North Carolina may take its affection for Petey Pablo's 2001 anthem, "Raise Up," to the next level. A new Senate bill, introduced by Durham Democrat Natalie Murdock, would enshrine the 2001 hit as North Carolina's official hip-hop anthem, enshrining the song's place in the state's rich cultural history.
For those who grew up in or near North Carolina, "Raise Up" is not just a song but an anthem. The music, produced by the legendary Timbaland, was released in August 2001 as the lead single off of Petey Pablo's debut album 'Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry.' The song has since become an anthem at sporting events, celebrations, and clubs. It is propelled by its infectious energy and iconic hook, which tells North Carolinians to take their shirts off and twirl them "like a helicopter."
"Raise Up" wasted no time impacting the charts, peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching Gold certification in 2002. But its true legacy here is how well it resonated with North Carolinians and became a go-to rallying cry for fans of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and even the Hurricanes hockey team.
Senate Bill 512, if signed into law, would officially designate "Raise Up" as North Carolina's hip-hop anthem, joining symbols representing the state, such as the dogwood flower and the cardinal. The proposal is further evidence of hip-hop's growing visibility in legislative chambers and how entrenched the genre is in the American cultural landscape.
Murdock's effort to pass the bill reflects hip-hop's role as a narrative tool and cultural authority. "Raise Up" is a statement of pride, resilience, and the spirit of North Carolina. Formalizing it would be a massive victory for hip-hop culture and the state's musical heritage.
The fate of "Raise Up" as the official hip-hop anthem of North Carolina is now up to lawmakers, who will vote on whether to pass Senate Bill 512. As definitive as the song's influence is, the legislative process remains unpredictable.
Petey Pablo's anthem will be formally enshrined in history, joining other North Carolina emblems if approved. But even if the bill doesn't pass, "Raise" will still be the people's anthem blasting through stadium speakers, heralding victories and unifying North Carolinians, as it has for more than two decades. Whether the Senate goes one way or another, North Carolina will always "raise up" for its homegrown hip-hop legend.
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