GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
S 1
SENATE BILL 512
Short Title: Adopt Official Hip Hop Song. (Public)
Sponsors: Senators Murdock, Smith, and Salvador (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to: Rules and Operations of the Senate
March 26, 2025
*S512 -v-1*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO ADOPT THE SONG "RAISE UP" AS THE OFFICIAL HIP HOP SONG OF THE 2
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 3
Whereas, in 2023, hip hop fans across North Carolina and the world celebrated the 4
50th anniversary of hip hop music; and 5
Whereas, North Carolina's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have helped 6
shape the rich and diverse sound of North Carolina's hip hop artists; and 7
Whereas, North Carolina is the home state of Petey Pablo, J. Cole, Rapsody, 9th 8
Wonder, Phonte, Big Pooh, and many other hip hop icons; and 9
Whereas, Moses Barrett, III, henceforth referred to as Petey Pablo, was born and 10
raised in Greenville, North Carolina; and 11
Whereas, Petey Pablo is a Grammy-nominated platinum rap artist that was inducted 12
into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2024; and 13
Whereas, "Raise Up" was released in August 2001 as a tribute to the people of North 14
Carolina and maintains its cultural significance as an anthem for the State; Now, therefore, 15
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 16
SECTION 1. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new 17
section to read: 18
"ยง 145-52. Official hip hop song. 19
The censored version of the song "Raise Up" by North Carolina rapper Petey Pablo is adopted 20
as the official hip hop song of the State of North Carolina." 21
SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law. 22