New York’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: The Sounds That Defined the Empire State

From the subways of Manhattan to the neighborhoods of the Bronx, the stoops of Brooklyn, and the high-rises of Queens, New York is a city that moves to its own rhythm. It’s a place where cultures collide, voices blend, and music lives on every street corner. And in 2024–2025, the Empire State’s most-streamed artists reflected exactly that energy—bold, diverse, emotionally charged, and relentlessly global.

According to YouTube Music streaming data, the top five most-streamed artists in New York between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, represent a powerful fusion of genres and backgrounds. These artists aren’t just musicians—they’re cultural leaders, helping New Yorkers navigate everything from joy to pain, identity to ambition. If you want to learn more about music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s take a closer look at the top five artists New Yorkers streamed the most this year, and what their dominance reveals about the city and state that never stops listening.

1. Bad Bunny – 140 Million Views

With a staggering 140 million views, Bad Bunny is far and away New York’s most-streamed artist—and rightfully so. The Puerto Rican megastar has become a global ambassador of Latin music, and nowhere is his impact more powerful than in New York, home to one of the largest Puerto Rican and Dominican populations in the country.

In neighborhoods like Washington Heights, the South Bronx, Bushwick, and Sunset Park, Bad Bunny’s music is more than a trend—it’s a voice of the people. His songs, from “Tití Me Preguntó” to “Monaco” and “Un Preview,” pump through the speakers of bodegas, barbershops, cars, and clubs alike.

He blends reggaeton, Latin trap, pop, and alt-rock with unmatched charisma, vulnerability, and swagger. His lyrics reflect real-life themes—love, betrayal, fame, politics—while never forgetting his roots. In a city built on hustle and heritage, Bad Bunny fits right in.

Why New York Loves Bad Bunny:

• Deep cultural connection with Latino and Caribbean communities

• Music that works everywhere: the gym, the party, the commute

• A rebellious spirit that mirrors New York’s unapologetic energy

In New York, Bad Bunny isn’t just the most-streamed artist—he’s a lifestyle.

2. Kendrick Lamar – 101 Million Views

With 101 million views, Kendrick Lamar holds strong in second place, proving that poetic depth and political consciousness still matter in the birthplace of hip-hop.

In 2024, Kendrick dominated headlines with “Not Like Us,” the viral diss track that reignited his rivalry with Drake. But in New York, fans didn’t just stream that—they went back to his full catalog, diving into albums like To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

Kendrick resonates with the artist, the activist, and the everyday New Yorker navigating inequality, ambition, and personal evolution. Whether it’s blasting “HUMBLE.” on the A train or reflecting to “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” in a Brooklyn studio apartment, Kendrick’s voice is a soundtrack for thinking and feeling deeply.

Why New York Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Lyrics that tackle systemic issues with nuance and heart

• Albums that tell complex, multi-layered stories

• A presence that bridges commercial success and underground respect

In New York, Kendrick is not just heard—he’s studied, discussed, and remembered.

3. Drake – 97.5 Million Views

At number three with 97.5 million views, Drake continues to be one of New York’s most consistent hitmakers. With his ability to switch from rap to R&B to dancehall to drill, Drake’s sound fits perfectly in a city known for its versatility.

Drake is the ultimate mood-setter, and in New York, that matters. Whether it’s a late-night walk through SoHo, a rooftop gathering in Williamsburg, or an Uber ride to JFK, his tracks are always within reach. Songs like “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” “Search & Rescue,” and “First Person Shooter” dominated airwaves and algorithms alike.

Despite the drama with Kendrick in 2024, Drake’s streaming numbers stayed high—proof that New Yorkers still value his blend of bravado and vulnerability.

Why New York Loves Drake:

• Songs for every setting: hype, heartbreak, ambition, or nostalgia

• A pop-rap hybrid sound that appeals across generations and cultures

• Constant innovation that mirrors the pace of NYC

Drake brings the energy, emotion, and evolution New Yorkers thrive on.

4. Peso Pluma – 86.9 Million Views

With 86.9 million views, Peso Pluma is a rising giant in New York’s music scene—and a major indicator of how regional Mexican music is crossing cultural boundaries like never before.

In a city known for its diversity, Peso Pluma’s corridos tumbados—a gritty, modern twist on traditional Mexican ballads—are being embraced far beyond the Mexican-American community. His music has taken off in neighborhoods across Queens, the Bronx, and parts of Manhattan, where Latin American pride runs deep and genre barriers are crumbling.

Songs like “Ella Baila Sola,” “PRC,” “Rosa Pastel,” and “Rubicon” fused acoustic guitars with trap-style lyrics, appealing to both Gen Z and millennial listeners looking for something authentic yet modern.

Why New York Loves Peso Pluma:

• A fresh sound that mixes roots with urban attitude

• Cultural pride paired with contemporary relevance

• A crossover artist redefining Latin music in America

Peso Pluma is not just trending—he’s reshaping New York’s playlist from the ground up.

5. Future – 86.2 Million Views

With 86.2 million views, Future rounds out New York’s top five, bringing his signature trap-infused melancholy and philosophical bravado to the city that never sleeps.

Future’s music has always struck a chord with those who grind hard and feel deeply—a combination that perfectly fits the New York mindset. His 2024 collaborations with Metro Boomin and other Atlanta legends made waves, while older hits like “March Madness,” “Mask Off,” “WAIT FOR U,” and “Life Is Good” remained staples.

In New York’s late-night clubs, downtown lounges, and solitary walks through the boroughs, Future’s music offers a space for introspection, ambition, and controlled chaos.

Why New York Loves Future:

• A vibe master with endless replay value

• Themes of success, struggle, and vulnerability

• The perfect sonic backdrop for fast-paced urban life

In a city that works hard and parties harder, Future’s music keeps pace.

What New York’s Top Artists Reveal About Its Culture

New York’s most-streamed artists of 2024–2025 tell a rich story of cultural pride, emotional intelligence, and sonic variety. From reggaeton and regional Mexican to conscious hip-hop and moody trap, New Yorkers stream artists who match their momentum and mindset.

🧠 1. Depth Over Surface

With artists like Kendrick and Future in the top five, it’s clear that New Yorkers want substance with their style. Lyrical content and emotional nuance matter.

🌎 2. Latin Music Is Not a Trend—It’s the Foundation

Three of the top five artists (Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma, Romeo Santos in other borough lists) have deep Latin roots, showing the profound influence of Latino culture in the city’s musical DNA.

🎧 3. Music Is Mood-Based

From Drake’s versatility to Future’s late-night anthems, New Yorkers stream music that fits the vibe, whether it’s the 6 train or the skyline at dusk.

🔁 4. Streaming Is Identity

New Yorkers stream artists who reflect who they are—culturally, emotionally, and spiritually. Bad Bunny is a mirror for Puerto Rican pride. Kendrick is a conscience. Drake is a mood. Peso Pluma is evolution. Future is survival.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which tracks total video streams by user location. Rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in New York between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on verified view counts from users across the state.

This offers a genuine, localized view of New York’s musical habits—not just radio spins or curated playlists, but what people actually chose to stream.

Final Thoughts: The Sound of the City

From the Latin heat of Bad Bunny to the poetic weight of Kendrick, the cool composure of Drake to the genre-redefining Peso Pluma and the dark introspection of Future, New York’s most-streamed artists reflect the heartbeat of the city.

They remind us that music here isn’t just background noise—it’s identity, language, and resistance. In a state built on speed, struggle, creativity, and culture, it’s no wonder that New Yorkers listen to artists who move just as boldly.

And as 2025 unfolds, one thing is clear: New York will keep streaming music that matches its rhythm—and its soul.