genesys,
You're right about not (one) piece of gear can do the work. To do HipHop, Rap, and all that you'll need a good synth, and something like an MPC-2000. Plus a good (sample) sound library (considering the sounds are changing constantly).

I personally wouldn't buy the top Korg arranger or the Roland G-70 to do this work. I'd buy a Roland Fantom, Yamaha Motif, or Korg Triton. Then I'd buy a MPC-2000, Have good computer programs, and so forth.

I'm home now checking files to see if I have anything I can send to Fran. If not I'll just write a quick HipHop loop using my Casio WK-3500 and Cubase and send him a midi.

As another member posted the styles need to have "attitude". He couldn't be more right. To program a HipHop drum beat is not the same as a simple rock, blues, or jazz beat. You have to make sure the beat is up to date.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 09-28-2005).]