New Jersey’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: What the Garden State Is Listening To

From the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore to the vibrant neighborhoods of Newark and the suburban streets of Bergen County, music pulses through New Jersey's daily life. With its rich cultural diversity, deep Latin roots, and East Coast edge, the Garden State is a melting pot of sounds—and the streaming numbers prove it.

According to YouTube Music analytics, the top five most-streamed artists in New Jersey between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025 represent a powerful blend of global rhythms, poetic lyrics, urban swagger, and generational storytelling. These artists didn’t just dominate the charts—they became the soundtrack to workouts, house parties, commutes, study sessions, and late-night reflections all across the state. If you want to learn about music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s dive into New Jersey’s top five most-streamed artists of the year, and explore what they reveal about the musical soul of one of America’s most culturally dynamic states.

1. Bad Bunny – 50.2 Million Views

With a staggering 50.2 million views, Bad Bunny leads the charge as New Jersey’s most-streamed artist—and it’s no surprise. The Puerto Rican superstar has built a global empire on the foundation of genre-blending beats, unapologetic lyrics, and cultural authenticity.

In New Jersey, where over 20% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, Bad Bunny is more than just an artist—he’s a movement. His 2024 singles and recent albums like Un Verano Sin Ti and Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana dominated playlists in cities like Paterson, Elizabeth, Union City, and beyond.

From late-night reggaeton at Jersey Shore clubs to casual streaming in family gatherings, Bad Bunny’s music connects across generations. Whether it’s “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Monaco,” or “Un Preview,” his sound is fierce, relatable, and deeply personal.

Why New Jersey Loves Bad Bunny:

• A strong cultural and linguistic connection with Latino communities

• Lyrics that balance fun with introspection

• Music that works in clubs, cars, and everyday life

In New Jersey, Bad Bunny is more than a chart-topper—he’s a cultural icon.

2. Kendrick Lamar – 33.2 Million Views

With 33.2 million views, Kendrick Lamar ranks as New Jersey’s second-most streamed artist, offering listeners lyrical excellence, social critique, and poetic depth.

In 2024, Kendrick grabbed national attention with “Not Like Us,” a searing response in his ongoing feud with Drake. But in New Jersey, fans didn’t stop there—they streamed his entire catalog, from good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

Kendrick resonates with young thinkers, college students, artists, and activists throughout the state. His music speaks to race, mental health, identity, and justice—topics that resonate in a state that has both urban grit and progressive ideals.

Why New Jersey Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Lyrics that challenge listeners to think and reflect

• Music that fuses West Coast style with universal themes

• Albums that are both educational and emotionally impactful

In New Jersey, Kendrick Lamar is the voice of truth, rebellion, and artistic evolution.

3. Drake – 31.1 Million Views

Holding strong with 31.1 million views, Drake proves once again that he’s one of the most versatile artists of his generation—and a favorite in New Jersey.

Drake's ability to shift from club bangers to emotional confessionals makes him ideal for a state that values both the turn-up and the wind-down. Whether it’s “God’s Plan,” “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” or new 2024 collaborations with J. Cole and SZA, Drake’s catalog is in heavy rotation.

His music lives in Jersey Shore nightlife, college dorms in Princeton and Rutgers, and morning commutes on the NJ Transit. It’s familiar, melodic, and endlessly quotable.

Why New Jersey Loves Drake:

• A blend of rap, R&B, pop, and island vibes

• Music for every mood—party, heartbreak, ambition, and everything in between

• A consistent hitmaker who keeps evolving

For New Jersey listeners, Drake’s music is both a vibe and a mirror.

4. Taylor Swift – 30.6 Million Views

With 30.6 million views, Taylor Swift remains one of New Jersey’s most beloved artists—especially as her influence grows across demographics.

Swift’s 2024 era was fueled by 1989 (Taylor’s Version), surprise drops, and her massive Eras Tour. From Bergen County suburbs to Jersey City apartments, Swift's music played everywhere—from teen bedrooms to nostalgic dinner parties.

What sets Swift apart in New Jersey is her ability to tell stories through music. Whether it’s “All Too Well (10-Minute Version),” “Cruel Summer,” or “The Archer,” Swift brings emotional intelligence, lyrical depth, and personal vulnerability to every song.

Why New Jersey Loves Taylor Swift:

• Lyrical storytelling that spans relationships, growth, and transformation

• A genre-spanning discography, from country to indie to synth-pop

• Strong appeal across all age groups

In New Jersey, Taylor Swift is the voice of memory, empowerment, and emotional truth.

5. Romeo Santos – 29.5 Million Views

With 29.5 million views, Romeo Santos rounds out New Jersey’s top five—highlighting the state’s deep-rooted love for bachata, romance, and Latin rhythm.

As the former frontman of Aventura and now a global solo star, Romeo Santos has been a staple in Latino households for nearly two decades. His romantic lyrics and smooth vocals make him a favorite for couples, families, and late-night playlists across cities like Perth Amboy, Newark, and Trenton.

Songs like “Propuesta Indecente,” “Eres Mía,” and “Bebo” continued to dominate this year, while collaborations with artists like Rosalía and Daddy Yankee brought fresh energy to his catalog.

Why New Jersey Loves Romeo Santos:

• Deep emotional appeal through love and heartbreak ballads

• Strong cultural connection to Dominican and Puerto Rican communities

• A voice that blends nostalgia with modern sensuality

Romeo Santos brings soul, romance, and rhythm to New Jersey's most personal moments.

What New Jersey’s Top Artists Reveal About the State’s Music Culture

The top-streamed artists in New Jersey showcase a state rich in cultural diversity, lyrical taste, and emotional complexity. From reggaeton to hip-hop, from bachata to pop, New Jersey’s musical identity reflects both global influence and local experience.

1. Latin Music Isn’t a Trend—It’s Home 🌍

With Bad Bunny and Romeo Santos both in the top five, it’s clear that Spanish-language music is embedded in New Jersey’s culture, not just its playlists.

2. Listeners Want Substance 🧠

Kendrick and Swift’s presence proves that New Jerseyans crave lyrics that make them feel and think—not just beats to dance to.

3. Versatility Rules 🎉

From Drake’s shapeshifting style to Taylor’s genre-bending artistry, versatility is key. New Jersey values artists who can deliver across moods and moments.

4. Emotional Connection Is Everything ❤️

Whether it’s romance (Romeo), heartbreak (Swift), identity (Kendrick), or resilience (Bad Bunny), these artists connect on an emotional level.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional streaming analytics, which measure the total number of video streams by location. Rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in New Jersey between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on actual user behavior across the state.

The data offers a hyper-local look at music engagement in New Jersey, reflecting real listening habits across diverse communities.

Final Thoughts: The Soundtrack of New Jersey

In 2024–2025, New Jersey’s most-streamed artists weren’t just creating music—they were creating meaningful experiences. They played through heartbreaks and celebrations, in cars stuck on the Turnpike, in summer beach houses, and in late-night apartments filled with emotion and energy.

Whether it’s Bad Bunny’s global reggaeton, Kendrick’s lyrical genius, Drake’s smooth versatility, Swift’s poetic truth, or Romeo Santos’ romantic soul—New Jersey listened to music that said something.

And as 2025 rolls on, one thing is certain: New Jersey will keep streaming artists who reflect its heart, its culture, and its complexity.