Maryland’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: Who Dominated the Charts in the Free State

Maryland is often a cultural crossroads—where the grit of the Northeast meets the soul of the South, and where hip-hop, reggaeton, R&B, and pop collide in a musical melting pot. The state's diverse communities, from Baltimore’s historic neighborhoods to the DC suburbs and coastal towns, are united by a shared love of music that moves both the body and the mind.

Between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, YouTube Music streaming data revealed Maryland’s top five most-streamed artists. It’s a list that speaks volumes—highlighting artists who blend global influence, lyrical substance, and raw emotion. From Latin superstars to rap legends and melodic hitmakers, these are the voices Maryland couldn’t stop playing. If you want to learn about music, take music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s dive into the artists that ruled the streams—and the reasons they resonate so strongly with listeners across the Free State.

1. Bad Bunny – 39.3 Million Views

At the top of Maryland’s most-streamed list with 39.3 million views, Bad Bunny proves that language is no barrier when music is this good. The Puerto Rican global icon has become a household name across the U.S., and Maryland is no exception.

With a strong Latinx population in cities like Silver Spring, Hyattsville, and parts of Baltimore and Prince George’s County, Bad Bunny’s blend of reggaeton, Latin trap, and genre-bending innovation resonates deeply. His 2024 releases continued to push boundaries—mixing perreo party tracks with introspective ballads and politically charged lyrics.

Bad Bunny isn’t just music for the club—he’s music for identity. His unapologetic expression of culture, emotion, and pride struck a chord with Maryland fans who value authenticity, boldness, and rhythm.

Why Maryland Loves Bad Bunny:

• Global appeal with strong local cultural connection

• Music that ranges from dance-floor bangers to emotional storytelling

• Represents a modern, multicultural generation

Bad Bunny isn’t just charting—he’s shaping culture, and Maryland is listening.

2. Future – 38.4 Million Views

With 38.4 million views, Future maintains his iron grip on Southern hip-hop’s throne—and Maryland continues to stream him heavily.

Future’s appeal in Maryland stems from more than just trap beats and catchy hooks. His music speaks to the complexity of modern masculinity, touching on themes of loss, love, addiction, and emotional numbness, all wrapped in hypnotic production.

His 2024 collaborations with Metro Boomin and features with artists like Lil Durk, Travis Scott, and Drake brought even more attention to his catalog. Tracks like “Mask Off,” “Wait for U,” and newer releases became fixtures in cars, gyms, and late-night playlists across Baltimore, Montgomery County, and college towns like College Park.

Why Maryland Loves Future:

• Dark, moody trap music that hits emotional chords

• Consistent output with cultural dominance

• Soundtrack-worthy for both solo reflection and social scenes

In Maryland, Future is more than a vibe—he’s a lifestyle.

3. Kendrick Lamar – 38.1 Million Views

Just behind Future with 38.1 million views, Kendrick Lamar proves that lyricism is alive and well in Maryland. Known for his cerebral rhymes, social commentary, and poetic flow, Kendrick’s music continues to attract listeners who want depth with their beats.

In 2024, his viral feud with Drake ignited new interest in his catalog. His scorching diss track “Not Like Us” was a major driver of streams, but Maryland listeners didn’t stop there. Albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers re-entered playlists, especially among students and creatives in places like Baltimore, Towson, and the DC suburbs.

Kendrick’s popularity in Maryland highlights the state’s appreciation for thoughtful, intentional artistry—music that educates and entertains.

Why Maryland Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Lyrics with substance, meaning, and historical context

• Music that invites critical thought and emotional reflection

• Represents the perfect fusion of street and scholar

In a state rich with thinkers, readers, and creators, Kendrick feels right at home.

4. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 31.5 Million Views

With 31.5 million views, YoungBoy Never Broke Again (also known as NBA YoungBoy) continues his reign as one of the most streamed artists in America—and clearly, Maryland is no exception.

The Louisiana-born rapper’s emotional volatility, raw energy, and prolific output connect deeply with younger audiences. In Maryland, his music finds strong support in both urban neighborhoods and suburban youth culture. He speaks about pain, betrayal, isolation, and survival, often in a way that feels like a diary entry or a voice note from a friend.

YoungBoy’s tracks like “Outside Today,” “Nevada,” “Put It on Me,” and dozens of new 2024 drops created a constant stream of content for fans, many of whom relate to his emotional honesty and outsider persona.

Why Maryland Loves YoungBoy Never Broke Again:

• Music that’s raw, unfiltered, and emotionally charged

• Speaks directly to Gen Z experiences and struggles

• A relentless artist who never stops creating

In Maryland, YoungBoy isn’t just popular—he’s personal.

5. Drake – 29.2 Million Views

Rounding out the top five with 29.2 million views, Drake continues to be the king of consistency, dominating playlists with emotional rap ballads, dance-ready pop hits, and confident anthems.

Drake’s streaming dominance in Maryland reflects his genre versatility and cross-generational appeal. Whether it’s a laid-back Sunday, a party in Baltimore, or a workday grind in Annapolis, Drake always has a track that fits the moment.

2024 saw Drake in the headlines for his back-and-forth with Kendrick Lamar, but he also dropped hits like “Family Matters,” “8am in Charlotte,” and “First Person Shooter” with J. Cole, which were heavily streamed across the state. From romantic regret to flexing wealth, Drake continues to deliver music that mirrors modern life’s highs and lows.

Why Maryland Loves Drake:

• Smooth, catchy delivery with emotional complexity

• A mix of rap, R&B, and pop that appeals to all ages

• A playlist essential for every type of mood

Drake remains the go-to artist for Marylanders who want music for every side of life.

What Maryland’s Top Artists Say About Its Music Culture

Maryland’s top-streamed artists of the year showcase a state that values rhythm, reflection, and realness. From club bangers to conscious rap, and reggaeton icons to emotional storytellers, Maryland listeners are clearly tuned into a broad and balanced soundscape.

1. Maryland Is Multicultural and Proud 🌎

Bad Bunny topping the list reflects Maryland’s growing and proud Latinx population, as well as a younger generation embracing bilingual and global music.

2. Trap Still Runs the Streets 🔥

Future and YoungBoy’s placement shows that gritty, emotionally charged Southern rap still dominates urban and suburban playlists across the state.

3. Lyrics Matter 🧠

With Kendrick and Drake both in the top five, it’s clear that Maryland listeners appreciate artists who think deeply and write powerfully—not just artists with a catchy beat.

4. Emotion Over Image ❤️

Every artist on this list leads with emotional honesty, whether it’s love, loss, pain, or power. Maryland’s listeners are drawn to real feelings—not just aesthetics.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which track the total number of views by user location. The rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in Maryland between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on cumulative views from users located within the state.

This dataset offers a highly localized view of music engagement, providing authentic insight into Maryland’s real listening habits.

Final Thoughts: Maryland’s Playlist of Power and Purpose

From the reggaeton rhythms of Bad Bunny to the poetic fire of Kendrick Lamar, Maryland’s top artists of 2024–2025 reflect a state that listens with its heart and its head. These artists didn’t just dominate charts—they helped Marylanders feel, think, and move.

Whether streamed in rowhouses or college dorms, during late-night drives or weekend block parties, this year’s most-streamed artists gave Maryland the soundtrack to both celebrate and survive.

As 2025 continues to unfold, expect this diverse, emotionally aware, and rhythm-driven culture to only grow stronger—because in Maryland, music is more than a background. It’s the main event.