If you’ve ever stepped foot in a North Carolina stadium, a sweaty college house party in Raleigh, or even a wedding reception in the Outer Banks, you know the drill. The beat drops. That high-pitched, almost siren-like woodwind sample kicks in. Then comes the command. North Carolina take your shirt off, twist it ‘round your head, spin it like a helicopter.
It isn't just a song. It’s a literal reflex for millions of people.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how a track released in 2001 still has this much pull. We aren't talking about a nostalgia act that people politely clap for. We’re talking about a cultural phenomenon that defines the identity of an entire state. When Petey Pablo released "Raise Up," he didn't just give the airwaves a hit; he gave North Carolina a permanent, rowdy business card.
Why North Carolina Take Your Shirt Off Became a Cultural Command
Most people outside the 919 or 704 area codes might see the "take your shirt off" instruction as just another catchy hip-hop hook. They’re wrong. To understand why this specific phrase became the unofficial state motto, you have to look at what was happening in the South during the early 2000s.
Atlanta was already the "Dirty South" capital. OutKast and Ludacris had the world's attention. But North Carolina? We were sort of the quiet sibling in the hip-hop world. Then Petey Pablo, a Greenville native with a voice like gravel and lightning, showed up.
"Raise Up" was produced by Timbaland, who was basically the king of the boards at the time. Timbaland has this knack for creating sounds that feel futuristic but grounded. For this track, he used a sample from "Goon Quat" by Entouch, but he chopped it into something aggressive. When Petey yelled the lyrics, it felt like a liberation.
Why the shirt? It’s visceral. It’s hot in North Carolina. The humidity in July feels like wearing a wet wool blanket. Taking your shirt off isn't just about being a fan; it’s about shedding the weight of expectations. It’s "spin it like a helicopter." It’s movement. It’s chaos.
The Specific Geography of the Anthem
One of the reasons this song stuck—and why the search term North Carolina take your shirt off remains relevant decades later—is the local shout-outs. Petey wasn't generic. He called out the cities.
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- Greenville
- Raleigh
- Charlotte
- Fayetteville (often called "Fayettenam" in the streets)
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
He even mentions "North and South Carolina." By doing this, he turned a rap song into a territorial anthem. If you hear your city called out, you aren't just listening to music anymore. You’re being summoned. This is why the song became the heartbeat of the Carolina Panthers and the various collegiate programs across the state.
The Super Bowl XXXVIII Moment and Beyond
You can't talk about this song without mentioning the 2004 Super Bowl. The Carolina Panthers were facing the New England Patriots. It was the first time the Panthers had reached the big stage. During the buildup, "Raise Up" was everywhere. It was the soundtrack to the "Keep Pounding" mantra.
Even though the Panthers lost that game in a heartbreaker, the song’s status was cemented. It moved from the clubs to the mainstream corporate sports world. You’d see 60-year-old businessmen in the stands at Ericsson Stadium (now Bank of America Stadium) actually taking their shirts off. It was a rare moment where hip-hop culture and the "Old South" blended into one loud, spinning mass of fabric.
Petey Pablo’s Impact on State Identity
Petey Pablo, born Moses Barrett III, spent time in prison before his rap career took off. He’s been open about his struggles. This authenticity is why people in NC ride for him so hard. He wasn't a polished pop star. He was a guy from Greenville who sounded like he’d been shouting over the roar of a lawnmower his whole life.
When he says North Carolina take your shirt off, it feels like an order from a hometown hero. It’s different from when a national artist tries to pander to a local crowd. You can hear the dirt on the tracks.
Interestingly, the song has seen several "resurrections." In 2015, during the Panthers' 15-1 season led by Cam Newton, the song returned with a vengeance. Petey even released a "Panthers" version of the track. It proved that the song wasn't just a 2001 relic; it was a tool that could be sharpened and used whenever the state needed a boost of adrenaline.
Misconceptions and the "Helicopter" Effect
Let's address the elephant in the room: the spinning shirt. Some people think it’s just a random dance move. It’s actually more deeply rooted in the concept of a "pep rally" on steroids.
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There’s a common misconception that the song is purely about aggression. It’s actually about pride. For a long time, North Carolina was overshadowed by its neighbors. Virginia had the military and the history; Georgia had the music and the Olympics. North Carolina had tobacco and textiles. "Raise Up" changed the vibe. It gave the youth a reason to be loud.
Is it a "one-hit wonder"? Technically, no. Petey Pablo had "Freek-a-Leek," which was arguably a bigger club hit. He was on Ciara’s "Goodies." But "Raise Up" is the one that lives in the DNA of the region. You don't "Freek-a-Leek" at a Panthers game. You "Raise Up."
The Legal and Cultural Longevity
It’s rare for a song with such specific regional lyrics to maintain SEO relevance for over 20 years. Usually, these songs fade into "I love the 2000s" playlists. But "Raise Up" is different because it’s tied to the physical action of taking a shirt off. It’s a call to action.
Google data shows that people still search for these lyrics every time a Carolina sports team makes a playoff run. It’s a ritual. Even the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) have leaned into the "North Carolina" branding, despite hockey being a cold-weather sport where taking your shirt off might actually give you hypothermia. People do it anyway.
Why It Still Works (The Psychology of the Hook)
Why does it work? Simple physics and psychology. The "helicopter" motion creates a visual spectacle. If one person does it, it’s weird. If 70,000 people do it, it’s a force of nature. It’s the visual equivalent of a "White Out" or a "Yellow Towel" in other sports cities, but it’s DIY. You don't have to buy a towel. You already have the shirt.
It’s also about the "drop." Timbaland’s production ensures that the tension builds perfectly. By the time Petey screams for the state to "Raise Up," the audience is primed for a release of energy.
Practical Ways to Experience the Anthem Today
If you’re visiting North Carolina and want to see this in its natural habitat, you have a few options.
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First, go to a Panthers game. Even if the team is having a rough season, the pre-game or a crucial third-down stop will often trigger the song. Second, check out any major HBCU homecoming in the state—NCCU in Durham or NC A&T in Greensboro. The energy there is unmatched. The marching bands sometimes even incorporate the melody into their sets.
There is a certain etiquette, though. Don't be the person who starts the "helicopter" during a slow ballad. It’s a high-energy move reserved for the peak of the party. And honestly, make sure you have an undershirt on if you aren't ready to go full-bare-chest in public.
The Legacy of the 919 and 704
Petey Pablo's contribution to North Carolina's "brand" is immeasurable. Before J. Cole became the king of North Carolina hip-hop, Petey was the one who kicked the door down. He showed that you could be unapologetically southern, use a local dialect, and still dominate the Billboard charts.
J. Cole himself has paid homage to Petey. It’s a torch-passing thing. But even Cole hasn't quite managed to create a song that dictates the physical behavior of a crowd the way "Raise Up" does.
Actionable Steps for the True NC Fan
If you want to truly honor the North Carolina take your shirt off legacy, here is how you do it properly:
- Learn the shout-outs: Don't just mumble through the verse. Know when your city is coming up. If you're from Charlotte, you better be ready when he hits that "704."
- The Helicopter Technique: It’s all in the wrist. If you swing too wide, you’ll hit your neighbor. Keep it tight, keep it rhythmic.
- Support Local Music: Petey Pablo paved the way. Check out the current NC scene—from Rapsody to Lute—to see how that "Carolina soul" has evolved.
- Respect the Venue: Know when it’s appropriate. A backyard BBQ? Yes. A funeral? Probably not, unless the deceased specifically requested it in their will.
The song is more than a track on a CD; it’s a shared experience. It’s the sound of a state that decided it wasn't going to be quiet anymore. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, when that beat hits, you have a choice: stay still, or take your shirt off and spin it like a helicopter. Most people choose the latter.
To truly understand the impact, look up the original music video. It’s a time capsule of 2001 North Carolina. You see the people, the cars, the humidity, and the raw pride. That’s what "Raise Up" captured, and that’s why we’re still talking about it today. It’s authentic, it’s loud, and it’s ours.
Next time you're at a game and the energy starts to dip, watch the jumbotron. Wait for the first few bars of that siren. You’ll see the shirts start to come off. It’s a tradition that isn't going anywhere as long as there’s a North Carolina to represent.