Simpson expresses school spirit, awareness through music, videos

 "Whose house?  Rams house!"

That's not just a chant for Winston-Salem State's athletic teams at home games; it's also part of the chorus of the "WSSU Anthem."

 Devease Simpson, a senior mass communications major from Greensboro, wrote and recorded the song.

Brandon McRae, a senior mass communications major from Prince George's County, Md. collaborated with Simpson on the video. 

"I enjoyed shooting the video and getting a chance to capture my campus in its most natural state," McRae said. 

"We put our minds together to see if we could mix our visions. We both got what we wanted out of the shoot." 

During the countdown to Homecoming, the Office of Marketing and Communications asked students in the Mass Communications Department to submit videos that would get the student body involved in the Homecoming festivities and reflect school spirit. 

Simpson's video was selected and shown before the Homecoming game kicked off. It received such a good response from the students and alumni that it was played at the remaining two home football games this past season.

"I had mixed feelings about the reception that the "WSSU Anthem" received because we live in a state [of music] where people won't respect you whether you are hot or not. But I also believe in my music, so I sort of anticipated the response," Simpson said. 

Simpson has since performed the "WSSU Anthem" at nightclubs and other places in Winston-Salem. Simpson also released a song to raise campus awareness of the Quality Enhancement Plan.

"The marketing department asked me directly to make the song," Simpson said.

Simpson recorded a video for "QEP," the Rams Write rap song.

Simpson said he started rapping at age 12, and  began recording with his older brother, Jaton Simpson.

"Those songs that we made mean a lot to me since he [Jaton Simpson] has passed away. He helped me get my start and I want to thank him for where I am now." 

In mid-April, he is releasing a mixtape called "Vease Carolina" featuring the "WSSU Anthem."

 "I'm letting people know right now that this mixtape is fire and that one day it's going to be worth something because this is only the start for me."  

The University will be able to use the video from the "WSSU Anthem" to continue to entertain the students and fans.

"Even though I own all of the songs I made and videos, I will continue to assist my University if they need me to," Simpson said. 

According to an e-mail sent March 25 by Merdis McCarter, senior associate provost for Academic Affairs, the visiting Southern Association for Colleges and Schools team was impressed when they asked a student about the QEP and he pulled out his Blackberry and played the "QEP" song and video made by Simpson.