Folks let me add something here. With all do respect to the many great musicians here..., I would never in a million years try to tip the cup on any of you by preaching to you on a music style that's not my forte, and styles that other's here have years more experience in than I do.

So with that in mind please respect my position (and my knowledge) in the area of HIP HOP in that I have years of experience writing this style of music, and that this style is not the norm on this forum.

Also that I know what gear fits the needs of a Hip Hop artist. Despite what some are saying the Tyros 2 OUT OF THE BOX will NOT produce the same quality of Hip Hop, that you'd find on a unit designed with that style in mind--arranger's just don't fit the bill PERIOD.

I would never tell a great jazz player such as Scott Yee (personally not being no where near his skill level in that style of music), what arranger keyboard is best for him--or anything related to Jazz--since that isn't my strongest area.

If you're not into a style such as Hip Hop how can anyone preach to me... the MANY benefits of having a TyrosII and how it will perform in that style of music.

Also keep in mind LOCATIONS. Hip Hop, Rap, and R&B are huge US based industries--sure our artists tour overseas, but there are differences in the same genres from different corners of the world.

Squeak