I personally listen to all kinds of music to build my skills as well. I don't listen to things gangsta rap, heavy metal, or harsh lyrics because music does affect your subconcious(i think i spelled that right). If the message is degrading, then I won't listen to it. Actually, a lot of this hip hop music today, is crap. All they've done is sampled someone elses music, hit 2 notes on a keyboard, and made a hit. I love listening to old school music, when they used full bands. James Brown using 2 bass players, James Jameson laying it down with Motown, Charlie Mingus on the upright, all the old school cats. Those are real musicians to me, so I listen to them.