Senate Bill 512 would amend Chapter 145 of the North Carolina General Statutes to designate the censored version of "Raise Up" by Petey Pablo as the official hip hop song of the State of North Carolina. The bill is framed as a cultural recognition measure, citing the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the influence of North Carolina HBCUs on the state’s music scene, and the prominence of North Carolina hip hop artists such as Petey Pablo, J. Cole, Rapsody, 9th Wonder, Phonte, and Big Pooh.
The bill does not create a regulatory program or alter criminal, tax, or administrative law. Its legal effect is limited to adding a new state symbol in Chapter 145, which already governs official state designations. If enacted, it would formally recognize "Raise Up" as North Carolina’s official hip hop song, alongside other state symbols and honors.
Impact
S512 would amend Chapter 145 of the General Statutes by adding G.S. 145-52, creating a new official state designation for North Carolina. The practical impact on state law is narrow: it would not impose duties on agencies, change funding, or affect private rights, but it would expand the list of official state symbols and cultural recognitions. The bill specifically identifies the censored version of "Raise Up" as the adopted song.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive or celebratory sentiment around the bill, with the text itself emphasizing pride in North Carolina’s hip hop heritage and the cultural significance of Petey Pablo’s work. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition or debate in the provided materials. The bill appears to be presented as a symbolic recognition of the state’s music culture rather than a controversial policy measure.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided committee or voting history. Potential areas of discussion, if any arose, would likely concern whether the state should create another official symbol and whether the song’s censored version is the appropriate version to adopt. However, the available record does not show any recorded objections, amendments, or divided votes.
Commemorating the continuation of the semicentennial of hip hop and designating August 11, 2025, as "Hip Hop Celebration Day", designating August 2025 as "Hip Hop Recognition Month", and designating November 2025 as "Hip Hop History Month".
A resolution commemorating the continuation of the semicentennial of hip hop and designating August 11, 2025, as "Hip Hop Celebration Day", designating August 2025 as "Hip Hop Recognition Month", and designating November 2025 as "Hip Hop History Month".