Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents five additional* examples of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chant "This Is A Serious Matter".
Selected comments from some of these showcased videos are also included in this post, including a comment about fraternity and sorority calls that I posted in response to a question in the discussion thread for the video given as #3).
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all past and present member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 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 http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-inc-this-is.html for the 2012 pancocojams post entitled "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. "This Is A Serious Matter" (Text Examples & Videos)". As indicated by that title, that post includes text (words) for those showcased examples of "This Is A Serious Matter".
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is a historically Black Greek letter sorority and is a member of The National Pan-Hellenic Council (informally known as "The Divine Nine").
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.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"This Is A Serious Matter" appears to be the most widely known traditional Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) chant. This chant and its accompanying step routine have become signature parts of the culture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A signature movement in that routine is to step from left to right while both hands are held palm up close to the steppers' waist.
The lyrics to "This is a Serious Matter" may differ among various Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters or within the same chapter at different points in time. "This is a Serious Matter" is usually composed of two line rhyming verses that state the history of the sorority, praise the sorority and its members, and/or diss (insult) other sororities. This chant always includes the line "this is a serious matter".
Many versions of this chant start with the step team saying "1 9 0 8". This is the date that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded. Most versions of "This Is A Serious Matter" include a reference to the fact that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc was the first Black sorority. Each version of this chant includes the refrain "This Is a SERIOUS matter". However, a step team may only repeated the words "This is a serious matter; this is a serious, serious, serious matter". My sense is that what "is a serious matter" is the sorority itself- its history, its ideals, its present activities, and its members' commitment to that organization.
Thanks to Anonymous, May 30, 2014 for publishing these comments in the discussion thread for the 2012 post on this subject whose link is given above:
"Serious Matter was authored and first performed at Langston University, Langston Oklahoma in 1986 by the Ivy line lovingly named '15 Girls in Search of 20 Pearls"
-The Author-"
**
"The chant was performed at the Langston University Homecoming Event..."
-Anonymous, May 30, 2014
-snip-
If anyone remembers the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chant from the late 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s please share that information with me and other blog readers in the comment section below.
-snip-
For the record, I "went over" (became a member of AKA Sorority, Inc) in 1967-Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey. Members of the state's graduate chapter pledged my line. We only stepped a couple of times, and I don't remember learning "This is a Serious Matter".
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO EXAMPLES
Example #1: Greekster.tv - Serious Matter AKA
greekstertv, Dec 28, 2009
Interviewing the sisters of AKA at the Rutgers 10th Annual LTA Step, Stroll and Salute Exhibition
-snip-
Rutgers University is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey USA (and two other campuses in New Jersey]
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. Atiba Sonnebeyatta, 2009
"im just wondering why they spelled IOTA in the beginning?"
**
REPLY
2. Kiera Walker, 2011
"@aksonnebeyatta theyre i think theyre iota psi chapter"
**
REPLY
3. Artrez Johnson, 2012
"umm i think thats their chapter #representing"
**
4. KaekaiTV, 2010
"1:25 delta diss! HAHA!"
-snip-
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is another historically Black Greek letter sorority. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc has some "serious" history with that organization....
**
6. comments431, 2013
"That Delta shade. LOL"
****
Example #2: AKA Probate (This is a Serious Matter)
16GPS, Apr 28, 2012
-snip-
Here are three comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. Kahlyn Ward, 2014
"What school was this?"
**
REPLY
2. 16GPS, 2015
"Alabama State University"
-snip-
Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, Alabama [USA]
**
3. Nunya Biznazz, 2018
"My...what a large line."
-snip-
"line"= referent for the group of probates (new members of the sorority or the fraternity)
****
Example #3: Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Yard Show Spring 2014
Human Jukebox Media, Mar 26, 2014
Southern University
Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha
AKA Week 2014
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. Tony Tone, 2014
"Y'all did that ..."
**
2. Coco Nut, 2014
"SU solidified my love for this lovely sorority yearsssss ago"
-snip-
Southern University is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana [USA]
**
3. blackgreekhelp.com, 2014
"one of the best alpha kappa alpha yard shows!"
**
4. Justin Cartwright, 2014
"Did y'all catch the diss at 2:34?!"
**
REPLY
5. Bizzy Sea, 2015
**
REPLY
6. Bizzy Sea, 2015
"What was the diss? I couldn't hear anything"
**
REPLY
7. Justin Cartwright, 2015
"A diss to the Deltas"
**
REPLY
8. Justin Cartwright, 2015
"@Deborah Dieudonne "So while you waddle around, in your crimson and cream (The Deltas), don't forget that these Ivys put you ducks on the scene." Since the 22 founders of DST were originally AKAs. Lol"
**
REPLY
9. Bizzy Sea, 2015
"Ohhh, I didn't hear them. Thanks for replying."
**
10. Dominique Burton, 2014
"Does anyone know the name of the song that they're strolling to at the end?"
**
REPLY
11. Erin Watson, 2014
"Choppa- Lonely"
**
REPLY
12. Dominique Burton, 2014
"@Erin Watson Thank you!"
**
13. jarvaris greene, 2017
"They throwing shade like a palm tree"
**
14. ZuZu RayRay, 2017
"These Beta Psi girls are some of the best here in Youtube"
**
15. Rhandi Ferguson, 2017
"I'm all for sororities especially African American ones but aren't sororities supposed to be about sister hood all over? So what's the point if in every step and chat there's hate and shade thrown towards the other ladies? If you ask me this just brings even more hate in our African society that's already being torn down by the whites"
**
REPLY
16. Sydnee Jackson, 2018
"Baha Beauty it’s just for entertainment they lots of community service on the back end"
**
17. Jahslyn k, 2015
"why do they do that high pitch voice thing SSSKKKKWWEETT i think thats what they are saying. Is that something all sororities do??"
**
REPLY
18. TIFFANYBUTTERFLY, 2016
"Yes every sorority has a call
**
REPLY
19. Jahslyn k, 2016
"@TIFFANYBUTTERFLY a call? But why whats the point?"
**
20. Azizi Powell, 2020
"@@Jahslyn k, I'm an inactive member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Zeta chapter). I pledged waaaay back in 1967. Here's a portion of what I wrote about historically Black fraternity & sorority calls on my cultural blog: http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/09/black-fraternity-sorority-calls.html
"Historically Black Greek lettered organization calls are signature sounds that members of an organization make to get the attention of another member or members of their organization who is some distance away. Calls can also be used to greet another member or member of that organization, and calls can also be used to "represent" (promote, "big up") their organization during public events. I would also add that out of respect, people who aren't members of a particular organization should not use that organization's call.
A fraternity or sorority might have more than one signature call. These calls are usually informal (i.e. not recognized as an official part of that organization by that organization's governing body.) Non-members of a specific organization are strictly prohibited from verbally or in writing using that organization's call in public or in private....
Calls are part of Black history and culture" - extending back to field hollers (arwhoolie) and perhaps even extending back to African musical traditions"....
**
21. Jada Farmer, 2020
"Two of the prettiest dolls said the infamous line “you better watch you man, because your man be watching me” miss April and Melody okay baby"
****
Example #4: AKA Serious Matter
Alexis Delgado, Mar 9, 2019
-snip-
This Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapter is located at Monmouth University. West Long Branch, New Jersey [USA].
****
Example #5: AKA 2019 Probate : Serious Matter - Pi Mu Chapter
pearlfection16, Apr 16, 2019
Pi Mu Chapter - Baylor University [Waco, Texas USA]
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label step shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label step shows. Show all posts
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Friday, November 29, 2013
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.
[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.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B (Text & Video Examples)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents examples of the signature Zeta Phi Beta (Z Phi B) Sorority, Inc. chant "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. chant and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
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.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" is a Zeta Phi Beta sorority chant/song. I've found several online text versions & videos of this song as it was performed by different chapters of this Black Greek lettered organization [BGLO]. While these versions weren't exactly the same, there are consistent lyrics that are found in each of example of this chant. Furthermore, each of these versions of Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" have the same call & response structure. Judging from the videos, members of the sorority 'sing' "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" while performing step and/or stroll movements to the chant's moderately fast tempo beat.
"Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" includes references to Zeta Phi Beta's [also known as the "Zetas"] sorority colors (blue and white) and other Black Greek lettered sororities' colors (pink and green - Alpha Kappa Alpha [AKA], crimson and creme [also given as red and white] - Delta Sigma Theta [DST], and blue and gold - Sigma Gamma Rho [Sgrho]. Some versions of "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" also include references to some of those rival sororities' signature calls, and/or include references to Zeta Phi Beta's brother group, the BGLO fraternity Phi Beta Sigma [PBS; also known as the "Sigmas"], whose colors are also blue and white.
I'm not sure when the "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" chant was first composed. If anyone remembers this chant from the late 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s please share that information with me and other blog readers in the comment section below.
My guess is that the Gladys Knight & The Pips' hit 1972 R&B song "With Every Beat Of My Heart" was the inspiration for this sorority chant. Although I don't read or write music, it seems to me that the words "every beat of my heart" sound the same in both the R&B song and that featured sorority chant. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUM4kNLoDqY for a video of that song.
****
TEXT EXAMPLES
(These examples are presented in no particular order.)
EXAMPLE #1: THE BEAT OF MY HEART
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I looked to my left and who stands supreme
The blue and the white; not the pink & the green.
I said my sorors? Yeah?
Did you heart it? Hear what?
The sound of those AKAs
I said they're hurting my head with their
A-a-kin sound
I said "Skee-Wee"
As they shake all around
With their hands in the air
Thinking they're all that
But they don't understand
Pink and Green don't even match.
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I look up a head and who's standing bold
The blue and the white and not the blue and the gold
I said my sorors? Yeah?
Did you hear it? Hear what?
The sound of those SGRho's
Shhhh! [sound of crickets]
No matter what we do
No matter where we go
We never hear a sound
From those SGRho
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I look to my right tell me who did I see?
The blue and the white not the crimson and cream
I said my sorors. Yeah?
My sexy sorors. Yeah?
The sound of the DSTs
I said "Whoooooops"
They pledged the wrong sorority
With that mistaken sound
With that darned geometry
And to make matters worse
They used to be AKA
DST is with them
And they're there today
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I said my sorors. Yeah?
My sexy sorors. Yeah?
We sound sooo good today.
But then a Zeta lady sounds good everyday.
From http://www.horntip.com/mp3/2000s/2001ca_black_greek_soundz_songs_and_chants_(CDs)/2001ca_zeta_phi_beta_sorority/21_the_beat_of_my_heart.htm [posted with two minor typographical corrections]
-snip-
The portions of this chant - such as "I said my sorors? Yeah? Did you hear it? Hear what?" - when the leader calls to the rest of the group and the group responds reminds me of the beginning structure of foot stomping cheers, only in reverse (in foot stomping cheers the group calls a person by name and that person responds.) Click this page of my cocojams website http://cocojams.com/content/foot-stomping-cheers-0 for information and examples of foot stomping cheers. The cheer "Introduce Yourself" is a good example of the exchanges between the group addressing a specifically named person and that person initially responding with "Yeah" or "What".
****
Example #2: EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART IZ CRYING Z-PHI-B
it's a call and response*
every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
everybody knows we're the best sorority
no aka no dst
only z phi b for me
look over there and tell me who's supreme
it's the blue and the white and not the pink and the green
look over there and tell me who's ahead
its the blue and the white and not the white and the red
look over and tell me who's got soul
its the blue and white and not the blue and the gold
zeta zeta's got soul and power
we're gonna build ourselves a blue and white tower
finer womanhood is our cry
sisterly love sets the zetas on fire
rise rise rise sweet zeta 2x
look out, look out,look out, look out,ooooohh 4x
-zanalyst08; http://www.youtube.com/comment_servlet?all_comments=1&v=HWvrsSywB98 ; 2008 [This YouTube account has been deleted]
-snip-
"Call & response" here means that a soloist sings that line and the group repeats the exact same line.
Notice the substitution of the letter "z" for the letter "s". This is purposely done to pay tribute to the first letter of the group's name. I've noticed the same custom in the writing of other BGLOs, for instance, the substitution of the letter "k" for "c" by the fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi.
Here's a video in which the Zetas sing the exact same words:
Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B! - Lambda Lambda Zeta Chapter
Uploaded by BlackUnlimitedBU on May 12, 2009
Zeta Song
****
Example #3: EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART IS CRYING Z-PHI-B
Leader- Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Group- Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Leader- Everybody knows we're the best sorority
Group- Everybody knows we're the best sorority
Leader -Come on sisters, get on this line.
Group - Come on sisters get on this line.
Leader - Everybody knows Zeta women are fine.
Group - Everybody knows Zeta women are fine.
Leader - We got might and we got power.
Group - We got might and we got power.
Leader - We're gonna build ourselves a blue and white tower
Group - We're gonna build ourselves a blue and white tower
Leader- Finer womanhood is our cry*
Group- Finer womanhood is our cry*
Leader - Sisterly love sets the zetas on fire*
Group - Sisterly love sets the zetas on fire*
Leader - Look over there and tell me who’s supreme
Group - Look over there and tell me who’s supreme
Leader -It's the blue and the white and not the pink and the green
Group- It's the blue and the white and not the pink and the green
Leader - Look over there and tell me who's ahead
Group - Look over there and tell me who's ahead
Leader – It’s the blue and the white and not the white and the red
Group - It’s the blue and the white and not the white and the red
Leader- Look over there and tell me who's got soul
Group - Look over there and tell me who's got soul
Leader - Well it’s the blue and white and not the blue and the gold
Group - Well it’s the blue and white and not the blue and the gold
Leader - P B S and Z Phi B
Group - P B S and Z Phi B
Leader - Has to be the only true family
Group - Has to be the only true family
Leader - Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Group - Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Leader - Only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Leader - I said only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Leader - I said only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me
Leader- No AKA and no DST
Group - No Aka no DST
Leader - Only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Leader – Only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Group - Rise rise rise oh Zeta
Group - Rise rise rise oh Zeta
Sorors of the blue and white [group forms circle, holds hands of persons on either side, and raises arms]
[chant ends with sorority call]
-jmarce1971 on Dec 1, 2010
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell, 8/10/2012. *I'm uncertain about these two lines, and added what I thought were similar lines from Example #2. If those lines are incorrect, please share the correct lines by posting them in the comment section. Thanks!
Here's that video:
Every beat of my heart - Pi Mu Chapter Zeta Phi Beta
Uploaded by jmarce1971 on Dec 1, 2010
Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta singing
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post presents examples of the signature Zeta Phi Beta (Z Phi B) Sorority, Inc. chant "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. chant and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
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.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" is a Zeta Phi Beta sorority chant/song. I've found several online text versions & videos of this song as it was performed by different chapters of this Black Greek lettered organization [BGLO]. While these versions weren't exactly the same, there are consistent lyrics that are found in each of example of this chant. Furthermore, each of these versions of Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" have the same call & response structure. Judging from the videos, members of the sorority 'sing' "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" while performing step and/or stroll movements to the chant's moderately fast tempo beat.
"Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" includes references to Zeta Phi Beta's [also known as the "Zetas"] sorority colors (blue and white) and other Black Greek lettered sororities' colors (pink and green - Alpha Kappa Alpha [AKA], crimson and creme [also given as red and white] - Delta Sigma Theta [DST], and blue and gold - Sigma Gamma Rho [Sgrho]. Some versions of "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" also include references to some of those rival sororities' signature calls, and/or include references to Zeta Phi Beta's brother group, the BGLO fraternity Phi Beta Sigma [PBS; also known as the "Sigmas"], whose colors are also blue and white.
I'm not sure when the "Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B" chant was first composed. If anyone remembers this chant from the late 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s please share that information with me and other blog readers in the comment section below.
My guess is that the Gladys Knight & The Pips' hit 1972 R&B song "With Every Beat Of My Heart" was the inspiration for this sorority chant. Although I don't read or write music, it seems to me that the words "every beat of my heart" sound the same in both the R&B song and that featured sorority chant. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUM4kNLoDqY for a video of that song.
****
TEXT EXAMPLES
(These examples are presented in no particular order.)
EXAMPLE #1: THE BEAT OF MY HEART
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I looked to my left and who stands supreme
The blue and the white; not the pink & the green.
I said my sorors? Yeah?
Did you heart it? Hear what?
The sound of those AKAs
I said they're hurting my head with their
A-a-kin sound
I said "Skee-Wee"
As they shake all around
With their hands in the air
Thinking they're all that
But they don't understand
Pink and Green don't even match.
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I look up a head and who's standing bold
The blue and the white and not the blue and the gold
I said my sorors? Yeah?
Did you hear it? Hear what?
The sound of those SGRho's
Shhhh! [sound of crickets]
No matter what we do
No matter where we go
We never hear a sound
From those SGRho
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I look to my right tell me who did I see?
The blue and the white not the crimson and cream
I said my sorors. Yeah?
My sexy sorors. Yeah?
The sound of the DSTs
I said "Whoooooops"
They pledged the wrong sorority
With that mistaken sound
With that darned geometry
And to make matters worse
They used to be AKA
DST is with them
And they're there today
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
The beat of my heart is crying ZPhiB
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
Because everybody know we are the best sorority
I said my sorors. Yeah?
My sexy sorors. Yeah?
We sound sooo good today.
But then a Zeta lady sounds good everyday.
From http://www.horntip.com/mp3/2000s/2001ca_black_greek_soundz_songs_and_chants_(CDs)/2001ca_zeta_phi_beta_sorority/21_the_beat_of_my_heart.htm [posted with two minor typographical corrections]
-snip-
The portions of this chant - such as "I said my sorors? Yeah? Did you hear it? Hear what?" - when the leader calls to the rest of the group and the group responds reminds me of the beginning structure of foot stomping cheers, only in reverse (in foot stomping cheers the group calls a person by name and that person responds.) Click this page of my cocojams website http://cocojams.com/content/foot-stomping-cheers-0 for information and examples of foot stomping cheers. The cheer "Introduce Yourself" is a good example of the exchanges between the group addressing a specifically named person and that person initially responding with "Yeah" or "What".
****
Example #2: EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART IZ CRYING Z-PHI-B
it's a call and response*
every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
everybody knows we're the best sorority
no aka no dst
only z phi b for me
look over there and tell me who's supreme
it's the blue and the white and not the pink and the green
look over there and tell me who's ahead
its the blue and the white and not the white and the red
look over and tell me who's got soul
its the blue and white and not the blue and the gold
zeta zeta's got soul and power
we're gonna build ourselves a blue and white tower
finer womanhood is our cry
sisterly love sets the zetas on fire
rise rise rise sweet zeta 2x
look out, look out,look out, look out,ooooohh 4x
-zanalyst08; http://www.youtube.com/comment_servlet?all_comments=1&v=HWvrsSywB98 ; 2008 [This YouTube account has been deleted]
-snip-
"Call & response" here means that a soloist sings that line and the group repeats the exact same line.
Notice the substitution of the letter "z" for the letter "s". This is purposely done to pay tribute to the first letter of the group's name. I've noticed the same custom in the writing of other BGLOs, for instance, the substitution of the letter "k" for "c" by the fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi.
Here's a video in which the Zetas sing the exact same words:
Every Beat of My Heart Is Crying Z Phi B! - Lambda Lambda Zeta Chapter
Uploaded by BlackUnlimitedBU on May 12, 2009
Zeta Song
****
Example #3: EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART IS CRYING Z-PHI-B
Leader- Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Group- Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Leader- Everybody knows we're the best sorority
Group- Everybody knows we're the best sorority
Leader -Come on sisters, get on this line.
Group - Come on sisters get on this line.
Leader - Everybody knows Zeta women are fine.
Group - Everybody knows Zeta women are fine.
Leader - We got might and we got power.
Group - We got might and we got power.
Leader - We're gonna build ourselves a blue and white tower
Group - We're gonna build ourselves a blue and white tower
Leader- Finer womanhood is our cry*
Group- Finer womanhood is our cry*
Leader - Sisterly love sets the zetas on fire*
Group - Sisterly love sets the zetas on fire*
Leader - Look over there and tell me who’s supreme
Group - Look over there and tell me who’s supreme
Leader -It's the blue and the white and not the pink and the green
Group- It's the blue and the white and not the pink and the green
Leader - Look over there and tell me who's ahead
Group - Look over there and tell me who's ahead
Leader – It’s the blue and the white and not the white and the red
Group - It’s the blue and the white and not the white and the red
Leader- Look over there and tell me who's got soul
Group - Look over there and tell me who's got soul
Leader - Well it’s the blue and white and not the blue and the gold
Group - Well it’s the blue and white and not the blue and the gold
Leader - P B S and Z Phi B
Group - P B S and Z Phi B
Leader - Has to be the only true family
Group - Has to be the only true family
Leader - Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Group - Every beat of my heart is crying Z phi B
Leader - Only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Leader - I said only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Leader - I said only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me
Leader- No AKA and no DST
Group - No Aka no DST
Leader - Only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Leader – Only Z Phi B for me
Group - I said only Z Phi B for me.
Group - Rise rise rise oh Zeta
Group - Rise rise rise oh Zeta
Sorors of the blue and white [group forms circle, holds hands of persons on either side, and raises arms]
[chant ends with sorority call]
-jmarce1971 on Dec 1, 2010
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell, 8/10/2012. *I'm uncertain about these two lines, and added what I thought were similar lines from Example #2. If those lines are incorrect, please share the correct lines by posting them in the comment section. Thanks!
Here's that video:
Every beat of my heart - Pi Mu Chapter Zeta Phi Beta
Uploaded by jmarce1971 on Dec 1, 2010
Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta singing
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. "This Is A Serious Matter" (Original Post Including Word Examples & Videos)
sharodsgirl, Nov 11, 2007
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Chi Chapter at North Carolina Central University--Fall 2007
****
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision -November 25, 2025
This pancocojams post presents examples of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chant "This Is A Serious Matter".
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest historically Black Greek letter sorority and is a member of The National Pan-Hellenic Council (informally known as "The Divine Nine").
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest historically Black Greek letter sorority and is a member of The National Pan-Hellenic Council (informally known as "The Divine Nine").
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes
.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the Langston University, Langston Oklahoma who are the authors of this Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. chant in 1986. Thanks to all past and present member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 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-
-snip-
This is an updated. reformatted version of a pancocojams post that was originally published in 2012. I republished this updated version of this post on November 25, 2025 to facilitate its viewing by more people.
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.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"This Is A Serious Matter" appears to be the most widely known traditional Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) chant. This chant and its accompanying step routine have become signature parts of the culture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A signature movement in that routine is to step from left to right while both hands are held palm up close to the steppers' waist.
The lyrics to "This is a Serious Matter" may differ among various Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters or within the same chapter at different points in time. "This is a Serious Matter" is usually composed of two line rhyming verses that state the history of the sorority, praise the sorority and its members, and/or diss (insult) other sororities. This chant always includes the line "this is a serious matter".
Many versions of this chant start with the step team saying "1 9 0 8". This is the date that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded. Most versions of "This Is A Serious Matter" include a reference to the fact that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc was the first Black sorority. Each version of this chant includes the refrain "This Is a SERIOUS matter". However, a step team may only repeated the words "This is a serious matter; this is a serious, serious, serious matter". My sense is that what "is a serious matter" is the sorority itself- its history, its ideals, its present activities, and its members' commitment to that organization.
Thanks to Anonymous, May 30, 2014 for publishing these comments in the comment section for the 2012 post on this subject whose link is given above:
"Serious Matter was authored and first performed at Langston University, Langston Oklahoma in 1986 by the Ivy line lovingly named '15 Girls in Search of 20 Pearls"
-The Author-"
**
"The chant was performed at the Langston University Homecoming Event..."
-Anonymous, May 30, 2014
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-inc-this-is.html for additional comments.
-snip-
This is an updated. reformatted version of a pancocojams post that was originally published in 2012. I republished this updated version of this post on November 25, 2025 to facilitate its viewing by more people.
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.
****
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CHANT
"This Is A Serious Matter" appears to be the most widely known traditional Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) chant. This chant and its accompanying step routine have become signature parts of the culture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A signature movement in that routine is to step from left to right while both hands are held palm up close to the steppers' waist.
The lyrics to "This is a Serious Matter" may differ among various Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters or within the same chapter at different points in time. "This is a Serious Matter" is usually composed of two line rhyming verses that state the history of the sorority, praise the sorority and its members, and/or diss (insult) other sororities. This chant always includes the line "this is a serious matter".
Many versions of this chant start with the step team saying "1 9 0 8". This is the date that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded. Most versions of "This Is A Serious Matter" include a reference to the fact that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc was the first Black sorority. Each version of this chant includes the refrain "This Is a SERIOUS matter". However, a step team may only repeated the words "This is a serious matter; this is a serious, serious, serious matter". My sense is that what "is a serious matter" is the sorority itself- its history, its ideals, its present activities, and its members' commitment to that organization.
Thanks to Anonymous, May 30, 2014 for publishing these comments in the comment section for the 2012 post on this subject whose link is given above:
"Serious Matter was authored and first performed at Langston University, Langston Oklahoma in 1986 by the Ivy line lovingly named '15 Girls in Search of 20 Pearls"
-The Author-"
**
"The chant was performed at the Langston University Homecoming Event..."
-Anonymous, May 30, 2014
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/08/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-inc-this-is.html for additional comments.
If anyone remembers the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chant from the 1980s and the 1990s, please share that information with me and other blog readers in the comment section below.
-snip-
For the record, I "went over" (became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) in 1967-Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey. Members of the state's graduate chapter pledged my line. We only stepped a couple of times, and I only remember a few chants that I learned at that time.
****
SOME SHOWCASE VIDEO EXAMPLES OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY.INC. CHANT "IT'S A SERIOUS MATTER"
-snip-
For the record, I "went over" (became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) in 1967-Gamma Zeta chapter, New Jersey. Members of the state's graduate chapter pledged my line. We only stepped a couple of times, and I only remember a few chants that I learned at that time.
****
SOME SHOWCASE VIDEO EXAMPLES OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY.INC. CHANT "IT'S A SERIOUS MATTER"
These examples are presented in chronological order with the oldest example in this post.
The versions of "It's A Serious Matter" that are chanted in most of these YouTube videos aren't transcribed in this pancocojams post.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1-
[This video is found at the top of this pancocojams post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 -AKA Step...A Serious Matter
The versions of "It's A Serious Matter" that are chanted in most of these YouTube videos aren't transcribed in this pancocojams post.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1-
[This video is found at the top of this pancocojams post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 -AKA Step...A Serious Matter
Uploaded by BHSMouse on Jan 31, 2009
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Serious Matter
SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Serious Matter
Brandon C, Published on Sep 26, 2009
The Omicron Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 -Greekster.tv - Serious Matter AKA
SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 -Greekster.tv - Serious Matter AKA
greekstertv, Uploaded on Dec 27, 2009
Interviewing the sisters of AKA at the Rutgers 10th Annual LTA Step, Stroll and Salute Exhibition
Interviewing the sisters of AKA at the Rutgers 10th Annual LTA Step, Stroll and Salute Exhibition
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - 2010 Sprite Step-Off Finals: Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Performance
SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - 2010 Sprite Step-Off Finals: Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Performance
PulseOneMedia, Published on Mar 27, 2010
http://www.pulseonemedia.com - Video of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) step team during the 2010 Sprite Step-Off which was executive produced by Ludacris. The Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) step team used a Law & Order scenario as the theme for their performance during the 2010 Sprite Step-Off. This was there story!
-snip-
The portion of this video that showcases the chant "This Is A Serious Matter" chant is found at 2:12-2:51
-snip-
This step team was first awarded 2nd place in that competition but, after considerable uproar, was awarded 1st place along with the previously awarded 1st place winners, a White sorority Zeta Tau Alpha from the University of Arkansas. Click http://couldntkeepit.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/a-serious-matter/ for commentary about this Sprite Step Off™ competition & decision.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEEO #6 - Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha "Serious Matter"
lovelaye1, Apr 24, 2011
This video was uploaded from an Android phone.
SHOWCASE VIDEEO #7- Alpha Kappa Alpha: Probate '11 @ Auburn Uni-Part III
iconlb, Uploaded on Dec 5, 2011
ΚΧ Fall 2K11_Part III
Alpha Kappa Alpha: Kappa Chi's new members presentation.
"A Serious Matter"
The PHinale.
ΚΧ Fall 2K11_Part III
Alpha Kappa Alpha: Kappa Chi's new members presentation.
"A Serious Matter"
The PHinale.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #8 - Serious Matter
SHOWCASE VIDEO #8 - Serious Matter
Dtb123, Dec 4, 2018 EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
ETSU Omicron Rho’s Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Fall 2018
****SOME WORD EXAMPLES OF THE ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. CHANT "THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER"
This examples are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
.
Example #1- THIS IS 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!
-AKA soror, (Pittsburgh, PA), from private electronic email to Azizi Powell, 8/13/04; posted on 12/2005
****
Example #2: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
I woke up this morning, jumped out of bed,
looked in the mirror and i SHOOK my pretty head
Okay they say i'm conceited, that is no lie....
I'LL BE A CONCEITED AKA UNTIL THE DAY THAT I DIE!
Pretty in pink, gorgeous in green
Since 1908, We've rained supreme!
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter! YES, YES!
Alpha Kappa Alpha! (Alpha Kappa Alpha!)
SWEET AKA! (SWEET AKA!)
The first black sorority (echo)
WE PAVED THE WAY! (echo)
THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER!
-Guest, Fraternity & Sorority Chants and Songs; http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=76 ; 3/10/2010
****
Example #3: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
1 9 0 8
We are the first Black Greek sorority
We wear our twenty pearls
[?]
When you see us with our heads held high
And say [?] our noses are always in the sky
'Cause this is What?
Ah serious matter.
Group does step routines without chanting
Ah serious matter.
-BHSMouse; AKA GMU
Probate; Fall 08; Omicron Iota step; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyvnuGq5vLs&feature=related ; January 31, 2009
(transcription by Azizi Powell, 5/19/2010)
Editor: The question mark in brackets means that I'm not certain about what the step team chanted. If you know this chant or can better decipher what is being said, please correct or add to this transcription by posting the words to this chant in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
Example #4: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
We are the first black greek sorority.
Not DST, Not ZPhiB.
Sigma Gamma Rho. I don't think so.
Is it red and white? Is it red and gold?
Delta Sigma Theta you don't even know
Because on one bright and sunny day
all of your founders pledged AKA.
So greet me Delta and step back in line
because you don't know who you are
and you can't make up your mind." ...
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter!
-The "Sensational" Sigma Epsilon Chapter' Spring 2003; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmvCmuFfycM&feature=related
-snip-
[This transcription was posted as a comment by video viewer Psionix9 in 2008. That video no longer exists.]
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
This examples are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
.
Example #1- THIS IS 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!
-AKA soror, (Pittsburgh, PA), from private electronic email to Azizi Powell, 8/13/04; posted on 12/2005
****
Example #2: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
I woke up this morning, jumped out of bed,
looked in the mirror and i SHOOK my pretty head
Okay they say i'm conceited, that is no lie....
I'LL BE A CONCEITED AKA UNTIL THE DAY THAT I DIE!
Pretty in pink, gorgeous in green
Since 1908, We've rained supreme!
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter! YES, YES!
Alpha Kappa Alpha! (Alpha Kappa Alpha!)
SWEET AKA! (SWEET AKA!)
The first black sorority (echo)
WE PAVED THE WAY! (echo)
THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER!
-Guest, Fraternity & Sorority Chants and Songs; http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=76 ; 3/10/2010
****
Example #3: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
1 9 0 8
We are the first Black Greek sorority
We wear our twenty pearls
[?]
When you see us with our heads held high
And say [?] our noses are always in the sky
'Cause this is What?
Ah serious matter.
Group does step routines without chanting
Ah serious matter.
-BHSMouse; AKA GMU
Probate; Fall 08; Omicron Iota step; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyvnuGq5vLs&feature=related ; January 31, 2009
(transcription by Azizi Powell, 5/19/2010)
Editor: The question mark in brackets means that I'm not certain about what the step team chanted. If you know this chant or can better decipher what is being said, please correct or add to this transcription by posting the words to this chant in the comment section below. Thanks!
****
Example #4: THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
We are the first black greek sorority.
Not DST, Not ZPhiB.
Sigma Gamma Rho. I don't think so.
Is it red and white? Is it red and gold?
Delta Sigma Theta you don't even know
Because on one bright and sunny day
all of your founders pledged AKA.
So greet me Delta and step back in line
because you don't know who you are
and you can't make up your mind." ...
This is a serious matter! YES!
This is a serious matter!
-The "Sensational" Sigma Epsilon Chapter' Spring 2003; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmvCmuFfycM&feature=related
-snip-
[This transcription was posted as a comment by video viewer Psionix9 in 2008. That video no longer exists.]
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Fraternity & Sorority Song "All Of My Love" - Source, Comments, & Examples
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest Update: Feb. 26, 2020
This pancocojams post provides text and video examples of the historically Black fraternity & sorority song "All Of My Love (My Peace & Happiness)". This post also documents the source of that fraternity and sorority song.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric and aesthetic purposes.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-real-origin-of-historically-black.html for a Feb. 26, 2020 version of this post that includes additional examples.
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. The chant/song "All Of My Love" is claimed by more than one Black Greek lettered organization.
****
OVERVIEW OF "ALL OF MY LOVE" FRATERNITY & SORORITY SONG
The song "All Of My Love" is sung by multiple university based Black Greek lettered organization (BGLO). To date, I've found examples of, and received comments on my (no longer active) cocojams website* from members of the following BLGOs claiming that song: (given in alphabetical order), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Here are two such comments
"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
**
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness (Comment #2)
A L P H A All MY Love my Peace and Happiness in 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
-snip-
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3eDZI18EvM "Zeta Phi Beta Long Island Tribute" for a brief snippet beginning at 1:23 of another Zeta Phi Beta cover of "All of My Love" with the words "My heart and my soul belong to Zeta Phi Beta"...
****
SOURCE FOR "ALL OF MY LOVE" HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER FRATERNITY OR SORORITY SONGS
The source of the fraternity/sorority song "All My Love, My Peace & Happiness" is the 1970 soul/rock song "Love, Peace & Happiness" by The Chambers Brothers.
Here's a video of that song:
Chambers Brothers - Love, Peace & Happiness
Uploaded by guillaimz on Jan 14, 2009
Highly underrated rock/soul classic
-snip-
The Chambers Brothers soul music group is composed of four African American biological brothers, and one White male.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chambers_Brothers:
-snip-
Here's the chorus of The Chambers Brothers "Love, Peace, Happiness":
All our love, peace, and happiness
We're gonna give to you now
All our love, peace, and happiness
And you can share yours too
All our love, peace, and happiness
We're gonna give to you yeah
All our love, peace, and happiness
You can share yours too
Click http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/chambers-brothers-lyrics/love-peace-and-happiness-lyrics.html for the lyrics to that entire song.
-snip-
Adapting the tune & words of already existing songs is a time honored part of the folk process. I don't mean to chide fraternities & sororities for using a song for their own purposes. I just believe when and where it's possible, it's important to give credit where credit is due, and to document the sources of songs, chants, and rhymes. That is one of the purposes of my Cocojams website, and my Pancocojams blog.
OTHER FEATURED VIDEOS
The following four videos are posted in alphabetical & chronological order, using the organization's name and the video's uploading date.
As a reminder, the words to these song can be found on the Fraternity And Sorority Chants page of my Cocojams website. The link to that page is given above.
Video #1: Delta Sigma Theta singing "All of my Love"
Uploaded by leanback04 on Mar 30, 2008
The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta singing "All of My Love" at the spring 2008 probate for the Gamma Tau Chapter. This on the historic campus of Tuskegee University.
-snip-
The words to this song are sung in a round along with the sorority's signature call.
****
Video #2: Delta Sigma Theta - Mu Omicron - All of My Love - Centennial
datdeucetz, Published on Jan 14, 2013
The MOnumental Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta from North Carolina State University, brings in the Centennial Founders Day, with thousands of sorors from around the world. On the campus of Howard University, where it all began ... Honoring the legacy of our 22 founders, with ALL OF OUR LOVE.
****
Video #3: All My Love
Posted by nashad42 — January 22, 2010
"My neos at the Omega PSI Phi - PSI Chapter Spring 2009 Probate" Morehouse College
-snip-
* "Probate" is the "coming out" ceremony for those who were pledging a particular sorority or fraternity. "Probates" (neos) are new members of that sorority or fraternity.
****
Video #4: Omega Psi Phi - All of My Love In Memory of Officer Thomas A. Orr III
Kassandra Johnson, Aug 24, 2017
Lee's Summit, Mo Memorial Service for Officer Thomas A. Orr III (March 6, 1987 - August 20, 2017) Eta Sigma
Chapter Spring 09. Story: "Friends remember Lee’s Summit officer shot in Westport as a vibrant man who loved to enjoy life" by: Shannon O'Brien, Aug 21, 2017 https://fox4kc.com/news/friends-remember-lees-summit-officer-shot-in-westport-as-a-vibrant-man-who-loved-to-enjoy-life/
-snip-
The Police officer who was killed was a member of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc. as is his younger brother who hopped (during this Omega tribute) with other Omegas in honor of their brother.
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Latest Update: Feb. 26, 2020
This pancocojams post provides text and video examples of the historically Black fraternity & sorority song "All Of My Love (My Peace & Happiness)". This post also documents the source of that fraternity and sorority song.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric and aesthetic purposes.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-real-origin-of-historically-black.html for a Feb. 26, 2020 version of this post that includes additional examples.
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. The chant/song "All Of My Love" is claimed by more than one Black Greek lettered organization.
****
OVERVIEW OF "ALL OF MY LOVE" FRATERNITY & SORORITY SONG
The song "All Of My Love" is sung by multiple university based Black Greek lettered organization (BGLO). To date, I've found examples of, and received comments on my (no longer active) cocojams website* from members of the following BLGOs claiming that song: (given in alphabetical order), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Here are two such comments
"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
**
All Of My Love, Peace, & Happiness (Comment #2)
A L P H A All MY Love my Peace and Happiness in 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
-snip-
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3eDZI18EvM "Zeta Phi Beta Long Island Tribute" for a brief snippet beginning at 1:23 of another Zeta Phi Beta cover of "All of My Love" with the words "My heart and my soul belong to Zeta Phi Beta"...
****
SOURCE FOR "ALL OF MY LOVE" HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK LETTER FRATERNITY OR SORORITY SONGS
The source of the fraternity/sorority song "All My Love, My Peace & Happiness" is the 1970 soul/rock song "Love, Peace & Happiness" by The Chambers Brothers.
Here's a video of that song:
Chambers Brothers - Love, Peace & Happiness
Uploaded by guillaimz on Jan 14, 2009
Highly underrated rock/soul classic
-snip-
The Chambers Brothers soul music group is composed of four African American biological brothers, and one White male.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chambers_Brothers:
The Chambers Brothers is a soul-music group, best known for its 1968 hit record, the 11-minute long song "Time Has Come Today". The group was part of the wave of new music that integrated American blues and gospel traditions with modern psychedelic and rock elements...
The song "Love, Peace, Happiness reached #96 on the 1970s Pop Singles chart.
-snip-
Here's the chorus of The Chambers Brothers "Love, Peace, Happiness":
All our love, peace, and happiness
We're gonna give to you now
All our love, peace, and happiness
And you can share yours too
All our love, peace, and happiness
We're gonna give to you yeah
All our love, peace, and happiness
You can share yours too
Click http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/chambers-brothers-lyrics/love-peace-and-happiness-lyrics.html for the lyrics to that entire song.
-snip-
Adapting the tune & words of already existing songs is a time honored part of the folk process. I don't mean to chide fraternities & sororities for using a song for their own purposes. I just believe when and where it's possible, it's important to give credit where credit is due, and to document the sources of songs, chants, and rhymes. That is one of the purposes of my Cocojams website, and my Pancocojams blog.
OTHER FEATURED VIDEOS
The following four videos are posted in alphabetical & chronological order, using the organization's name and the video's uploading date.
As a reminder, the words to these song can be found on the Fraternity And Sorority Chants page of my Cocojams website. The link to that page is given above.
Video #1: Delta Sigma Theta singing "All of my Love"
Uploaded by leanback04 on Mar 30, 2008
The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta singing "All of My Love" at the spring 2008 probate for the Gamma Tau Chapter. This on the historic campus of Tuskegee University.
-snip-
The words to this song are sung in a round along with the sorority's signature call.
****
Video #2: Delta Sigma Theta - Mu Omicron - All of My Love - Centennial
datdeucetz, Published on Jan 14, 2013
The MOnumental Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta from North Carolina State University, brings in the Centennial Founders Day, with thousands of sorors from around the world. On the campus of Howard University, where it all began ... Honoring the legacy of our 22 founders, with ALL OF OUR LOVE.
****
Video #3: All My Love
Posted by nashad42 — January 22, 2010
"My neos at the Omega PSI Phi - PSI Chapter Spring 2009 Probate" Morehouse College
-snip-
* "Probate" is the "coming out" ceremony for those who were pledging a particular sorority or fraternity. "Probates" (neos) are new members of that sorority or fraternity.
****
Video #4: Omega Psi Phi - All of My Love In Memory of Officer Thomas A. Orr III
Kassandra Johnson, Aug 24, 2017
Lee's Summit, Mo Memorial Service for Officer Thomas A. Orr III (March 6, 1987 - August 20, 2017) Eta Sigma
Chapter Spring 09. Story: "Friends remember Lee’s Summit officer shot in Westport as a vibrant man who loved to enjoy life" by: Shannon O'Brien, Aug 21, 2017 https://fox4kc.com/news/friends-remember-lees-summit-officer-shot-in-westport-as-a-vibrant-man-who-loved-to-enjoy-life/
-snip-
The Police officer who was killed was a member of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc. as is his younger brother who hopped (during this Omega tribute) with other Omegas in honor of their brother.
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The R&B Song "Fever" And Several Black Greek Letter Organizations' Song "Zoom Zoom Zoom"
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest Updat- January 29, 2024
This pancocojams post presents information about the late 1950s R&B song "Fever".
This post showcases a rendition of "Fever" by Little Willie John and a rendition of this song by Peggy Lee. In addition, this post showcases four selected videos of the historically Black fraternity & sorority song "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
Although the R&B song "Fever" was first recorded in 1956, I haven't found any BGLO examples of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" before the early 2000s. If you know of any examples of these songs before then, please share that information in the comment section below.
Latest Updat- January 29, 2024
This pancocojams post presents information about the late 1950s R&B song "Fever".
This post showcases a rendition of "Fever" by Little Willie John and a rendition of this song by Peggy Lee. In addition, this post showcases four selected videos of the historically Black fraternity & sorority song "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
Two of these videos showcase the version of this song that is sung by members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..One video showcases a version of this song as sung by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and one video showcases a version of his song that is sung byf members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
I don't know if other Black Greek Letter Organizations sing a version of "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, the composers of "Fever" and thanks to all those who are featured in this pancocojams post. Thanks also to all the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
I consider fraternity & sorority songs and 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. As shown in this post, several Black Greek lettered organizations have songs/chants that include the refrain "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_39.html for a few text (word) examples of "Zoom" as sung by members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.
I don't know if other Black Greek Letter Organizations sing a version of "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, the composers of "Fever" and thanks to all those who are featured in this pancocojams post. Thanks also to all the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
I consider fraternity & sorority songs and 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. As shown in this post, several Black Greek lettered organizations have songs/chants that include the refrain "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_39.html for a few text (word) examples of "Zoom" as sung by members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.
If you are aware of any examples of this song that are sung by any other historically Black Greek letter organization, please share that example or examples in the comment section below.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE R&B SONG "FEVER"
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_(Little_Willie_John_song)
" "Fever" is a song written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, who used the pseudonym "John Davenport". It was originally recorded by American R&B singer Little Willie John for his debut album, Fever (1956), and released as a single in April of the same year. The song topped the Billboard R&B Best Sellers in the US and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard pop chart.[1] It was received positively by music critics and included on several lists of the best songs during the time it was released.
THE MUSICAL INSPIRATION FOR BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS' VERSIONS OF "ZOOM"
I have no doubt that some of the tune and a few of the words of the Black Greek lettered songs "Zoom Zoom Zoom" are based on the hit late 1950s R&B song & Pop song "Fever". However, I'm not sure when those organizations first started singing their song and why they all use the title and words "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song that is given below is an exception to how most Black Greek Letter Organizations that I have found use the words "Zoom Zoom Zoom" in their songs. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity uses "zoom zoom zoom" as a refrain and doesn't mention the word "fever".
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE R&B SONG "FEVER"
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_(Little_Willie_John_song)
" "Fever" is a song written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, who used the pseudonym "John Davenport". It was originally recorded by American R&B singer Little Willie John for his debut album, Fever (1956), and released as a single in April of the same year. The song topped the Billboard R&B Best Sellers in the US and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard pop chart.[1] It was received positively by music critics and included on several lists of the best songs during the time it was released.
It has been covered by several artists from various musical genres, most notably by Peggy Lee, whose 1958 rendition became the most widely known version of "Fever" and the singer's signature song. Lee's version contained rewritten lyrics different from the original and an altered music arrangement. It became a top-five hit on the music charts in the UK and Australia in addition to entering the top ten in the US and the Netherlands. "Fever" was nominated in three categories at the 1st Annual Grammy Awards in 1959, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year."...
THE MUSICAL INSPIRATION FOR BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS' VERSIONS OF "ZOOM"
I have no doubt that some of the tune and a few of the words of the Black Greek lettered songs "Zoom Zoom Zoom" are based on the hit late 1950s R&B song & Pop song "Fever". However, I'm not sure when those organizations first started singing their song and why they all use the title and words "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song that is given below is an exception to how most Black Greek Letter Organizations that I have found use the words "Zoom Zoom Zoom" in their songs. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity uses "zoom zoom zoom" as a refrain and doesn't mention the word "fever".
Although the R&B song "Fever" was first recorded in 1956, I haven't found any BGLO examples of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" before the early 2000s. If you know of any examples of these songs before then, please share that information in the comment section below.
Here's a YouTube example of Little Willie John's 1956 record "Fever"
FEVER - Little Willie John - 1956
cdbpdx Uploaded on Jan 23, 2009
-snip-
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_(Little_Willie_John_song) for more information about Little Willie John's recording of "Fever".
****
Here's a YouTube example of Peggy Lee's singing "Fever" in the late 1960s. .Peggy Lee's first recorded that song in 1958.
Peggy Lee - Fever!
Gareth Miller, December 5, 2007
Fever!! A classic recording from the late 60's.Featuring Peggy with Max Bennett (bass) and Jack Sperling (drums).Written originally by Davenport and Cooley , Peggy added her own lyrics and the finger snapping and beat . Little Willie John released this in its original form a couple of years before Peggys version .
****
INFORMATION ABOUT GREEK ORGANIZATIONS' VERSIONS OF "ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM"
"Zoom Zoom Zoom" is an example of a fraternity or sorority song that is performed by multiple Black Greek lettered organizations (BGLOs). To date, I've found videos and text examples of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" that are attributed to Alpha Psi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (A Phi A), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST).
I've also found an online version of this song from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., but I've not been able to find a YouTube video version of that organization's version of that song. It's also possible that other BGLO may have versions of this song.
FEVER - Little Willie John - 1956
cdbpdx Uploaded on Jan 23, 2009
-snip-
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fever_(Little_Willie_John_song) for more information about Little Willie John's recording of "Fever".
****
Here's a YouTube example of Peggy Lee's singing "Fever" in the late 1960s. .Peggy Lee's first recorded that song in 1958.
Peggy Lee - Fever!
Gareth Miller, December 5, 2007
****
INFORMATION ABOUT GREEK ORGANIZATIONS' VERSIONS OF "ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM"
"Zoom Zoom Zoom" is an example of a fraternity or sorority song that is performed by multiple Black Greek lettered organizations (BGLOs). To date, I've found videos and text examples of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" that are attributed to Alpha Psi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (A Phi A), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST).
I've also found an online version of this song from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., but I've not been able to find a YouTube video version of that organization's version of that song. It's also possible that other BGLO may have versions of this song.
I have also found video examples and text of an Omega Phi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song that includes the refrain "zoom zoom zoom", although the song itself differs significantly from the other BGLO examples of the song "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
I'm not sure which fraternity or sorority was the first to sing or chant any composition entitled "Zoom Zoom Zoom" and I haven't been able to find any information about the dates that the examples of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" featured in this post were first performed. If you have any information about this Greek lettered song, please share it for the sake of the folkloric record.
Except for the word "zoom", historically Black Greek letter organizations' song "Zoom Zoom Zoom" aren't related to the American pop song "Zoom Zoom Zoom" whose words also include the line "You make my heart go boom boom boom". Nor are those BGLO "Zoom" songs related to the Brazilian Capoeira song "Zoom Zoom Zoom Mata Um". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/04/zum-zum-zum-mata-um-videos-lyrics.html for a post on that Capoeira song.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
These videos are posted in no particular order.
Video #1: DST Delta Zeta Chapter 2009 [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.]
Uploaded by iseeFLICKS on Sep 30, 2009
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Zeta Chapter *& all that they do...
****
Video #2: Zoom Zoom (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity)
Uploaded by KrystalMauri on Apr 3, 2010
Went on a college tour & this man KILLED it I think his name is Sergio or Monte idk but I know he killed it. Oh yeah, this was at CAU(my future college(hopefully))
Editor: The lead singer is identified as "Sergio". A video of Sergio singing this song is posted on Cocojams Fraternity And Sorority Chant page whose link is given above.
"Killed it" is African American slang for "really sang [it] well".
"CAU" is probably Clark Atlanta University.
For the sake of documentation, I'd love to add Siergio's last name to this post. If he or anyone else who knows it would send it in, I'd appreciate it.
****
Video #3: Delta Theta "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom"
Uploaded by GorIIIaBLACK1906 on Dec 1, 2011
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Delta Theta Chapter (Texas Southern University)
5/2/11
****
Example #4: Tell Me why? Omega Psi Phi pledge song Kevin McCall XAA FALL O6
Kevin McCall Uploaded on Nov 22, 2008
mE SINGIN THE SONG THAT HELPED ME SEE IT THROUGH ROO
-snip-
"Zoom Zoom Zoom" is used as the refrain for this Omega pledge song.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
I'm not sure which fraternity or sorority was the first to sing or chant any composition entitled "Zoom Zoom Zoom" and I haven't been able to find any information about the dates that the examples of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" featured in this post were first performed. If you have any information about this Greek lettered song, please share it for the sake of the folkloric record.
Except for the word "zoom", historically Black Greek letter organizations' song "Zoom Zoom Zoom" aren't related to the American pop song "Zoom Zoom Zoom" whose words also include the line "You make my heart go boom boom boom". Nor are those BGLO "Zoom" songs related to the Brazilian Capoeira song "Zoom Zoom Zoom Mata Um". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/04/zum-zum-zum-mata-um-videos-lyrics.html for a post on that Capoeira song.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
These videos are posted in no particular order.
Video #1: DST Delta Zeta Chapter 2009 [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.]
Uploaded by iseeFLICKS on Sep 30, 2009
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Zeta Chapter *& all that they do...
****
Video #2: Zoom Zoom (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity)
Uploaded by KrystalMauri on Apr 3, 2010
Went on a college tour & this man KILLED it I think his name is Sergio or Monte idk but I know he killed it. Oh yeah, this was at CAU(my future college(hopefully))
Editor: The lead singer is identified as "Sergio". A video of Sergio singing this song is posted on Cocojams Fraternity And Sorority Chant page whose link is given above.
"Killed it" is African American slang for "really sang [it] well".
"CAU" is probably Clark Atlanta University.
For the sake of documentation, I'd love to add Siergio's last name to this post. If he or anyone else who knows it would send it in, I'd appreciate it.
****
Video #3: Delta Theta "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom"
Uploaded by GorIIIaBLACK1906 on Dec 1, 2011
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Delta Theta Chapter (Texas Southern University)
5/2/11
****
Example #4: Tell Me why? Omega Psi Phi pledge song Kevin McCall XAA FALL O6
Kevin McCall Uploaded on Nov 22, 2008
mE SINGIN THE SONG THAT HELPED ME SEE IT THROUGH ROO
-snip-
"Zoom Zoom Zoom" is used as the refrain for this Omega pledge song.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Examples of The "Brrr It's Cold In Here" Cheerleader Cheers
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 2 of a two part pancocojams series on the cheerleader cheer "Brrr It's Cold In Here". Part 2 features selected text examples and videos of that cheer.
Part 1 provides information about the origins of "Brrr It's Cold In Here" cheer. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/origin-of-brrr-its-cold-in-here-cheer.html.
****
GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT "BRRR IT'S COLD IN HERE"
"Brrr It's Cold In Here" is a cheerleader cheer which was popularized by its inclusion in the first film in the Bring It On cheerleader series of movies (2000). The title of that cheer and the lines "ice ice ice/ too cold too cold" were popularized earlier by the 1989 hit record "Ice Ice Baby" by the White American rapper Vanilla Ice. However, "ice ice baby" as well as the lines "ooh it's cold in here" and "ice ice ice too cold too cold" were coined by the Black Greek lettered fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Members of that international, but USA based fraternity still perform several step chants that include those phrases.
"Brrr" is an onomatopoeic word for the sound people make when they are shivering from cold weather. The word "bur" (and less frequently "burn") can be found as the title of some examples of this cheer. Both words are folk etymology forms of the word "brrr".
The letters "O E O E O" and the phrase "owee owee o" (or similarly spelled phrases) in the cheer "Brrr It's Cold In Here" comes from the refrain "Oh-wee-oh-wee-oh!" in the 1984 R&B record "Jungle Love" by Morris Day & The Time.
Some commentaters on a Bring It On Movie viewer comment thread posted comments about the difference between the way the mostly White cheerleading squad, The Toros, and the mostly African American cheerleading squad, The Clovers pronounced that phrase. Several of those comments are found toward the end of this post.
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF "BRRR IT'S COLD IN HERE"
Posted in chronological order by year, with the earliest examples given posted first.
Examples from pancocojams' sister website http://cocojams.com/content/childrens-cheerleader-cheers
Example #1
brrrrrr its cold in here,
There must be some (team name) in the atmosphere
I said brrrrrrr its cold in here,
There must be some (team name) in the atmosphere,
row me o me o ice ice ice
break it down
-Kenisha and Paige (England); 7/16/2006
**
Example #2
here is a chant from the movie Bring It On (the clover's cheer) which my school has adapted:
brr (or ouch). i said it's cold (or hott) in here.
there must be some (mascots) in the atmosphere,
i said now [repeat as much as you want]
- Anna; 8/1/2007
**
Example #3
this is a cheer that my team does
"i said brrr..(clap clap) its cold in here
there must be some*rebels* in the atmosphere
i said bang(stomp) bang choo choo train
common' girls lets do our thang,
were gonna rock our bodies
and win the game
so you better back it up
back it up back it up
and bump it to the right! uh huh GO TEAM!
-rebel-ekaboo; 5/24/2007
****
EXAMPLES FROM YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREADS
(Please be aware that YouTube discussion threads may include profanity and other language that is inappropriate for children.)
Example #1
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=ZtxFp-wwSnw
the cheer is brrr its cold in here! there must be some______ in the atmosphere! and then there is some part in the cheer where u go oh eh oh eh oh ice ice ice! u do that three times!
-toontownfunatic; 2008
****
Example #2
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=ZtxFp-wwSnw
that was nothing.
I did that cheer..
it was
"Ouhh!! Its hot in here! there must be some Stars in the Atmosphhere! O-eo-eooh!. Spice,Spice,Spice!"
It was a bit invetted, but yeah,.. same thing.
-SabakuRoro; 2008
****
Example #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_BCOFXYtFA&feature=related "Brrr... its cold in here"
I said brrr it's cold in here.
There must be tornados in the atmosphere.
I said brrr it's cold in here.
There must be tornados in the atmosphere.
-transcription from video
****
Example #4
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=QD-fAC5T3Qs "I said Brr, it's cold in here!" [sound file]
BRRRR! It's cold in here!!
There must a Viking in the Atmosphere!!
OhYEE! OhYEE! Ohhh!!! Vikes! Vikes! Vikes!!
Go Par Hills!!!!
Coolie61; December 2010
****
SELECTED VIDEOS OF "BRRR IT'S COLD IN HERE" CHEERLEADER CHEERS
Video Example #1
Brrr It's Cold in here
Uploaded by niiksvideos on Jan 1, 2007
Alyssa Alexa & Peggy..wow
Note this comment alleges to be from one of the girls featured on the video:
hahah were tottally just joking around before a game, making fun of bring it on..
-lyssababe714; 2008
****
Video Example #2
Kerynna "Bur... It's cold in here"
Uploaded by ramsandspurs2010 on May 21, 2008
Backyard
****
Video Example #3
Brrr... its cold in here
Uploaded by tyfacheer on Jul 26, 2008
Brrr... its cold in here - For the TYFA Cheerleaders
****
Video Example #4
bring it on
Uploaded by seroloddd on Apr 20, 2008
WHAT DID U SAY ? I saaaaaaaid BRRR! IT'S COLD IN HERE
Editor: These three females spoke English with an accent. However, there's no indication what nation they are from.
This particular video provides an opportunity to point out that the continued popularity of the Bring It On movies have greatly contributed to confrontational "in your face", stomp and shake types of cheerleader cheers and (to a lesser extent) dance & step style routines being introduced worldwide. My guess is that the reason why foot stomping cheers or the stomp and shake movements don't appear to be performed as often by non-Black and non-Latina cheerleading squads is because, in general, members of those squads have less societal familiarity with those rhythmic movements than Black and Latina females (or males) do.
The following comment is probably documentation that this movie has been watched outside of the English speaking USA:
"lol i'm watching the movie in french . the clovers made it up but the toros stole it from them .
-DeeDaangeer; 2011; http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=F26eQaqwBdg Bring It On 2000
****
INTONATION AND DANCE STYLES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF STOMP AND SHAKE CHEERS
The Clovers' performance of "Brrr It's Cold In Here" can be considered a form of stomp and shake cheerleading. And the way The Toros performed that cheer is a less successful approximation of relatively new cheerleading style. Stomp and shake cheerleading, which originated with African Americans in the early to mid 1970s, emphasizes hip movements much more than traditional cheerleading. In addition, the ideal way cheerleaders chant a stomp and shake cheer is almost totally different than the ideal way that traditional cheers are chanted. One big difference is that stomp and shake cheerleaders rarely smile as the goal is for them to be intimidating.
Here are a few comments about the way that the majority White, suburban squad The Toros, and the majority Black, urban squad The Clovers chanted "Brrr It's Cold In Here":
From http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=F26eQaqwBdg "BRR IT'S COLD IN HERE 2000" [Bring It On movie]
the dance looks like hip hop dance not cheer :/ just some movements
-jessybell000; 2009
**
It is a cheer its just that in urban areas we just have a little bit more dance moves and everything in our cheers. Well mostly crowd pumping cheers are more dance like and when we have to cheer its more technical and precise in movement.
-bigboib456; 2009
**
I like the Clovers better the toros sound a little too prissy and the Clovers have more dance moves
-bxlaura15 ; August 2011
**
I love how when the Tauros girls say O.E.O.E.O its so proper, but when the clovers do it its like they are sayin OWEE OWEE O! lol
**
the toros dont have the volume and power hat the clovers do
-95snazzy; 2011
**
The black girl's deeper voice suits this better
-lollsazz ; 2011
[Note that this comment had 164 likes as of 1/11/2011, which is very rare for YouTube. The comment assumes that all black girls have deep voices, which isn't true. But I wonder if "deep voices" have more authority and are considered to be more intimidating in American society because their sound is closer to that of males. Remember, cheerleaders doing stomp and shake cheers are supposed to exude confidence and are supposed to act intimidating.]
**
lmao: OH EE OH EE OH!
instead of: Oheeoheeeohhh
-Egirl01; 2011
**
"oo-ee-oo-ee-oo-ice-ice-ice"...LOL Torros sound do standard
-natosthan; January 2012
RELATED LINKS
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bring_It_On_(film) for information on the first Bring it On movie, and information about the release dates of each of the movies in that "Bring It On" cheerleader series.
Click http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/BringItOn?from=Main.BringItOn for a synopsis of each of the five movies in that series, and information about specific cultural tropes including in those movies (including racist tropes).
**
Also, for information about the rapper Vanilla Ice, his song "Ice Ice Baby", and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. origin of that "ice ice baby" title/refrain, click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Ice_Baby.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part 2 of a two part pancocojams series on the cheerleader cheer "Brrr It's Cold In Here". Part 2 features selected text examples and videos of that cheer.
Part 1 provides information about the origins of "Brrr It's Cold In Here" cheer. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/origin-of-brrr-its-cold-in-here-cheer.html.
****
GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT "BRRR IT'S COLD IN HERE"
"Brrr It's Cold In Here" is a cheerleader cheer which was popularized by its inclusion in the first film in the Bring It On cheerleader series of movies (2000). The title of that cheer and the lines "ice ice ice/ too cold too cold" were popularized earlier by the 1989 hit record "Ice Ice Baby" by the White American rapper Vanilla Ice. However, "ice ice baby" as well as the lines "ooh it's cold in here" and "ice ice ice too cold too cold" were coined by the Black Greek lettered fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Members of that international, but USA based fraternity still perform several step chants that include those phrases.
"Brrr" is an onomatopoeic word for the sound people make when they are shivering from cold weather. The word "bur" (and less frequently "burn") can be found as the title of some examples of this cheer. Both words are folk etymology forms of the word "brrr".
The letters "O E O E O" and the phrase "owee owee o" (or similarly spelled phrases) in the cheer "Brrr It's Cold In Here" comes from the refrain "Oh-wee-oh-wee-oh!" in the 1984 R&B record "Jungle Love" by Morris Day & The Time.
Some commentaters on a Bring It On Movie viewer comment thread posted comments about the difference between the way the mostly White cheerleading squad, The Toros, and the mostly African American cheerleading squad, The Clovers pronounced that phrase. Several of those comments are found toward the end of this post.
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF "BRRR IT'S COLD IN HERE"
Posted in chronological order by year, with the earliest examples given posted first.
Examples from pancocojams' sister website http://cocojams.com/content/childrens-cheerleader-cheers
Example #1
brrrrrr its cold in here,
There must be some (team name) in the atmosphere
I said brrrrrrr its cold in here,
There must be some (team name) in the atmosphere,
row me o me o ice ice ice
break it down
-Kenisha and Paige (England); 7/16/2006
**
Example #2
here is a chant from the movie Bring It On (the clover's cheer) which my school has adapted:
brr (or ouch). i said it's cold (or hott) in here.
there must be some (mascots) in the atmosphere,
i said now [repeat as much as you want]
- Anna; 8/1/2007
**
Example #3
this is a cheer that my team does
"i said brrr..(clap clap) its cold in here
there must be some*rebels* in the atmosphere
i said bang(stomp) bang choo choo train
common' girls lets do our thang,
were gonna rock our bodies
and win the game
so you better back it up
back it up back it up
and bump it to the right! uh huh GO TEAM!
-rebel-ekaboo; 5/24/2007
****
EXAMPLES FROM YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREADS
(Please be aware that YouTube discussion threads may include profanity and other language that is inappropriate for children.)
Example #1
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=ZtxFp-wwSnw
the cheer is brrr its cold in here! there must be some______ in the atmosphere! and then there is some part in the cheer where u go oh eh oh eh oh ice ice ice! u do that three times!
-toontownfunatic; 2008
****
Example #2
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=ZtxFp-wwSnw
that was nothing.
I did that cheer..
it was
"Ouhh!! Its hot in here! there must be some Stars in the Atmosphhere! O-eo-eooh!. Spice,Spice,Spice!"
It was a bit invetted, but yeah,.. same thing.
-SabakuRoro; 2008
****
Example #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_BCOFXYtFA&feature=related "Brrr... its cold in here"
I said brrr it's cold in here.
There must be tornados in the atmosphere.
I said brrr it's cold in here.
There must be tornados in the atmosphere.
-transcription from video
****
Example #4
http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=QD-fAC5T3Qs "I said Brr, it's cold in here!" [sound file]
BRRRR! It's cold in here!!
There must a Viking in the Atmosphere!!
OhYEE! OhYEE! Ohhh!!! Vikes! Vikes! Vikes!!
Go Par Hills!!!!
Coolie61; December 2010
****
SELECTED VIDEOS OF "BRRR IT'S COLD IN HERE" CHEERLEADER CHEERS
Video Example #1
Brrr It's Cold in here
Uploaded by niiksvideos on Jan 1, 2007
Alyssa Alexa & Peggy..wow
Note this comment alleges to be from one of the girls featured on the video:
hahah were tottally just joking around before a game, making fun of bring it on..
-lyssababe714; 2008
****
Video Example #2
Kerynna "Bur... It's cold in here"
Uploaded by ramsandspurs2010 on May 21, 2008
Backyard
****
Video Example #3
Brrr... its cold in here
Uploaded by tyfacheer on Jul 26, 2008
Brrr... its cold in here - For the TYFA Cheerleaders
****
Video Example #4
bring it on
Uploaded by seroloddd on Apr 20, 2008
WHAT DID U SAY ? I saaaaaaaid BRRR! IT'S COLD IN HERE
Editor: These three females spoke English with an accent. However, there's no indication what nation they are from.
This particular video provides an opportunity to point out that the continued popularity of the Bring It On movies have greatly contributed to confrontational "in your face", stomp and shake types of cheerleader cheers and (to a lesser extent) dance & step style routines being introduced worldwide. My guess is that the reason why foot stomping cheers or the stomp and shake movements don't appear to be performed as often by non-Black and non-Latina cheerleading squads is because, in general, members of those squads have less societal familiarity with those rhythmic movements than Black and Latina females (or males) do.
The following comment is probably documentation that this movie has been watched outside of the English speaking USA:
"lol i'm watching the movie in french . the clovers made it up but the toros stole it from them .
-DeeDaangeer; 2011; http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=F26eQaqwBdg Bring It On 2000
****
INTONATION AND DANCE STYLES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF STOMP AND SHAKE CHEERS
The Clovers' performance of "Brrr It's Cold In Here" can be considered a form of stomp and shake cheerleading. And the way The Toros performed that cheer is a less successful approximation of relatively new cheerleading style. Stomp and shake cheerleading, which originated with African Americans in the early to mid 1970s, emphasizes hip movements much more than traditional cheerleading. In addition, the ideal way cheerleaders chant a stomp and shake cheer is almost totally different than the ideal way that traditional cheers are chanted. One big difference is that stomp and shake cheerleaders rarely smile as the goal is for them to be intimidating.
Here are a few comments about the way that the majority White, suburban squad The Toros, and the majority Black, urban squad The Clovers chanted "Brrr It's Cold In Here":
From http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=F26eQaqwBdg "BRR IT'S COLD IN HERE 2000" [Bring It On movie]
the dance looks like hip hop dance not cheer :/ just some movements
-jessybell000; 2009
**
It is a cheer its just that in urban areas we just have a little bit more dance moves and everything in our cheers. Well mostly crowd pumping cheers are more dance like and when we have to cheer its more technical and precise in movement.
-bigboib456; 2009
**
I like the Clovers better the toros sound a little too prissy and the Clovers have more dance moves
-bxlaura15 ; August 2011
**
I love how when the Tauros girls say O.E.O.E.O its so proper, but when the clovers do it its like they are sayin OWEE OWEE O! lol
**
the toros dont have the volume and power hat the clovers do
-95snazzy; 2011
**
The black girl's deeper voice suits this better
-lollsazz ; 2011
[Note that this comment had 164 likes as of 1/11/2011, which is very rare for YouTube. The comment assumes that all black girls have deep voices, which isn't true. But I wonder if "deep voices" have more authority and are considered to be more intimidating in American society because their sound is closer to that of males. Remember, cheerleaders doing stomp and shake cheers are supposed to exude confidence and are supposed to act intimidating.]
**
lmao: OH EE OH EE OH!
instead of: Oheeoheeeohhh
-Egirl01; 2011
**
"oo-ee-oo-ee-oo-ice-ice-ice"...LOL Torros sound do standard
-natosthan; January 2012
RELATED LINKS
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bring_It_On_(film) for information on the first Bring it On movie, and information about the release dates of each of the movies in that "Bring It On" cheerleader series.
Click http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/BringItOn?from=Main.BringItOn for a synopsis of each of the five movies in that series, and information about specific cultural tropes including in those movies (including racist tropes).
**
Also, for information about the rapper Vanilla Ice, his song "Ice Ice Baby", and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. origin of that "ice ice baby" title/refrain, click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Ice_Baby.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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