I agree there is not alot of difference with some rap. Other forms of rap there is a major difference. The whole self gratification and worshipping of money is normally absent in folk songs lol. At least the ones I have heard lol. Plus folk ballads just report the event like a recorded history that would have been forgotten or never even known about otherwise. Rap tends to glorify the violence and brags about a lack of remorse or any emotion. Don't mean to be offensive but rap at times promotes sociopathic behavior. Murder is not ever glorified in folk ballads. Olmie Wise I mentioned speaks of remorse and reverance towards Olmie while it speaks of the authors disdain for Joh Lewis for committing the horrible act. Rap is often performed without moral judgement or lack of emotion and worst case glorification.