Rap music on high-end speakers

Tru, my exposure to rap is tiny -- but, I'll chime in. Analysis: You need a mighty and controlled low-end and (some at least) low-mid precision, to reproduce computer generated bass and percussion. You also need mid-range clarity in order to follow what is being said. The upper register (over 13kHz) may not be critical -- but always good to have in order to distinguish the provenance of sound effects and of rythmics elements.

SO, fast ebough speakers (for rythmic effects), good midrange, spl tolerance, and control to at least 40-50Hz. B&W, Audio Physic, Klipsch, Tannoy maybe, Egglestone, active ATC -- the big offerings...
...however, you may find many of these good but performers but too "POLITE". Also may be unnecessarily expensive.

ALTERNATIVELY, a smaller model of the above coupled with a good sub could do the trick for you!

Your ears and involvement will decide when you audition: are you rapping along or not?

Tru, speakers are the hardest part of the audio chain to recommend. You are probably younger than most of those who have responded. I do not believe anyone should be criticized for their tastes in music. I don't like classical because it bores me to tears. I would never think of slamming someone because they like classical. I think Onhwy61 gave you very good advise. Also,Get out and hear as many speakers that you can. People have been telling me for years that Dylan can't sing. Tom Waits can't sing. Well, all I can say is they are music to these ears. Good hunting. Hang in there. Don't worry about the snobs. You are the only one you have to please.

Hey folks, Do ya know that Miles Davis was rappin' too?
I have a few rap albums also and I do believe that midrange reproduction in rap is realy more important than bass for the critical listening. There is a rap where you can distinguish words and realise that there is a piece of poetry down there!

Based upon some of the above posts, it seems that many audiogoners believe a certain type of "music" is not worthy of hi-rez playback. Do I detect a certain stench? Is it possible that those protesting most loudly have systems that can't handle the bass dynamics and rhythmic agility required for hip/hop. Maybe those with their glass driven planars or stand mounted mini monitors should stick to music by DWM or maybe that TAS disc with the dulcimer.

I have been reading this chain and a philosophical discussion on aesthetics (what is beauty, are there defendable or identifiable musical values that are recognized by everyone? or is there nothing and so anything is good if I say it is good, etc.) of some length would be needed to sort this out. When I was in art school many years ago I remember reading the "Art of Zen and Motorcycle Maintenance", "What is a Masterpiece" and other such books in an attempt to understand my judgement of what is good, what has value, and WHY. An important book in my pursuit of understanding musical values is Aaron Copeland's book "How to Listen to Music". My personal views are that, while I may enjoy for sentimental or emotional reasons listening to some music with immature or poor musical values (such as old Yes or Deep Purple or whatever you want to put in here)I would maintain if you are really passionate about music and interested in GROWING then you will seek out, experiment, try to understand and educate yourself on more advanced ideas about music and ultimately be more satisfied with the aesthetic experience.