RALEIGH, NC – In a bold and culturally resonant move, the North Carolina General Assembly introduced Senate Bill 512 today, proposing to designate Petey Pablo’s hit single “Raise Up” as the official hip hop song of the State of North Carolina.
Filed by Senators Natalie Murdock (D-Durham), Kandie Smith (D-Greenville), and Lisa Graf Salvador (D-Charlotte), the bill is more than just a nod to nostalgia — it’s a formal recognition of the state’s deep and dynamic contributions to the global genre of hip hop.
“In the 50th year of hip hop, we’re not just reflecting — we’re honoring North Carolina’s place in its legacy,” said Senator Murdock in a press statement. “This is about cultural pride, state identity, and recognizing how our voices have shaped the sound of a generation.”
A Homegrown Anthem with Global Reach
Released in August 2001, “Raise Up” exploded onto the charts with its now-iconic line, “North Carolina! Come on and raise up!” The anthem quickly became a rallying cry for Tar Heel pride and introduced the world to its creator — Moses Barrett III, professionally known as Petey Pablo.
A native of Greenville, North Carolina, Petey Pablo went on to earn platinum status and a Grammy nomination, culminating in his 2024 induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Now, nearly a quarter century after its debut, “Raise Up” may soon hold a place alongside the state’s official bird, flower, and folk dance as part of North Carolina’s unique identity.
More Than Just a Song
The bill doesn’t just spotlight Petey Pablo — it salutes the entire North Carolina hip hop ecosystem. It cites the influence of the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the global acclaim of other homegrown artists such as J. Cole (Fayetteville), Rapsody (Snow Hill), 9th Wonder (Winston-Salem), Phonte and Big Pooh (Durham) — each of whom helped forge a sound as diverse as the state’s landscapes.
Dr. Jamal Greene, professor of African American Music History at N.C. Central University, told The Bill City Citizen:
“This recognition signals something bigger — that hip hop is a vital part of Southern identity and Black cultural legacy. Petey Pablo’s anthem doesn’t just represent a sound; it represents a movement.”
Community Reactions
In Bill City, the proposal has generated excitement across generations. Local high school senior Kennedy James, who’s never known a world without “Raise Up”, said:
“It’s crazy — my mom used to blast this song at cookouts. For it to now be the official hip hop song? That’s history. That’s pride.”
Meanwhile, City Councilman Darren Key, a longtime advocate for youth arts programming, hopes this official recognition inspires new investments:
“If the state is finally acknowledging the cultural power of hip hop, we need to back it up with funding for music education and safe spaces for young artists to grow.”
From Street Anthem to State Symbol
The bill’s language is clear: it adopts the “censored version” of “Raise Up” to ensure it aligns with public broadcasting standards. The legislation, if passed, would be added to Chapter 145 of the state’s General Statutes, which catalogs official symbols and emblems of North Carolina.
Supporters believe the act is long overdue.
“From basketball courts to barbershops, there’s a reason ‘Raise Up’ still gets folks out of their seats,” said Senator Smith. “It’s ours. It belongs to the people.”
As of press time, Senate Bill 512 has been filed and awaits committee referral. If successful, North Carolina will become the first state in the nation to adopt an official hip hop song — placing a cultural milestone on the books for generations to come.
