Unlike the chants of many other Greek organizations on historically African American campuses, Kappa Alpha Psi chants focus more on the achievements, attractiveness, and positive traits of the "Kappa men."
"And God Created the Kappa Man"
Founded at the University of Indiana in 1911, the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity focused on helping young African American men overcome the challenges of racism at that university, in the hopes that they could "...raise the sights of black collegians and stimulate them to accomplishments higher than they might have imagined." They wanted to unite men of "culture, patriotism, and honor" in their fraternity, with a strong sense of not only their own abilities but also their responsibility to the public interests.
This theme shows throughout the Kappa Alpha Psi chants, with many references to a chivalrous nature, not to mention a dapper appearance. In fact, on the Auburn University Chapter website there is a quote that talks about the colors of the fraternity (crimson and cream). The crimson is for valor, but the cream is for "...every woman's dream." This sense of self confidence is essential to just about every chant celebrating this fraternity.
Sweetheart Kappa Alpha Psi Chants
In keeping with the idea of being "knights" who are every woman's ideal man, Kappa men have a specific kind of chant called the "Sweetheart Chant" (or "Sweetheart Kall") that is done during parties by their ladies who are attending. While they seem a bit egocentric, they also are very positive in their self-affirmation.
''I'm pretty on my left, I'm pretty on my right, I'm so damn pretty I can't sleep at night''
Other chants talk about how they are "sexy, classy ladies" and the like, proud to be with their Kappa men. Most of them also involve the signature call of "OW, OW, OW!" that is part of many Kappa chants.
Learning the "Kappa-Bet" and Other Chants
While they may be mainly focused on their own achievements, the Kappa men are not completely above putting down the other Greek organizations. However, they do it in a rather oblique way: through a chant called the "Kappa bet" which goes all the way through the Greek alphabet, with occasional commentary. "Alpha, Beta, Gamma, whoa!" it starts, and goes on through many letters until it reaches "Kappa Alpha Psi - Until the Day I Die!" It also exhorts the members to "Never be Omega!"
In terms of reinforcing their own pride of character, there is "the Pin Song" a companion chant to the "Sweetheart's Chant" above, which talks about the reasons a woman of fine character would want to be with a Kappa Man:
Because he is a Kappa Bold; Because he is a knight of old; Because he wears the Kappa shield, That is the reason she had to yield.
Another popular chant is the "Kappa Sweetheart" which is basically a love song sung by the Kappa Man to his sweetheart. It is relentlessly positive and flattering, and continues the positive message of this fraternity. In fact, some of the lines tell the young woman to "...never feel discouraged, never lonely, sad or blue;"
Listening to the Chants
While it's fascinating to learn about the chants, it is important to remember that these have a rich history, and even modern "pop" chants like "Yo Baby" are specifically for the members of the fraternity, not for imitation or duplication by non-members.
While not as widespread as some of the other fraternities, the Kappa Alpha Psi chapters are great examples of how a fraternity can give young men pride, purpose, and a sense of civic duty.
