Yeah... I listen to tons of music. I even listen to things while i'm composing stuff. Of course, I pause what I was listening to... but I unpause frequently. Usually pop and rap stuff. Mc Hammer, Nelly Furtado, Fergie, Gwen Staffani, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, alot others. I also listen to ska. Mainly No Doubt :3. And rock... Tokyo Police Club, Relient K, Half Japanese and stuff. And some videogame music, though not as much as I you'st to.
I have a strange musical palette lol.
I personally felt the beginning was the best part. Good thing I didn't stick to the beginning part so much ^_^;;.