I used to live in a place where both groups are common and both know that they are similar. It's not all about race either. I've known black rednecks and white gangstas. With my generation they don't really hate each other either. Now the older folk they sure do.
I also can't help but notice Rap and Country aren't all that different. Ever notice how artists in both genres feel the need to repeatedly state their credentials, hoping you'll take them seriously? Rap artists: "Yo, I'm so 'hood/gangsta!" Country artists: "I'm so country/small town/Southern!"
Then you've got the smaller details: crack vs. meth, cognac vs. whiskey, spinners vs. truck nuts, etc.
