him. People who get in someone's face can also have a mean, angry look which is similar to one of the looks people wear when they are "grittin on" someone, except that th African American derived term "grittin" usually is connected with staring for a long period of time with an ugly [dirty] look on one's face.

In addition to one's facial expression and how one hold his or her torso, a person who is silently, saying insulting or challenging comments ["instigating"], or yelling in another person's face may also make insulting or challenging finger gestures or hand gestures at that person ("give the person the finger", or do the "don't even go there" hand gesture that is the same as or very similar to the "talk to the hand" gesture.) "Putting your hand in someone's face" commonly ignites a physical confrontation.

The word "all" in the phrase "gettin all up in someone's face" acts as an intensifier. Although it's not necessarily the case, the word "all" means that the person puts his or her entire body in his or her opponent's face [personal space].

“Getting up in someone's grill” is a synonym from African American English for "Getting [all] [up] in someone's face". "Grill" means "face".

Note that "to get up in someone's face" is similar but not the same as the phrase "in your face". Here's a definition of that phrase from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-your-face

"Definition of “in your face” - characterized by or expressive of bold and often defiant aggressiveness ; also: aggressively intrusive
-snip-
Also, the phrase "in your face" may refer to something that is very obvious. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GVWIaESSWA for a vlog whose title reflects that usage, and whose commentater uses "in your face" to mean something "is so obvious that if it was a snake it would bite you."

****
CHEERLEADING VIDEOS THAT SHOW THE LEAN FORWARD "GETTING UP IN SOMEONE'S FACE" BODY GESTURE

Example #1: WSSU CHEERLEADERS 2010-11 Basketball BATTLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkpOiVssR0s

[embedding disabled by request]

cavettaj, Uploaded on Jun 11, 2011

RAMS BACK IN THE CIAA... taking names!
:::: finishing off Livingstone in a friendly battle::::
WSSU vs Livingstone 2010-11 [WSSU=Winston Salem State University]
-snip-
That cheer is entitled "You Get No Respect In Here". It is given as the third cheer in this video: WSSU CHEERLEADERS GETTIN' CRUNK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyRaRAge3PE
"Getting Crunk" means to get hyped [excited], to be hard (in the street sense of that word), to act "real", without any polite restraints] Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crunk for information about the word "crunk".

Also, click http://cocojams.com/content/stomp-and-shake-cheerleader-cheers for the words to that "You Get No Respect In Here" cheer.

Example #2: BEN L. SMITH AND EASTERN GUILFORD CHEER OFF



ORIGINALCHEERPHI, Uploaded on Feb 21, 2008

THE EAGLES LETTIN' THE WILDCASTS KNOW THEY AINT READY TO ROCK WITH THEM AT THE ULTIMATE CHEER & DANCE EXPERIENCE TRIAD HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING COMPETITION 2007
-snip-
“Wildcasts” is probably a typo for “Wildcats”.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/rock-steady-childrens-cheer-examples.html for the words to that squad's second cheer "Rock Steady".

****
RELATED LINK
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-grittin-on-someone-means.html

****
Thanks to all those featured in these videos. Thanks to the producers of these videos & their publishers on YouTube.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

African American Four Corners & Funky Four Corners (Part II: Social Dances & Fraternity Routines)

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision: June 22, 2026

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series on the four corners & funky four corners records, social dances, and fraternity routines.

Part II features videos of those dances and fraternity routines.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/04/four-corners-funky-four-corners.html for Part I of this series. Part I provides information about and four examples of "Four Corners" & "Funky Four Corners" records.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/06/solly-mahlangu-wa-hamba-nathi-siyabonga.html for a pancocojams post entitled "Solly Mahlangu- "Wa Hamba Nathi"  with English Lyrics & Lyrics From Various Other African Languages. While they sing that South African Gospel song Solly Mahlangu and his backup singers march while facing each of the four corners. 

****
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The "four corners" and "funky four corners" are late 1960s African American originated individual dances & African American originated line dances.*

*As per information provided in http://funky16corners.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/funky16corners-radio-v-71-getting-the-corners/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Funky_16_Corners.

"The funky four corners" is also the name of footwork, hopping (steppin) routines that are performed by the historically Black Greek lettered fraternity Omega Psi Phi, Inc.

*The "four corners" is also a name of a American country line
dance. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr7W1nK49tk for one example of this dance.

****
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE MEANING OF "FOUR CORNERS" AND "FUNKY FOUR CORNERS" [updated Dec. 10, 2020]
"Four corners" records are instructional dance records which include the title "four corners", "funky four corners", or the word "corners" with some other number. "Instructional dance" records are those in which a singer gives instructions on how to do a particular dance. However, those dances can be done to other records.

"The four corners" refer to moving your entire body (or just your butt) in four corners. The term "four corners" refer to the north, east, south, and west.  

A form of the four corners social dance is included toward the end of the dance for the song "Your The One I Want" in the 1978 American movie Grease.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oKPYe53h78&ab_channel=HolidayPartyMusic Grease - You're The One That I Want [HQ+Lyrics]
Holiday Party Music, Jun 5, 2009 [at 3:16 in this movie clip].

Here's an excerpt of a Rolling Stone magazine article about actor John Travolta showing talk show host Jimmy Fallon the four corners dance move when he visited that show on the fortieth anniversary of that movie: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/watch-john-travolta-revive-grease-dance-with-jimmy-fallon-628735/ Watch John Travolta Revive ‘Grease’ Dance With Jimmy Fallon

Actor taught ‘Tonight Show’ host move used during ‘You’re the One That I Want’ for film’s 40th anniversary

By RYAN REED, June 14, 2018
"John Travolta taught Jimmy Fallon one of the signature dance moves from Grease, “the Four Corners,” celebrating the film’s 40th anniversary of its New York City premiere.

“Like with Pulp Fiction, I grew up with all these kind of novelty dances,” Travolta said. “So in Grease, they needed a step for ‘You’re the One That I Want’ at the end. I said, ‘Well, we used to do the Four Corners – why don’t we do that?’ The choreographer said, ‘Show it to me,’ and I did.”

Travolta slid naturally back into the belt-grabbing hip swivel, instructing a giddy Fallon on the right-left-back-back approach."...
-snip-
Here's a link to a video of that Jimmy Fallon Show segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bxnov4Iz0s&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=TheTonightShowStarringJimmyFall
-snip-
The comments about the four corners dance begins at .46 in this video.

Notice that the dancers remain facing forward while they grab their belt and (only slightly) swivel their hips. This is only one way that the four corners dance was/is performed.

**

The "funky four corner" Omega Psi Phi fraternity routine is usually done with call & response chanting and is always performed without any other accompanying music.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
Listening to the Highlighter Band's record "The Funky 16 Corners" which is the first of the "corners records"*, it appears to me that a line dance was the first type of dance that was done to "corners records". Individual dances (such as hips moving in the four corners) and fraternity routines were  created after those line dances. 

Example #1: FOUR CORNERS



iwill77, Uploaded on May 12, 2007

SHUFFLE DANCE FROM ENGAGEMENT PARTY ON 5/11/07

****
Example #2: fight the power dance Isley brothers-Four Corners


nikkicole1,Uploaded on Apr 29, 2011

my family once again line dancing

****
Example #3: Flash Mob - Part 3 - Funky Four Corners



cmliss2010, Uploaded on Nov 5, 2010

More and more flash mob rehearsals
-snip-
This is an example of the four corners as an individual dance, not a line dance.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS -OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY "FOUR CORNERS: ROUTINES AND CHANTS
"The Funky Four Corners" hop* routines are still performed by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Note: These movement routines & chants should only be performed by those who are associated with this fraternity.

*Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. refer to their choreographed movements as "hops" and not "steps".

Example #1: Omega Psi Phi Beta Eta

.

Xay90, Uploaded on Aug 20, 2010

The Beta Eta Chapter of the University of Alabama sets it owt for the new students in the Ferguson Center. Starting the year off right, Beta Eta devises its master plan to set it OWT for the year.

Omega Psi Phi
The Beta Eta Chapter

X.Burgin
www.quethelights.com
-snip-
The funky four corners routine begins at 2:17 in this video.

Here's my transcription of this chant:
Lead group: Oh let
[Oh let]
Ah me see
[Ah see what]
Lead -Ah the funky four corners
[I say the funky four corners]
I said the the funky four corners
[See the funky four corners]
All: Hee yah Ahh ah Omega Psi Phi
Hee yah Ahh ah Que Psi Phi
Hee yah Ahh ah Omega Psi Phi
Hee Yah Ahh Que Psi Phi
Ah Q!
[barking]*

*Dog barks are the signature call of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions & corrections are welcome.

****
Example #2: Funky Four corners



royr314 Uploaded on Aug 2, 2011
-snip-
Here's my transcription of this chant:
The group chants in unison:
Oh let
Oh let
Ah me see
Ah see what
Oh let
Oh let
Ah me see
Ah see what
The funky four corners, yeah
With its funky butt
It goes “Yah Hah Hiii Omega Psi Phi
Yah Hah Hiii Omega Psi Phi
Oh Yah Hah Hiii Omega Psi Phi
It goes “Yah Hah Hiii Omega Psi Phi
[barking]*

*Dog barks are the signature call of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions & corrections are welcome.

****
Example #3: PLL 4th of July Parade - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.



dmvques, Published on Sep 6, 2012

The Bruhz of Pi Lambda Lambda SET OWT Funky Four Corners during the Dale City 2012 4th of July Parade.
-snip-
The funky four corners routine is from 0.53 -1:14 in this video.

Here's my transcription of this chant:

Oh, let me see
[Ah see what]
The funky four corners
[yeah]
The funky
The funky four.
All: It goes
Ah yah Hiii Omega Psi Phi [4x]
Que!
[barking]*

*Dog barks are the signature call of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions & corrections are welcome.
-snip-
Added August 29, 2020
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq7isK-uOTQ for a 2012 video of  The Funky Four Corners performed by a chapter of Omega Psi Phi.

Yet another Omega Psi Phi "Funky Four Corners" routine from 2012 is found around 12:45- 13:16 in this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qNnQdutcqw

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

"Sigma Gamma Rho Is The Way To Go" (video & text examples)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases one video & four text examples of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. songs/chants that include the rhyming line: "Sigma Gamma Rho is the way to go". Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is a historically Black Greek lettered sorority which was founded in 1922.

This post also includes a bonus video and my transcription of another Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority song/chant whose title I'm unsure of but which I've given the tentative title "Just The Rhos, Baby". This song doesn't contain the featured line. I've added it just because I like the song's creativity.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, historical, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s of these chant, to those persons featured in these videos, and to the uploaders of those videos.
-snip-
I consider fraternity & sorority chants to be cultural artifacts which deserve to be collected, preserved, and studied. I also believe that fraternity & sorority songs and chants should only be recited and/or performed by those persons who are affiliated with the specific organization that is associated with that particular chant.

****
FEATURED VIDEO
Mississippi State: Sigma Gamma Rho Probate 2011 Part 1 of 2



Listamato,Uploaded on Mar 24, 2011

Mississippi State University
Sigma Gamma Rho Inc.'s 2011 Reveal!
Theta Phi Chapter
There is a Part 2!
-snip-
The song which contains the line "Sigma Gamma Rho Is The Way To Go" refrain is found at the beginning of the video to .034. The video doesn't show the beginning of this chant/song whose title might be "It's So Hard To Be A Sigma".

Here's my transcription of the portion of that song which was filmed (given here as Example #1)

Lead: Well I asked my mama
and my mama said
Group: Sigma Gamma Rho is the way to go.
Lead: Don’t want no white, no pink, or red.
Group-Sigma Gamma Rho
is the way to go.

It’s so hard to be a Sigma.
It’s so hard to be a SGRho.
It’s so hard to be a Sigma.
Sigma Gamma Rho
is the way to go.
-snip-
Part 2 of this video is found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxrybM4pU6w."

****
ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF SONGS/CHANTS THAT INCLUDE THE LINE "SIGMA GAMMA RHO IS THE WAY TO GO"

Example #2
it was November 12
1922
Seven ladies founded
the gold and blue

They put their hearts and minds
to test
and founded a sorority
above the rest

just in case
you didn't know
Sigma Gamma Rho
is the way to go
EE-YIP
RHOyal-Silence, http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?s=ccb66641f027f73cbecde1972ac4957e&t=6876&page=2, 03-13-2001

****
Example #3
SoRhors,

Here's an old, old, old school chant! (lol)

1-9-2-2
Let Sigma show you what she can do!
S-G-Rho
The only way to go!
SeriousSigma22 , http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?s=ccb66641f027f73cbecde1972ac4957e&t=6876&page=2, 02-15-2002

Example #4
Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho
Ooh Yeah, that's the way to go.
Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho
Ooh Yeah, that's the way to go.

Sigma Call.....
Sigma Call....

Now who do you love?
The blue and the gold.
The blue, the blue, the gold, the gold;
Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho.
(repeat)
- http://www.angelfire.com/tn2/mubeta/index7.html Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc Chants [retrieved 1/16/2013]

BONUS SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC VIDEO AND SONG/CHANT TRANSCRIPTION

2011 Sigma Gamma Rho Probate Spring Part 1 of 4



brownleetube,Uploaded on Apr 5, 2011

SGRho Probate Lambda Rho Chapter University of Florida on 4/3/2011
-snip-
The song begins at 1:24 and contines until the end of the video.

Here's my transcription of the song which I've tentatively given the title "Just The Rhos, Baby"

Lead-Did you wanna to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha?
Group- No.
Lead-Did you wanna to pledge Zeta Phi Beta?
Group- No.
Lead-Did you want to pledge Delta Sigma Theta?
Group- No. NoNoNoNo.
Just the Rhos baby.
RhoRhoRhoRhoRho.
The blue and gold, baby.

Knew that I was led**
Knew that I had surely died
Only to see the rhoyal blue light
And the golden Sigma sun shining bright
RhoRhoRhoRhoRho.
Just the Rhos baby.
RhoRhoRhoRhoRho
The blue and gold, baby.
[repeat last verse several times]

* I’m not sure if “led” is the word that the group is singing.

Additions & corrections to this transcription are welcome. Also, for the historical record, I'd like to add additional information about this song/chant such as what is its title, who (or which chapter) composed it, and when.

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - "I Love My DST" ("I Love My D In Front Of My S" etc. Examples & Videos)

Edited by Azizi Powell

[Updated - June 28, 2017]

This pancocojams post showcases four video & text examples of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chant "I Love My DST". "DST" are the first letters of that historically Black (African American) Greek letter sorority.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, historical, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.

Thanks to the composer/s of these chant, to those persons featured in these videos, and to the uploaders of those videos.

Congratulations to DST for their 100 years of Sisterhood!
-snip-
I consider fraternity & sorority chants to be cultural artifacts which deserve to be collected, preserved, and studied. I also believe that fraternity & sorority songs and chants should only be recited and/or performed by those persons who are affiliated with the specific organization that is associated with that particular chant.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHANT "I LOVE MY DST"
"I Love My DST" is a chant affirming the affection that members of the historically Black Greek lettered sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc have for that organization.

I'm not sure when this chant was first composed. The words to this chant appear to differ slightly but each version appear to includes the words "I love my D in front of my "S" (and similar words spelling the letters for that sorority.

Probates (new members of the sorority), or other sorors (sorority members) usually chant "I Love My DST" while performing a step routine during step shows. Step routines always include the sorors folding their hands to form a pyramid, the foremost symbol of that sorority.

Read my comment below about similar chants that are performed by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., another historically Black Greek letter sorority. I'm not sure which organization's compositions are the earliest examples of these types of chants.

****
FEATURED VIDEOS & TEXT EXAMPLES
(These examples are posted in chronological order by the date of their YouTube posting with the oldest videos posted first.)

Example #1: I love my DST!!!



-BaDST07, Uploaded on Feb 8, 2008

The Tau Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. represented their chapter very well during Brenau University's Winter Weekend Greek Sing. Sit back and relax while we tell you why we love DST!!!
-snip-
The chant "I Love My DST" begins at 3:06

Here's my transcription of this version of "I Love My DST":

First soror*: I like my "D"
In front of my "S".
Second soror: My "S" in front of my "T".
Third soror: In front.
First soror: In front.
It's the natural order of things.
It sounds SO good to me.
I love my DST.
Second soror: I like my "D" in front of my "S",
My "S" in front of my "T".
It sounds so good to me.
I love my "D".
Third & fourth soror: I like my "D" in front of my "S",
My "S" in front of my "T".
It looks so good to me.
I like I like I like my "S".
First soror:
I like my "S" in front of my "T"
No matter what you think,
It looks so good on me.
I like, I like, I like, I like my "T".

[clap routine]

Group: I like, I like, I like, I like.
I love, I love, I love, I love.
Gotta have, gotta have
my "D" in front of my "S",
My "S" in front of my "T".
It sounds so good to me.
I love my D.S.T.

*"First soror", "second soror" refers to the order of speakers.
Additions and corrections are welcome for the historical record.

****
Example #2: I love my DST



Uploaded on Feb 28, 2009
T.E. Deltas representin' at the MLK Parade in Atlanta, GA
-snip-
Here's my transcription of that chant:

Lead -I love I love my D.S._ .T.*
Group-I love my "D" in front of my "S",
My "S" in front of my "T".
It sounds so good to me.
I love, I love, I love,
I love my D.S._ .T.*

*The periods after the letters indicate that a brief space was given before saying each letter, The dash after "S." is meant to indicate that there is a beat between saying "S." and "T".

****
Example #3: Delta Sigma Theta Lambda Psi 2010 Probate I Love My DST.flv



LPproDUCKtions, Uploaded on May 17, 2010

Here's a partial transcription of this chant as performed by probates of that historically Black Greek lettered sorority.
Additions and corrections are very welcome for the historical record.

I love, I love, I love
I love my "D" in front of my "S".
It's the very best.
It puts me to the test.
I love, I love, I love
I love my "S" in front of my "T",
So get away from me. [?]
?????

I love my "S" in front of my "T".
It means the best to me. [?]
????
????
-snip-
The question marks after certain words indicate that I was unsure of the words that were chanted. Questions marks also indicate where I was unable to understand the words that were chanted because of the audience's enthusiastic response to that performance.

****
Example #4 Beta Kappa Delta Sigma Theta Talent Show 2011 'I like my d...'



MssAMarie, Published on Feb 5, 2011

Beta Kappa Delta Sigma Theta Talent Show 'I like my d...'
-snip-
Lyrics:*

Group: I like, I like, I like, I like.
I love, I love, I love, I love.
Gotta have, gotta have
my "D" in front of my "S",
My "S" in front of my "T".
It looks so good on me.
I love my D.S.T.
-snip-
I think these were the words, but they were difficult to hear because of the audience's enthusiastic responses.

****
RELATED LINK
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/delta-sigma-theta-sorority-celebrates-100-years-of-black-sisterhood-in-dc/2013/01/11/0eb6cd90-5b5c-11e2-beee-6e38f5215402_story.html
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrates 100 years of black sisterhood in D.C.

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.