well, most up and comers don'thave the money to clear a sample. 5 Bucks isn't going to cut out. If you're signed to a label, and they're distributing your album, they'll try and help you with getting samples cleared. yes you'll eventually have to pay it back, but after you earn you fit, and have enough.
Like right now, if anything, i'll sample something, then sell my mixtapes on the street...Does it really seem necessary for me to clear the sample? Like I said, the profit margin is SLIM. I'm not mainly doing it for the money, but just to get my name out, and show them what i can do.
Like when Kanye started. I doubt He cleard that "Can't Be Life" sample, before giving it to Jay Z. He sold it, and odds are, ROC cleared it before putting it on the album.