RAP STAR

Chapter 69 [verse 12. Gwanju Up!]

In rap performances, encores don't often happen, especially for rappers who don't have widely known songs. This is because the nature of the rap genre imposes limitations on conveying the same feeling and vibe, regardless of changing beats or members. This fact remains unchanged even if the venue is packed with hip-hop fans.

Therefore, it's natural for the 888 Crew to include their most famous song, "Fuck The Show Biz," in the setlist and use its power to prompt an encore.

However...

Sanghyun created a setlist with six songs excluding "Fuck The Show Biz." Essentially, except for "Gwangju UP," there were no songs known to the audience.

This was an impossible feat without immense confidence in their music. Even with confidence, it would be impossible without certainty.

And backing that up was the controversy surrounding "Fuck The Show Biz."

Baega seemed to see the path ahead for Sanghyun and the 888 Crew, who had dominated August.

As Sanghyun stepped onto the stage, he immediately began speaking. While staging a scene as cool as "Gwangju UP" would be nice, it wasn't the time for Stars Record to drag things out.

"Fuck The Show Biz?"

- Wow!
- Eight-eight-eight! Eight-eight-eight!

As Sanghyun's voice echoed in the darkness, an overwhelming cheer erupted, surpassing the thunderous "Fuck The Show Biz" call.

Lights illuminated Sanghyun as he stood tall on stage, wearing an 888 Crew T-shirt. The only difference was that the shirt was soaked with sweat.

Taking a moment to bask in the cheers, Sanghyun spoke.

"As you know, our 888 Crew time is over, and it's now Stars Record's turn. But our kind-hearted hyung, Baega, has graciously given us time. Shout-out to Baega!"

- Shout-out to Baega!

"Respect to Stars Record!"

- Respect to Stars Record!

The DJ inserted sound effects in sync with Sanghyun's words.

"Just a moment. Before I perform this song, there's something I must say. Do any of you know a person named Hwang Joo Cheol?"

Some audience members either hadn't heard of "Fuck The Show Biz" or hadn't paid much attention to the lyrics. However, many more shouted that they did.

Sanghyun began to rap slowly, acapella:

"I'm not a rap star. It's similar to disbanding a band
Never said a word about it. Showbiz. Abandoning professionalism and honesty,
Stimulated by money, G-spot imagined with money,
Hwang Joo Cheol impregnated with money, bitch sister."

"I arrived at the venue a bit late today. But before I came, I heard some really dirty stuff," Sanghyun said, climbing up onto the monitor speaker and scanning the audience. However, he couldn't spot anyone.

Amidst the puzzled looks of the audience, he continued, "Is Editor Hwang Joo Cheol here? I know you're here right now."

Sanghyun had to hear some absurd stuff through Baega as soon as he arrived at the venue. It was about Stars Record having to interview Hwang Joo Cheol.

He was momentarily taken aback, but after hearing Baega's explanation, he understood Baega's position.

"Did the boss ask you to do a Show Biz interview?" Sanghyun asked.

"Yeah. Editor Hwang said he'd promote the club heavily if I just did the interview. He even said he'd provide print advertising if we had an empty MT," Baega said with a disgusted expression. But that wasn't all.