NC Senate Introduces Bill to Make Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” the Official State Hip Hop Song
Bill highlights how the song has maintained cultural significance for more than two decades,
— With a Nod to the Carolina Hurricanes
Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 27, 2025 — The North Carolina Senate is officially moving to recognize one of the state’s most iconic anthems. A new bill introduced on March 25th would designate Petey Pablo’s 2001 hit “Raise Up” as the official hip-hop song of the state.
Senate Bill 512, sponsored by Senators Natalie Murdock, Kandie Smith, and Lisa Grafstein Salvador, celebrates the legacy of Petey Pablo — born Moses Barrett III in Greenville — and the lasting cultural impact of “Raise Up.” Released in August 2001 and produced by Timbaland, the song quickly became a unifying anthem for North Carolinians, famously declaring:
"This one's for North Carolina! C'mon and raise up / Take your shirt off, twist it 'round yo' hand / Spin it like a helicopter."
The bill highlights how the song has maintained cultural significance for over two decades, primarily through its powerful regional references and infectious chorus, which shouts out to cities and counties across the state. “Raise Up” also gained popularity beyond music charts when the Carolina Hurricanes embraced it as an unofficial playoff anthem, further cementing its role in North Carolina sports culture. Fans waving rally towels “like a helicopter” at PNC Arena became a signature part of the team’s postseason identity.
The legislation notes that the song is not only a tribute to Petey Pablo’s roots, but to all North Carolinians — a sentiment captured in the lyric:
"North Carolina! C'mon and raise up / This one's for you, uh-huh, this one's for who? / Us, us, us."
If passed, the bill would amend Chapter 145 of the North Carolina General Statutes to designate the censored version of “Raise Up” as the state’s official hip-hop song. It would join other state symbols that reflect North Carolina’s culture, including the state flower, bird, and even the official folk dance.
Senate Bill 512 is currently awaiting committee referral.