North Carolina Considers Elevating Petey Pablo Hit to Official State Anthem

Petey Pablo once commanded the nation to "take your shirt off, twist it 'round your hand, spin it like a helicopter," and now North Carolina lawmakers are taking those lyrics to heart — officially.

A bill introduced Tuesday in the North Carolina Senate aims to immortalize Pablo’s 2001 hip-hop classic "Raise Up" as the state's official hip-hop anthem. Senate Bill 512 celebrates the song's lasting impact on North Carolina culture, placing it alongside cherished state symbols like the dogwood flower and the cardinal bird.

"Raise Up," released in August 2001, immediately became an iconic tribute to North Carolina pride, reverberating through stadiums, campuses, and street parties across the state. The bill notably coincides with the recent 50th anniversary of hip-hop and acknowledges North Carolina's pivotal contributions to the genre, particularly from its Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Petey Pablo, a Greenville native inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2024, is among a roster of influential Tar Heel hip-hop artists highlighted in the bill, including J. Cole, Rapsody, 9th Wonder, Phonte and Big Pooh.

Democratic Senators Natalie S. Murdock and DeAndrea Salvador, who sponsored the bill, emphasized "Raise Up" not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a representation of the spirit and resilience embedded deeply in the state's DNA.

For those new to the anthem — or those simply needing a refresher — revisit the music video that made "Raise Up" a part of hip-hop history below.

Violent Weekend Rocks Hip-Hop World; Sauce Walka Injured, Morrison Arrested, NBA YoungBoy Freed Early

Mark Morrision

In a turbulent weekend for the music industry, three notable figures from hip-hop and R&B faced significant legal and personal incidents, spotlighting ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding artists in the urban music scene.

Houston rapper Sauce Walka and his TSF artist Sayso P were shot Saturday in downtown Memphis while shopping, with opps shooting three times.
The incident occurred around 2:42 p.m. on Lt. George W. Lee Avenue near the FedExForum. According to his father, Albert Walker, known as… pic.twitter.com/0x4hjEEi9c

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 23, 2025

Houston rapper Sauce Walka, born Albert Walker Mondane, was wounded during a targeted shooting in downtown Memphis on Saturday, March 22. The incident, near the Westin Hotel and FedExForum, tragically resulted in the death of Sauce Walka's protégé, Memphis rapper Latorian Hunt, known as Sayso P. Memphis police stated that suspects exited a white sedan and opened fire around 2:42 p.m. Sauce Walka sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh but is expected to recover. The suspects fled the scene and are still being sought. Authorities believe this was not a random attack. Sauce Walka addressed fans via social media, expressing grief and frustration over the loss of his close associate.

On the same day, British R&B singer Mark Morrison, famous for his iconic 1996 hit "Return of the Mack," was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida. Morrison, 52, faces simple battery charges after reportedly shoving Nicola Lavacca, general manager of Le Bar à Vin, twice in the torso following an argument about music volume involving another singer performing at the venue. Witnesses, including nightlife manager Fabrizio Riillo, described Morrison as "irate," asserting he appeared intent on confrontation. Morrison was arrested shortly afterward, released early Sunday morning on a $1,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear at the Palm Beach County Courthouse on April 15. Morrison's past legal troubles include a conviction for firearm possession, failure to appear in court, suspicion of kidnapping and car theft, and previous assault charges.

Looks like NBA YOUNGBOY has been released from federal prison and either transferred to a half way house or is headed home. I’ll confirm soon pic.twitter.com/iQVFyYZUag

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) March 24, 2025

Meanwhile, rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has reportedly been released from federal custody ahead of schedule. Initially sentenced to 23 months in prison in December 2024 for federal gun charges, his early release was reported by DJ Akademiks and confirmed through online prison records, though an official statement from his representatives is pending. NBA YoungBoy, recognized by the RIAA as the only rapper of the past decade with eight platinum albums, faced additional charges in April 2024 relating to identity fraud and prescription drug forgery, culminating in a plea deal including prison time and a $25,000 fine. Despite incarceration, he continued releasing music, most notably the "More Leaks" mixtape. Fans eagerly await his official comments and possible new projects following this unexpected release.

These events underscore ongoing complexities and hazards faced by prominent artists navigating fame, personal safety, and legal matters in the music industry.

Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away at Age 76​

In this courtesy photo, heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman, who died Friday at age 76, shares a moment with Houston radio personality J Mac of 97.9 The Box. Foreman, a Texas native known for his powerful punches and iconic grill endorsements, leaves behind a legacy spanning sports, entrepreneurship, and pop culture. (Courtesy of J Mac)

George Foreman, the towering two-time heavyweight boxing champion who later became an iconic pitchman for his namesake grills, has died at the age of 76, his family announced Friday.

Foreman's powerful punches first propelled him to Olympic gold in 1968 and a world title in 1973. While he famously lost the crown to Muhammad Ali in the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, Foreman staged a remarkable comeback two decades later, regaining the heavyweight championship at age 45 — the oldest ever to do so.

Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman's early life was marked by poverty and trouble with the law before boxing became his saving grace. Known for his devastating power, Foreman had a unique pre-fight ritual, notably refusing to look directly into his opponent’s eyes during referee instructions. He later explained, “I didn't want to see a person; I just wanted to see another target.”

His first reign as champion saw him dispatch numerous challengers, but after his loss to Ali, Foreman experienced a profound spiritual awakening following a near-death experience in 1977. This led him to become a born-again Christian and ordained minister, delivering sermons backstage before fights and at his gym.

After a brief retirement, Foreman returned to boxing in 1987, embarking on an improbable journey back to the top. His stunning 1994 knockout of Michael Moorer for the WBA and IBF titles cemented his legendary status as a figure of endurance and resilience.

Foreman’s personality outside the ring was as big as his reputation inside it. Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee once considered Foreman for the role of "The Incredible Hulk" due to his impressive physique and intimidating presence, though the role eventually went to Lou Ferrigno. Additionally, Foreman humorously credited luck for his grill endorsement opportunity; it was first offered to wrestler Hulk Hogan, who missed the agent's call — an error Hogan jokingly lamented as costing him millions.

Beyond boxing and business, Foreman was passionate about animals, often joking, “I spent my childhood avoiding dogs; now I spend my adult life feeding them,” reflecting his lifelong affection for raising German Shepherds.

Foreman's legacy resonates deeply, transcending generations and cultural shifts. His early dominance aligned with the funk and soul era of the 1970s, while his later comeback coincided with the alternative rock wave of the 1990s, a testament to his universal appeal.

Details regarding funeral arrangements were not immediately released. Foreman is survived by his wife and several children. His impact on sports, culture, and entrepreneurship will long be remembered.