Didn't read the whole thread, just kind of perused through. If you're semi-into hip-hop/rap, you should check out the following - Talib Kweli, Jurassic 5, Blackalicious
(kind of a spin off of J5). All of which actually play their instruments live, no tracking whatsoever. I'd even go so far as to give a nod to the Black Eyed Peas for playing their own instruments. Not a huge fan of rap/hi-hop myself, but I do respect artists who actually play their own instruments.