Missouri’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: What the Show-Me State Listened to the Most

From the heart of St. Louis to the hills of the Ozarks, Missouri’s music scene has always been a rich blend of styles, sounds, and soul. Known historically as a crossroads for jazz, blues, country, and hip-hop, the state continues to showcase its diverse musical identity in the streaming era.

Between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, Missouri residents turned to YouTube Music to find comfort, inspiration, and energy. The top-streamed artists of the year reflected the cultural fabric of the Show-Me State—equal parts heartland, hustle, heritage, and emotional honesty. If you want to learn how to play music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s take a closer look at Missouri’s top five most-streamed artists and explore what their dominance reveals about the music tastes and lifestyle of this proud and passionate state.

1. Taylor Swift – 27.4 Million Views

At the top of the list with 27.4 million views, Taylor Swift stands tall as Missouri’s most-streamed artist of the year. The global pop icon has cemented her place in the hearts of Missourians thanks to her deeply personal songwriting, genre-spanning catalog, and cultural relevance.

With the 2024 continuation of her Eras Tour, plus the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and anticipation for her upcoming album, Swift’s popularity soared even higher. Her discography was a go-to soundtrack for teenagers, twenty-somethings, and lifelong fans across cities like Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and beyond.

Whether it’s the heartbreak of “All Too Well,” the self-love of “Bejeweled,” or the nostalgia of “Love Story,” Swift’s music speaks to Missourians navigating relationships, transitions, and everyday moments.

Why Missouri Loves Taylor Swift:

• Honest lyrics that capture real-life emotions

• An evolving catalog that appeals across generations

• A role model for resilience, reinvention, and female empowerment

Taylor Swift connects with Missourians because she tells their stories—with elegance, edge, and empathy.

2. Kendrick Lamar – 27.0 Million Views

Just behind Swift with 27.0 million views, Kendrick Lamar shows that Missouri listeners have a deep respect for poetic lyricism, cultural commentary, and musical innovation.

Kendrick’s influence is strong in urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City, where hip-hop is not just a genre but a form of storytelling and social expression. His 2024 hit “Not Like Us” reignited national attention thanks to his beef with Drake, but Missouri fans didn’t stop there—they dove deep into Kendrick’s entire catalog, from good kid, m.A.A.d city to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

Kendrick’s music speaks directly to listeners who want more than a beat—they want substance, vulnerability, and truth. His ability to balance introspection with social consciousness is one of the reasons he’s a perennial favorite in the Show-Me State.

Why Missouri Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Powerful lyricism with deep cultural relevance

• Addresses real-life issues with intelligence and art

• Blends storytelling and rhythm in unique ways

Kendrick gives Missouri listeners something to think about—and feel deeply.

3. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 26.4 Million Views

With 26.4 million views, YoungBoy Never Broke Again (NBA YoungBoy) has become one of the most-streamed artists in Missouri, especially among Gen Z and younger millennials.

His raw, emotionally turbulent lyrics and high-volume release schedule connect with fans who see their own experiences reflected in his music. Whether he’s rapping about personal loss, betrayal, street survival, or isolation, YoungBoy brings an authenticity that resonates across urban and rural parts of the state.

From high schoolers in Independence to late-night listeners in St. Joseph, YoungBoy’s music is a staple for those who value emotional honesty, regional loyalty, and lyrical transparency.

Why Missouri Loves YoungBoy Never Broke Again:

• Deeply personal themes of struggle and survival

• A voice for the voiceless youth navigating real challenges

• Southern roots that echo Missouri’s culture

YoungBoy’s music is more than just rap—it’s a form of release for many Missourians navigating their own storms.

4. Morgan Wallen – 25.7 Million Views

With 25.7 million views, Morgan Wallen stands as Missouri’s favorite country artist—and a crossover star whose appeal stretches far beyond Nashville.

Wallen’s songs about small-town life, heartbreak, family, and redemption feel tailor-made for Missouri’s rural communities, lake towns, and suburban neighborhoods. His 2023 album One Thing at a Time remained dominant throughout 2024, with hits like “Last Night,” “You Proof,” and “98 Braves” earning repeat streams across the state.

But Wallen isn’t just a favorite in rural Missouri—he’s a go-to artist for fans in Columbia, Jefferson City, and the Ozarks looking for relatable stories and catchy hooks.

Why Missouri Loves Morgan Wallen:

• Lyrics that reflect everyday life and real relationships

• A modern take on classic country storytelling

• Appeals to both country purists and casual listeners

In Missouri, Wallen is the voice of Friday night fires, Sunday morning regrets, and everything in between.

5. Eminem – 25.1 Million Views

Rounding out the top five with 25.1 million views, Eminem continues to prove that lyrical genius and emotional rawness never go out of style—especially in the Midwest.

Born just across the river in Detroit, Eminem has long held a special place in the hearts of Missourians. His music represents grit, survival, self-expression, and unfiltered honesty—traits that resonate with fans from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau.

With buzz building for his upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), fans have been diving back into his deep catalog—replaying tracks like “Mockingbird,” “Till I Collapse,” “Stan,” and “Godzilla.” Whether it's high school nostalgia or gym-time motivation, Eminem continues to deliver.

Why Missouri Loves Eminem:

• Unmatched storytelling and technical skill

• A Midwest icon who never sugarcoats emotion

• Speaks to struggle, resilience, and transformation

Eminem is a reminder that pain can be power—and Missouri never stopped listening.

What Missouri’s Top Artists Say About Its Music Culture

Missouri’s top five most-streamed artists highlight a rich blend of emotional honesty, lyrical substance, and genre diversity. From trap to country to conscious rap to pop, these artists reveal a state that values realness over hype—and connection over trend.

1. Lyrics Are King 💬

All five artists are known for their powerful songwriting. Missouri fans are paying attention to the words, whether it’s Swift’s poetry, Kendrick’s commentary, or Eminem’s confessions.

2. Music as Emotion Management 🧠

YoungBoy, Wallen, and Rod Wave (just outside the top five) all represent music as therapy—a way to process life’s highs and lows. Missouri streams artists who feel like friends or therapists in hard times.

3. No Genre Boundaries 🔄

Country, rap, pop—Missourians stream it all. The top five include a country singer, two rappers from the South, a pop legend, and a hip-hop icon. Genre doesn’t define the experience—emotion does.

4. Hometown Energy Still Wins 🏡

With artists like Eminem and YoungBoy still dominating, it’s clear that Midwestern and Southern authenticity still holds strong in Missouri playlists.

Methodology

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

This data provides a clear and localized picture of Missouri’s real-time music preferences, independent of national charts or mainstream radio trends.

Final Thoughts: Missouri’s Soundtrack of Substance and Soul

From Taylor Swift’s glittering eras to Kendrick Lamar’s spoken truths, from YoungBoy’s pain to Morgan Wallen’s reflections and Eminem’s relentless energy—Missouri’s top artists offer more than just sound. They offer meaning.

These artists weren’t just streamed—they were felt. They played through heartbreaks, celebrations, workouts, long drives, and late-night thoughts. And together, they created a soundtrack for life in the Show-Me State.

As 2025 continues, one thing is clear: Missourians will keep showing up for music that speaks truth, shows depth, and reflects the realness of everyday life.