I was always unsure back in the day when both Mike and Chester said "We're big fans of Jay." I thought maybe Mike had listened to his earlier stuff when first getting into Hip-Hop but it seems like he mostly listened to underground emcees. And I highly doubt Chester listened to any Jay-Z at all then. I recently watched the iHeartRadio concert and when Chester was going on about how much they love pop music and kanye and all these different pop acts I couldn't help but think it was bullshit. He strikes me as someone who would listen to a lot of Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Metalica, etc. I wonder if they say this just to have a good reception in the mainstream eye? Opinions?
I wouldn't be surprised if Mike listened to a lot of Jay-Z. He likes hip hop. And while Chester may not seem like the biggest rap fan, I'm sure he'll listen to it in his car on occasion. I think they're telling the truth.
On the beginning of Chester's episode of Cribs, he describes his music tastes, saying that he has Sheryl Crow next to Outkast and Alice and Chains in his CD collection. I would highly doubt that Chester would have anything to do with Linkin Park if he didn't enjoy hip hop on some aspect.
Mike has stated as far back as Meteora that he listened to Jay-Z, Common, Wu-Tang, Redman, Biggie and other rap artists growing up. Although he's gone very underground with his tastes, he definitely wasn't BS-ing with his love for Jay. As for Chester he's stated in interviews that his music taste has greatly expanded in recent years. He used to be a grunge/metal kid but around ATS he got into The Beatles and has been expanding his tastes since. Although as Jeff pointed out Chester has always had an eclectic music taste. Hope this helped!
Well, Chester's biggest influences growing up were Depeche Mode and Stone Temple Pilots. He has also straight up said he likes Alice In Chains, Foriegner, The Misfits, The Smiths, Guns N Roses Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, (more rock and grunge bands) and he also has stated a lot that he likes some electronic music. As far as newer bands go, I've heard him say he likes Muse, Cage The Elephant, Incubus (2011 LPU Chat), Slipknot (2011 LPU Chat), Mastodon (2011 LPU Chat). So basically he likes Rock/Punk/Metal music the most. I have never heard him talk much about hip-hop, but I'm sure he does appreciate it. Mike definitely listens to more of it, but that doesn't mean Chester doesn't like it. I don't think he's bullshitting.
Maybe a little cause green day did it too. But like the guys above said he has stated that he has a rather eclectic taste in music so maybe a little fib, but probably not much.