Recommendations for recent rap and hip hop recordings please.

Not current but Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five on vinyl through tubes and Quad 57s. One of the most enjoyable and memorable hifi show experiences ever.

Not a fan, but I often wondered if rap or metal really benefits from a high-end sonics.  I usually associate advantages of high-end audio with increased realism/accuracy in voices and acoustic instruments.  Rap seems monotoned but with a beat and metal seems loud with lots of intended distortion in their instruments.

This is great question. IMHO, we are all different, I associate the advantages of a high end system with accurate dynamics.

But let’s look at your definition for a moment. If a system can accurately portray voices, and acoustic instruments, it seems that it can just as accurately portray distortion that is intentionally woven into the musical fabric by the artist. I don’t think that will make you like the music any more, but it will convey the tonality that the artist intended.

If you are able to stream, pull up the Barbie soundtrack. You will hear a variety of rap, and hip-hop, and though it may not change your outlook, perhaps it will broaden it.

viridian,

Sorry if I offended you. Mostly kidding. However, I have been told that if you have rodents in your home, playing rap music may eradicate them or perhaps get them dancing, which could be entertaining....

So, I guess there may be a useful purpose.

ozzy

LOL! My rodents can't stand Mahler; no accounting for taste.