Massachusetts’ Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: A Year of Global Sounds, Lyrical Fire, and Emotional Depth

Massachusetts is a state that has always punched above its weight culturally—home to elite universities, sports legends, a strong sense of social awareness, and a rich tradition of musical exploration. From the indie scenes of Boston to college campuses like UMass Amherst and Berklee, Bay Staters have developed a reputation for appreciating music that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally powerful.

Between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, the most-streamed artists in Massachusetts—according to YouTube Music’s regional streaming data—offered a compelling look into that ethos. The state’s top five artists represent a blend of global influence, lyrical mastery, mainstream appeal, and heartfelt emotion. If you want to learn how to play music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Here’s a breakdown of the five artists that defined Massachusetts’ listening habits over the past year—and why they struck such a deep chord with local fans.

1. Bad Bunny – 38.2 Million Views

With 38.2 million views, Bad Bunny claims the top spot as Massachusetts’ most-streamed artist of the year—and his rise here speaks volumes about the state’s multicultural, genre-fluid, and globally connected music culture.

The Puerto Rican superstar has become one of the most influential artists of the decade. Whether he’s releasing reggaeton bangers, trap ballads, or experimental genre mashups, Bad Bunny's music consistently resonates with Latinx communities in Greater Boston, Lawrence, Springfield, and beyond—as well as a wide base of non-Spanish-speaking fans who love his fearless artistry and infectious energy.

His 2024 album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, combined emotional storytelling with danceable beats, helping him dominate the playlists of fans across the Bay State. Whether it’s “Un Preview,” “Monaco,” or his older hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” Bad Bunny continues to offer a voice of joy, rebellion, and identity.

Why Massachusetts Loves Bad Bunny:

• Embraces bilingual and bicultural expression

• Balances deep emotion with massive party energy

• Reflects the diversity and openness of Massachusetts audiences

Bad Bunny isn’t just dominating charts—he’s expanding what global pop can be, and Massachusetts is here for it.

2. Taylor Swift – 30.9 Million Views

Coming in with 30.9 million views, Taylor Swift continues to hold a special place in Massachusetts’ musical heart. Her blend of pop perfection, lyrical storytelling, and cultural omnipresence ensures that she remains not just relevant—but essential.

Massachusetts has long been a haven for emotionally intelligent listeners, and Swift’s 2024 re-releases (1989 (Taylor’s Version) and more) gave fans a chance to relive and reinterpret beloved tracks with newfound emotional context. Her ongoing Eras Tour also brought waves of attention back to her full discography, from Fearless to Midnights.

Her songs were staples in Massachusetts for study sessions, road trips, emotional healing, and social media soundtracks. Whether you’re in your teens or your thirties, in Boston or Northampton, there’s a Taylor Swift track that probably hit home this year.

Why Massachusetts Loves Taylor Swift:

• Sharp songwriting that speaks to personal evolution

• Emotional depth that spans generations

• Reinvents her sound while staying true to her voice

Taylor’s lyrical intimacy mirrors the reflective nature of Massachusetts listeners—and they’ve responded with loyalty and love.

3. Kendrick Lamar – 30.1 Million Views

With 30.1 million views, Kendrick Lamar holds down the third spot, offering Massachusetts listeners something they deeply value: truth, complexity, and lyrical genius.

Massachusetts is a state that prizes education and dialogue, so it’s no surprise that Kendrick’s socially conscious and introspective rhymes continue to resonate. His headline-grabbing 2024 diss track “Not Like Us” sparked renewed interest in his entire catalog—from good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN. to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

In communities like Cambridge, Somerville, and Amherst, Kendrick’s music became both a cultural conversation starter and a personal guide, helping fans process everything from racial identity to mental health, ambition, and artistic integrity.

Why Massachusetts Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Powerful, poetic lyricism rooted in real-life experience

• Tackles big issues without sacrificing musicality

• Combines commercial appeal with intellectual substance

In a state known for thought leadership, Kendrick Lamar stands as the philosopher of hip-hop.

4. Eminem – 29.5 Million Views

With 29.5 million views, Eminem continues to be a juggernaut in Massachusetts. Decades after his debut, Slim Shady is still drawing in listeners with his relentless lyricism, emotional honesty, and unmatched legacy.

Eminem's popularity in Massachusetts likely spans multiple age groups. Longtime fans revisit hits like “Lose Yourself,” “Mockingbird,” “Stan,” and “The Way I Am,” while younger audiences discover his discography through viral TikToks or workout playlists. His upcoming 2025 album, The Death of Slim Shady, has only reignited interest in his career.

What makes Eminem so compelling in Massachusetts is his blend of intellect and intensity. His story—rising from struggle to superstardom—is inspirational. His lyrics are dense with metaphor, emotion, and catharsis. He is, in many ways, a literary figure—and that resonates in a state full of readers and thinkers.

Why Massachusetts Loves Eminem:

• Deep lyrical content with raw emotional power

• Timeless appeal across generations

• Combines personal vulnerability with verbal ferocity

For many in Massachusetts, Eminem isn’t just a rapper—he’s a writer whose pen cuts through the noise.

5. Drake – 27.0 Million Views

Closing out Massachusetts’ top five with 27.0 million views, Drake continues to show his global dominance as a genre-bending, mood-matching, and endlessly versatile artist.

Drake is the artist you turn to whether you’re heartbroken, celebrating, or just driving home after a long day. Massachusetts listeners embraced that versatility in full, streaming tracks from Certified Lover Boy, Her Loss, and his 2024 singles that included collabs with J. Cole, SZA, and 21 Savage.

In a state known for both intellect and emotion, Drake offers a rare combination: introspective lyrics with hit-making hooks. He’s reflective without being too heavy, confident without being cold. And that balance makes him a constant on playlists from Boston to the Berkshires.

Why Massachusetts Loves Drake:

• Consistently delivers high-quality music across styles

• A favorite for nearly every listening occasion

• Bridges rap, R&B, pop, and soul seamlessly

In Massachusetts, Drake is the go-to artist for life’s many moods—and his presence is as constant as a Cape Cod sunrise.

What Massachusetts’ Top Artists Say About Its Music Culture

The diversity of Massachusetts’ most-streamed artists paints a compelling picture of a thoughtful, emotionally attuned, and globally curious music audience. Each artist on this list brings something unique—but they share common threads that resonate with the state’s core values.

1. Lyrics Matter 🧠

Eminem, Kendrick, and Swift all prove that Massachusetts listeners care deeply about words, storytelling, and meaning. Music isn’t just background noise here—it’s a message.

2. Global Music Is Local Now 🌍

Bad Bunny topping the charts shows that Massachusetts is tuned in to the global soundscape. Spanish-language music is not only welcome—it’s celebrated.

3. Emotional Resonance Wins ❤️

Every artist in the top five is known for making people feel something real, whether it’s empowerment, nostalgia, rage, joy, or heartbreak.

4. Legacy Artists Still Reign 🔁

Despite new artists entering the scene, Eminem, Taylor Swift, and Drake continue to hold massive influence in Massachusetts—proving that consistency and connection matter just as much as novelty.

Methodology

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

This data offers an authentic, on-the-ground look at what Bay Staters were actually listening to, outside of Billboard charts and traditional radio metrics.

Final Thoughts: Massachusetts’ Soundtrack of Truth, Thought, and Emotion

From Bad Bunny’s genre-defying energy to Taylor Swift’s lyrical vulnerability, Kendrick’s cultural commentary, Eminem’s unfiltered storytelling, and Drake’s smooth versatility, Massachusetts’ most-streamed artists in 2024–2025 reflected a deep, layered, and evolving musical identity.

These artists didn’t just entertain—they helped people reflect, heal, connect, and grow. And in a state that values substance as much as sound, it’s no wonder these voices rose to the top.

As we move forward into 2025, one thing is certain: Massachusetts will continue to be a beacon of thoughtful, emotional, and culturally conscious listening. Because in the Bay State, music isn’t just about what’s playing—it’s about what’s being felt.