Song popularized at Panthers games could soon be an official state track in North Carolina
“Raise Up” by Petey Pablo is played often at Bank of America Stadium
RALEIGH, N.C. (WBTV) - A song popularized at Panthers games could soon be an official state track in North Carolina.
“Raise Up” by Petey Pablo, is played often at Panthers games, has been played at Hurricanes games, and was performed at Lovin’ Life Music Fest, according to partners at Axios Charlotte. Now, a group of state lawmakers wants to make it North Carolina’s official hip-hop song and filed a bill to do so.
Three state senators filed the bill Monday, March 25. One of the three sponsors was Rep. DeAndrea Salvador, who represents the southwestern part of Mecklenburg County.
“Raise Up” was released in 2001 and includes many references to the Tar Heel State. The most obvious reference is in the chorus when the rapper calls on North Carolina to “come on and raise up.” He also goes on to rattle off nearly two dozen North Carolina cities or counties, including Shelby and Statesville.
The upbeat song has been streamed more than 31 million times on Spotify, making it one of Petey Pablo’s most popular tracks. The song can also be listened to here on Petey Pablo’s official YouTube channel.
The original version of “Raise Up” was explicit; however, the Senate bill does call for a censored edition to be used as the state song.
Petey Pablo is a proud Greenville, N.C. native and wrote another ode called “Carolina Colors” that was released as a tribute to the Panthers during the team’s run to Super Bowl 50.
He is one of several successful rappers from North Carolina, joining a list that includes J. Cole, DaBaby and others.
Previous Coverage: North Carolina bill seeks to name official state hip-hop song
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