I wouldn't subject a Neumann to hip-hop. SM58 would handle it better.

An 87 would sound great, and take lots of SPL, don't worry about that.
A 58 would work, but won't sound half as good. If you have the budget, an 87 is the way to go.

Also, I think you are a little confused with your model numbers here. A Neve 1073 is a preamp, a Universal Audio 1176 is a Compressor / Limiter. A combination of the two would be great for a rap and RnB.

Good luck

rap= avalon in my def travelz to queenz, NY. 3 different studios- all the same stuff.

c24, avalon737s, 2044's and pounding genelics too big for the room.

seriously though:

i worked witha friend doing his hip hop project and the best mic for most (especially new) rap stars is a shure sm7.

When I worked with Chamillionaire the chain was a Peluso 2247SE into a BAE 1073 into a Lynx Aurora16 into PT|HD. He even commented on how great it sounded when he got out of the booth. Super nice guy too!

SPAM REMOVED