Throwback Video of the Day: Petey Pablo – “Raise Up”

Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” – A Timeless North Carolina Anthem

Petey Pablo burst onto the hip-hop scene in 2001 with his electrifying debut single, “Raise Up,” an anthem that put his home state of North Carolina firmly on the map. Produced by the legendary Timbaland, the track features a unique blend of Southern rap, crunk, and hip-hop influences. Thus, creating a sound that remains unforgettable to this day. As HHV revisits this iconic song in a throwback post, its relevance and cultural impact are worth celebrating in full.

The Origins of “Raise Up”

Released in May 2001 as the lead single from Pablo’s debut album, Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry, “Raise Up” quickly became a defining moment in his career. The song reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Gold certification by 2002. Its success wasn’t just about the catchy hook or Timbaland’s production—it was about pride, resilience, and identity.

For Pablo, “Raise Up” was a deeply personal track. After serving time in prison, the rapper moved to New York City, where he began carving out his place in the rap world. Inspired by his journey and the stories of his fellow North Carolinians, Pablo crafted the song as a tribute to his roots. Thus, naming numerous small towns and prisons across the state to highlight its lesser-known communities.

A Hook That Demands Participation

The unforgettable hook—“Take your shirt off, twist it ‘round your hand, spin it like a helicopter”—is more than just a call to action; it’s an emblem of unity and celebration. Petey Pablo’s directive resonated beyond North Carolina. As a result, becoming a universal gesture of pride and self-expression. Whether you were from a major city or a small town, the anthem encouraged everyone to represent their home with fervor.

The hook’s energy was matched by its simplicity. Thus, making it instantly relatable and accessible. The act of spinning a shirt in the air became synonymous with “Raise Up” and helped solidify its place in pop culture.

The Music Video: A Visual Celebration

Directed by Jessy Terrero, the music video for “Raise Up” complements the song’s message of pride and unity. Shot in Greenville, North Carolina, the video showcases the region’s people, landscapes, and culture. From local landmarks to neighborhood gatherings, the visuals offer an empowering tribute to the communities Pablo sought to uplift.

The video also captures the sheer joy and energy of the song, with people from all walks of life joining in to “raise up.” The visuals align seamlessly with the song’s themes, reinforcing its status as an anthem for the underrepresented and overlooked.

Symbolism in the Lyrics

While “Raise Up” is often celebrated for its infectious energy, the lyrics carry a deeper significance. Pablo’s shoutouts to various towns and prisons highlight the struggles and resilience of North Carolinians. The song doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenges faced by these communities, instead choosing to uplift them through recognition and representation.

The track also includes an allusion to Beenie Man’s dancehall hit, “Who Am I (Sim Simma),” in the opening line, “Who am I? Petey Pab’ motherf****r!” This subtle nod underscores Pablo’s ability to draw from diverse musical influences while staying true to his Southern roots.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

By the time “Raise Up” hit the airwaves, it had become more than just a song—it was a movement. The track dominated BET and radio stations nationwide, with remixes tailored to local communities amplifying its reach. The “All Cities Remix” expanded its focus beyond North Carolina, shouting out major cities like Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles, while a post-9/11 remix paid tribute to the resilience of the United States.

These remixes demonstrated the song’s adaptability and universal appeal. What began as a North Carolina anthem evolved into a rallying cry for pride and unity across the country.

The Role of Timbaland’s Production

The genius of “Raise Up” wouldn’t have been fully realized without Timbaland’s production. Known for his ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop, Timbaland crafted a beat that perfectly balanced the song’s high-energy hook with its introspective verses. Sampling “Enta Omri” by Hossam Ramzy, the track incorporates elements of world music, adding a unique texture to its Southern rap foundation.

Timbaland’s signature sound elevated the track, ensuring its place not just in Southern rap but in hip-hop as a whole.

A Timeless Anthem for Representation

“Raise Up” remains a powerful example of how music can be both personal and universal. By centering the experiences of North Carolinians, Pablo created a song that resonated far beyond state lines. The track’s themes of pride, resilience, and unity continue to inspire listeners, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever felt overlooked or underestimated.

Even now, nearly a decade after the song’s release, it’s clear that its message still holds weight. With Southern rap continuing to dominate the charts, “Raise Up” stands as a testament to the genre’s roots and its ability to uplift communities.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of “Raise Up”

As Petey Pablo’s debut single, “Raise Up” accomplished what few songs could: it became a cultural phenomenon. Nearly a later, its impact is still felt in North Carolina and beyond, serving as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. Whether it’s through the original track, the remixes, or the unforgettable music video, “Raise Up” remains a celebration of identity, pride, and perseverance.

For fans revisiting the song today, it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about appreciating the lasting influence of a track that dared to represent the underrepresented. Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” isn’t just a Southern anthem; it’s a piece of hip-hop history.

Final Thoughts

“Raise Up” is a shining example of the kind of music that transcends its era. Petey Pablo’s passionate tribute to his home state remains an inspiration for artists and fans alike, proving that authenticity and pride will always have a place in hip-hop. For North Carolinians and everyone else, “Raise Up” is more than just a song—it’s a legacy.