Quote:   Yeah, I don't let the genres get in the way. If it's more electronic or ambient or more this than that it doesn't really matter. I lump basically anything from Shlohmo to BADBADNOTGOOD into just beat-music.

Wax Tailor RJD2 Printempo Parov Stelar   Just a few. Love this scene of music and always am finding more and more of it.

I personally don't consider either because I dislike the looks of the beats and have headphones that do hiphop/rap better than the beats anyway 

Quote: "Above the Clouds" - Little People

Explain to the person in question that they have discretionary expenses that probably total a lot more than headphones (. a long time ago I took the receipts my mom spent on smokes and my dad spent on beer and showed them that, they didn't ever stop me from spending money headphones but I could...

Quote:   CAL!   They normally go for less.   The 440's might not be that good for your uses. They really aren't that portable of headphones other than how easy they are to drive. I would go for some Koss ProDJ100. Much more comfortable on my ears.

I'm gonna leave my fanboy choices out (Massive Attack, Flying Lotus, Gorillaz, etc)     Reroute to Remain :: In Flames   Black Sands :: Bonobo   Let it Die :: Feist   any RJD2 album IMO.   Off the top of my head, based on what I've been listening to lately.  

Quote: "Jungle Drum" - Emiliana Torrini

I'd spend the money on a decent audio interface and some mid-range studio monitors. After that I would get some headphones just for referencing.

Quote:   "All That We Perceive" - Thievery Corporation

  "Thoughts of The Philosopher" - Sean Ross   I like this because the sampling he has put together is really well done. I can tell some of the drum sounds are from soundpacks, but if it fits for the song it fits. Love finding gems on sites like these.

Quote: This^ or "Weather Storm" - Massive Attack also has an easy to recognize bass pattern that gets the head bopping.   Not techno but:   "Benzie Box" - Danger Doom "Sunny Bunny Blues" - Parov Stelar "GNG BNG" - Flying Lotus   all have "fun" bass.  

I don't listen to rap really but enjoy the beat-making process so I'll list my top 5 hip-hop producers...   1. RZA :: Incredibly versatile, which shows his skill in music as a whole. 2. M.F Doom :: Doesn't get enough credit for the beats he has made (also probably my favorite rapper). 3...

Quote:   "Believe in Nothing" - Nevermore

No idea, has that Alchemist feel for sure though. One of the more talented samplers.