Libertarian Party of North Carolina Endorses SB 512 to Make "Raise Up" Official Hip-Hop Song of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2024 (RALEIGH) – The Libertarian Party of North Carolina (LPNC) has officially endorsed NC Senate Bill 512, which, if passed, would adopt "Raise Up," by Petey Pablo, as the official hip-hop song of the State of North Carolina. This song has been an iconic part of North Carolina popular culture for decades, and adds to the deep and rich musical history of our great state.

However, art should never bend to the whims and pressures of those who would seek to sanitize it to fit their own mores. Like our state, art should be honest and free, not rendered tame out of fear of offending. We call on the sponsors of SB 512, Senators Natalie Murdock, Kandie Smith, and Lisa Grafstein Salvador, to amend the proposed bill to adopt the uncensored version of "Raise Up" as the official hip-hop song of North Carolina. We certainly wouldn't expect to censor old folk hymns or bluegrass songs; it should be the same with hip-hop.

LPNC Chair Ryan Brown said, "This one was actually a no-brainer. It might seem silly at first, but it's maybe one of the very few things where we can hope our state government might be competent, and, when there is so much division and polarization that the uniparty is feeding us, it's nice to have something we can all rally around with a smile, and remember we're North Carolinians first.

"There were some decent bills filed by both sides, protecting private property, affirming second amendments rights, ending dangerous prohibition laws, and holding bad cops accountable, in particular. There were also, as we expected, a lot of bad ones that, if passed, would increase the state's interference in your life, your wallet, and your child's education. Among all of them, this one should be easy for everyone to agree on, and then they can get back to fighting with each other while we, the people, suffer."

The LPNC encourages all North Carolinians to support this celebration of our state’s vibrant culture and identity. Let’s raise up together, unfiltered and unafraid. By embracing the uncensored version of "Raise Up," we honor the authenticity of our people and the unapologetic spirit that defines North Carolina. This small act could remind our leaders to prioritize freedom over control in all they do.

For additional Libertarian commentary on bills the NCGA has proposed, visit lpnc.org.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Rob Yates at [email protected].

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Libertarian Party of North Carolina
Libertarian Party of North Carolina (lpnc.org)

Ryan Brown
LPNC Chair
Libertarian Party of North Carolina
Ryan.B[email protected]

Rob Yates
Communications Director and Acting Press Secretary
Libertarian Party of North Carolina
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