[Intro]
There's only one way in...
You got to pay the cover charge...
It's a small amount...
But it costs you a lot...
[Verse 1]
When you first step into a show, you gotta pay
Usually it's as low as $5, high as $20
If you enjoy the show, it's worth it
But if you don't, then well it's worthless
Still your foots in the door, if you're a rapper
The more you understand, the more you get chatter
To get a fanbase, that is very hard
They won't remember you, even if it's a business card
So you gotta keep appearing, gotta keep paying
Gotta show the support or else you're failing
But be aware for promoters that seem shady
For they will scam you, and leave you crazy
One day, you'll eventually be paid back
In the form of a show, a booking and all that
But for now you're small time, unable to play
Because you don't know the right words to say
[Chorus]
Cover Charge...
You have to pay to get in...
Cover Charge...
You have to pay to get in...
[Verse 2]
Cover charge's not just a payment, it's a commitment
To the promoter, the shows, the culture, the legitness
Rap is a game, you gotta play it somehow
Any shortcuts for fame are not allowed
It's easier if you're rich, hard if you're not
And the hardest if you're hustlin' on the block
The more you hustle, the more you understand
And if you're rich, you don't give a damn
The industry is grey, there's no black or white
Everybody has intentions, everybody has foresight
Competition is abound so who're you going to support?
One day they're rivals, the next they're cohorts
So now that you payed, you are in
Welcome to the industry my friend
It can be big or small, it doesn't matter
And it can be very complex so don't you be a slacker
[Chorus]
Cover Charge...
You have to pay to get in...
Cover Charge...
You have to pay to get in...