Nuendo is almost the same program as Cubase; the only differences are things that you would never miss. Cubase SX is a very nice program that is fun to use and fairly powerful. Reason is not a recording program and its sequencing is very limited - think of it as an instrument. Sonar is also a good program, very user friendly, but less functional than Cubase. Thses are only my opinions, but I have used them all.

Im not an expert on the digital world but I just switched to the computer way of life. I also do more hiphop recordings and my setup is molding around that. Ive used both programs and the others mentioned. I've stuck with Cubase with my recordings. It's just as David said, more user friendly and very full of powerful. Ive set mine up with a bunch of plugins and it has been awsome. I think most of the plugins David suggested (I think it was you) helped out my cubase even more.

Being you listed you did "Rap and R&B" I would assume you do like I do and sample alot. Ive been using Acid, Fruity and Reason forever when I could use it on my friends studio. Acid Pro has be awsome for my turntable samples and beats ive made in other programs. Stuff like Reason and Fruityloops have also been awsome tools for Beat production and midi. Def a must for you with whatever program you choose for recording/mixing. Most of my problems thus far is my sound quality with my hardware. Being CubaseSX is so awsome. But im a tone freak. In my amature beat producing opinion CubaseSX is the best for my needs.

Thanks

Sweet thanks. I think I am going to go with Cubase.

Side question: What do you guys think is better than cubase. Like the next one up, without worrying about the cost.

My favorite is Cubase/Nuendo, but honestly, it's mostly just a matter of preference among the top programs. They all can do it all.