Industrial music and rap have same roots

In the 1970s a friend of the band Throbbing Gristle described their sound as “Industrial Music for Industrial People” – the group established the Industrial Records label.

The fast tempo, electronic sound and lyrics of anger and oppression became popular among young white males.

Throbbing Gristle

The roots of industrial music are found in Germanic synthesized Teutonic music, which also influenced hip-hop and rap – in which rhyming lyrics are spoken or chanted (as done throughout known history in West Africa) – favored by young black males.

Industrial Records folded in 1981 but industrial music was continued  in the 80s groups such as Nine Inch Nails and Ministry. Rap continues to be popular, sporting big names such as Eminem, Jay Z, LL Cool J, OutKast, Public Enemy, Snoop Dog, and others.