Jay-Z To Join Alpha?

[InquisitiveOne]

According to AllHipHop.com, Jay-Z has plans to join the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I’m not a hater –which, of course, are the first words of most haters before they begin hating– but this rubs me the wrong way.

Here’s why:

First of all, Jay-Z never attended college. I’m not in a fraternity, but I always assumed that this was a prerequisite. After all, a key component of Black fraternity life is promoting intellectual engagement and academic performance at the highest levels. Why can’t there be a Black space that only celebrates Black academic achievement?

Second, I’m fairly confident that Jay-Z won’t have to go through the same experiences as his frat brothers. Regardless of how you feel about hazing or pledging –which the Alphas and other fraternities strictly forbid– it is still reasonable to expect him to go through the same processes as everyone else, even if it’s just signing paperwork. Isn’t that partly what binds the members? It is doubtful, however, the Hov did anything but agree to join the organization and write a check.

Also, once Jay-Z joins a frat, other organizations will begin competing for superstars. What’s next: 50 Cent with Omega Si Phi? Diddy with the Kappa Alpha Psi? In case you think I’m going overboard, remember that just last year, Alicia Keys became an AKA (my money would’ve been on Zeta!) in the same fashion. To be clear, I’m not advocating a bourgeois elitism that wants to keep rappers away from “dignified” space. I’m merely worried that celebrity-courting will undermine the original and true purpose of Black fraternities and sororities.

Even if this rumor isn’t true, and there’s a good chance that it isn’t, the point is still the same.

Thoughts?

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by InquisitiveOne

I’m not in a fraternity...

Then stay in your lane. Thanks.

[ladygreek]

My thoughts? Why did you post this?

[laylo]

Are you Dr. Hill or did you cut and paste this?

[mulattogyrl]

I'm sorry this is ridiculous but I'm lmao @ 50 becoming a member of Omega Psi Phi and Diddy becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. So stereotypical.

'In case you think I’m going overboard, remember that just last year, Alicia Keys became an AKA (my money would’ve been on Zeta!)'

I so don't understand this statement.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by InquisitiveOne

I always assumed....

And that's where the problems begin.

[blackbird]

Alpha does not give membership to individuals who do not have degrees or who are not matriculating towards a bachelors degree.

[whiteandblack]

well, let's just see what develops.

I'm curious also. why do you think alicia was more zeta material, lol?

[jojapeach]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Then stay in your lane. Thanks.

CTHU

[DSTCHAOS]

This is a rumor. Not even an entertaining one.

[camii]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Then stay in your lane. Thanks.

Say it!! Say it!!

[NinjaPoodle]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Then stay in your lane. Thanks.

Dayum... lol

[PhrozenGenius]

Rumor came from Allhiphop.com...

The reasoning is because Jay-Z's birthday is on December 4th...

He is supposed to be extended honorary membership...Alpha doesn't do honorary membership. Hasn't in a VERY long time...

[7thSonofOsiris]

To my understanding, we, the Men of Alpha Phi Alpha don't extend honorary-ships like that. There was a time when we did go about the bizness of passing one out, but I believe that the last time we did that, it was to brother Hubert Humphrey back in the 50s or 60s.

[kiml122]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Then stay in your lane. Thanks.

I am so laughing, so hard right now...he he he