I think rap can sound odd, disturbingly so, when one is not used to it. Growing up I heard rap music all the time. I did not like it at all, and will admit to having had a very closed-minded view of it. Just recently, I have listened to it again, and caught myself actually liking it. It mayn't be the most intelligent music, but it sure beats the largest portion of pop, and some of it is actually, as Fred Miller said, quite amusing (intentionally amusing). However, maybe I'm just getting nostalgic about ugly music because it reminds me of my childhood.

I do think age has a bit to do with it. I think people usually end up liking what they're used to, and unless you're younger you probably haven't heard much rap.

I, myself, used to hate folk music, but I had a teacher who played it quietly at the back of the room all the time, and before long I started liking it. It was like learning to drink coffee. Most people hate it when they first drink it, but try it a few times, and you don't mind it. Drink it a few times more and you are a scary caffeine addict who has to have their latte to keep from killing people.

Because people usually like what they're used to, ethnicity is also a factor. I can see why white people from predominately white areas might find the music foreign and unpleasant sounding, but I grew up in a place where they called me "white girl," so that doesn't apply to me. Having moved to an area where there are few African-Americans, I'd have to say that even the young people here don't tend to like rap.

I think it just boils down to what we are used to and what we can relate to. (Of course, you can always try to expand your horizons and like new things. :) )