Club Banger To State Anthem? Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” Proposed As North Carolina’s Official Song
Petey Pablo’s iconic 2001 hit “Raise Up” could soon become the official Hip-Hop anthem of North Carolina, thanks to a new bill filed by Democratic Senators on Tuesday (March 25).
Hailing from N.C. himself, Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” has long been embraced by his fans and the locals. The club banger, which repeatedly shouts out the Old North State, has been a fan favorite since its release and continues to play a significant role in North Carolina’s cultural landscape. In fact, many HBCU marching bands have honed in on the track, making it a staple in the song list at football games, events, and more.
According to WRAL News, the proposal came after the global celebration of Hip-Hop 50 highlighted the significant contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the genre. “North Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities have helped shape the rich and diverse sound of North Carolina’s Hip-Hop artists,” the senators stated in their proposal.
As of now, it’s unclear when the bill will be voted on, but the 51-year-old has continued to show that his hit is undeniable. In 2022, he helped make a couple feel extra special as he performed “Raise Up” at their wedding reception.
Petey Pablo shared a heartwarming clip of the performance on Instagram, showing him hyping up the crowd at Justin and Darnella Miller’s wedding celebration. Dressed in a brown suit and black turtleneck, he energetically delivered the hook: “North Carolina! Come on and raise up/ Take your shirt off, twist it ’round your hand/ Spin it like a helicopter.”
Guests and the newlyweds followed suit, twirling towels over their heads just like the lyrics suggest. In the post, Petey Pablo wrote: “Ladies and gentlemen if you want to see what some Good Love looks like here you go congratulations to @donna_ii & @mr_just10 thank you both for allowing me to be a part of something so magical a moment in time that will never be forgotten!!!!”