AN ACT to adopt the song raise Up AS the official hip hop song of the State of North Carolina.

Whereas, in 2023, hip hop fans across North Carolina and the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip hop music; and

Whereas, North Carolina's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have helped shape the rich and diverse sound of North Carolina's hip hop artists; and

Whereas, North Carolina is the home state of Petey Pablo, J. Cole, Rapsody, 9th Wonder, Phonte, Big Pooh, and many other hip hop icons; and

Whereas, Moses Barrett, III, henceforth referred to as Petey Pablo, was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina; and

Whereas, Petey Pablo is a Grammy‑nominated platinum rap artist that was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2024; and

Whereas, Raise Up was released in August 2001 as a tribute to the people of North Carolina and maintains its cultural significance as an anthem for the State; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 145‑52.  Official hip hop song.

The censored version of the song Raise Up by North Carolina rapper Petey Pablo is adopted as the official hip hop song of the State of North Carolina.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.