Petey Pablo‘s 2001 smash hit “Raise Up” could very well soon be declared the official Hip Hop song of North Carolina.
According to a report from WRAL News, Democratic Senators Natalie S. Murdock, Kandie Smith and DeAndrea Salvador filed a bill seeking to have the song recognized by the state on Tuesday (March 25).
A North Carolina native himself, the song shouts out the state multiple times and has widely been considered an anthem by natives since its release. The Tar Heels’ marching band play the song often at University of North Carolina football games, and the Carolina Hurricanes play the song after every goal scored.
The bill recognizes the global celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023 and emphasizes the impact of HBCUs on the genre.
AD LOADING...
“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 wrote.
It’s unclear when the bill will be voted on as of this writing.
Back in 2022, Petey Pablo helped make a wedding day even more special by performing a live rendition of “Raise Up” to introduce the happy couple at their reception.
AD LOADING...
The North Carolina rapper shared a clip on Instagram of him performing the energetic hit at a wedding reception for Justin and Darnella Miller.
As the bride and groom enter the room, Pablo, decked out in brown suit and black turtleneck, can be seen hyping up the crowd before spitting the memorable hook to his Timbaland-produced anthem.
The happy couple and their guests react by spinning towels around their heads — just like the lyrics say: “North Carolina! Come on and raise up/ Take your shirt off, twist it ’round your hand/ Spin it like a helicopter.”
AD LOADING...
Pablo wrote in the clip’s caption: “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!!!!”
