Which is the keyboard of choice for the Hip-Hop producer?

By now, I have my ideal music studio plans and equipment I plan to get in these few couple months. I'm gonna be running Logic/M-powred Pro-tools for my software. I have an MPC 3000 and plan on getting M-audio's Project Mix, some effects bundle (software), mackie big knob and other essential equipment for a home studio. Now for the question here, since my main interest is gonna be Hip-Hop, which keyboard(s) is/are a good choice for the Hip-Hop producer? I know the Korg Triton is mentioned a bit but I know there are some less expensive ones that will do the job.

It depends a bit on what sound you want to get from it. So do you want nice and clean sounding piano's, string and choirs or do you want to make your own sounds from the start thru synthesis?

There is no such thing as a 'keyboard of choice for the hip-hop producer'.

Different types of keyboard do different things. The term 'keyboard' is too generic for your question.

Consumer Keyboard (No midi, onboard speakers)
Midi Controller (No sounds, just keys, knobs, pads and sliders etc for software/ hardware control)
Portable Midi Controller (As above but small enough to carry with a laptop)
Sampling Keyboard (Onboard sampling facility)
Workstation Keyboard (Onboard sequencer)
Digital Synth (Fixed choice of editable sounds onboard)
Expandable Digital Synth (Can add extra sound sets with ROM's)
Analogue Synth (Dont use samples at all)

The MPC itself is capable of many 'keyboard' functions too. You must decide what your specific needs are bearing in mind that you may add to your studio as it grows.

if you want something like the triton but less expensive get a korg micro x used (less than 400)

if you want something cheaper get the triton tr w/ a cheap midi controler (m-audio keystation)

I ended going old-school, got an asr-10, did some research and it done everything I wanted, other keybpards (Triton, motif, etc..) way too expensive for my budget.

wow..

I'd go with the ever popular Casio SK-5.
It's got that crunchy 2-bit sound. Thats whats Hott in the streets right now.

I'd go with a Dictaphone with the diphone midi to CV mod attached as a trigger source....and a cheap plastic keyboard from Walmart.

ALESIS MICRON YO

THE BEST SYNTH I THINK!!!