Many people, including musicians, think of the drummer's primary job as just providing a solid beat and rhythm. But I think that a drummer's job is no more involved with rhythm or beat them anyone else in the ensemble. Since the modern drum set is capable of producing unlimited tonal, melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic shading. There is no reason why a drummer cannot be every bit equal of any other musician in adding a unique voice to music. Although there are some types of music that call for "keeping the beat" and also drummers that rather stick to that approach of drumming.