North Dakota’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: The Sounds That Echo Across the Prairie
North Dakota might be known for its quiet prairies, small towns, and wide-open skies—but when it comes to music, the state has a voice that’s loud, heartfelt, and unmistakably its own. Whether it’s country ballads that echo the rhythm of rural life or powerful lyrics that cut through the silence, North Dakotans are streaming music that resonates deeply.
Based on YouTube Music streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, the top five most-streamed artists in North Dakota reveal a portrait of a population drawn to emotional authenticity, personal storytelling, and cultural connection. From heartland country to introspective hip-hop and lyrical genius, these are the voices North Dakotans turned to most throughout the year. If you're interested in learn how to play music, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s dive into the top artists that defined the sound of North Dakota in 2024–2025—and what their popularity says about the musical heartbeat of the state.
- Morgan Wallen – 2.53 Million Views
At the top of the list with 2.53 million views, Morgan Wallen stands as North Dakota’s most-streamed artist of the year, and it’s easy to understand why.
With his blend of modern country, rock-infused instrumentals, and emotionally charged lyrics, Wallen has become the voice of rural America. In a state where agriculture, small towns, and pickup trucks are part of everyday life, his songs mirror the experiences of thousands of North Dakotans.
Tracks like “Last Night,” “You Proof,” “Thought You Should Know,” and “Sand in My Boots” were frequently played on commutes down gravel roads, evenings by the fire, and long drives across wide-open stretches of highway. His 2023 album One Thing at a Time continued to dominate streaming throughout 2024, further solidifying his place at the top.
Why North Dakota Loves Morgan Wallen:
- Lyrics that capture the spirit of rural life
- Music that blends traditional country with contemporary themes
- Songs that feel like they were written for the Midwest
Morgan Wallen’s music is more than a soundtrack in North Dakota—it’s a reflection of the land and the lifestyle.
- Taylor Swift – 2.24 Million Views
With 2.24 million views, Taylor Swift once again proves her universal appeal. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new listener brought in by her Eras Tour and album re-recordings, Swift’s music speaks to growth, emotion, and transformation—all things North Dakotans value.
From high schoolers in Fargo to parents in Bismarck, Taylor’s lyrics are played in bedrooms, classrooms, cars, and coffee shops. Her wide-ranging discography—from the country roots of Fearless to the synth-pop of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) to the indie folk of folklore—makes her an artist for every moment and mood.
Songs like “All Too Well (10-Minute Version),” “Cruel Summer,” and “Anti-Hero” climbed the local charts, blending heartbreak with empowerment and nostalgia with reinvention.
Why North Dakota Loves Taylor Swift:
- Deep, emotional songwriting that crosses generations
- A journey from country to pop that mirrors listeners’ own growth
- Themes of identity, love, and change that resonate across rural and urban life
In North Dakota, Taylor Swift isn’t just popular—she’s timeless.
- Eminem – 2.19 Million Views
Coming in at number three with 2.19 million views, Eminem proves that lyrical intensity and emotional honesty still resonate powerfully—even in the northernmost corners of the U.S.
The Detroit rap legend’s music has long been a staple for Midwestern listeners, and North Dakota is no exception. Eminem’s ability to blend personal pain with rapid-fire wordplay makes his songs perfect for those who want music that speaks to both struggle and strength.
With buzz growing around his upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), fans across the state revisited classics like “Lose Yourself,” “Mockingbird,” “Not Afraid,” and “Stan.” His music is played in gyms, trucks, and dorm rooms—a go-to for motivation and mental release.
Why North Dakota Loves Eminem:
- A raw, authentic voice that tells stories of resilience
- Lyrics that challenge listeners to think and feel deeply
- A Midwestern icon who connects through real emotion
Eminem’s presence in North Dakota reflects a population that values honesty—and music that doesn’t pull punches.
- Zach Bryan – 2.04 Million Views
With 2.04 million views, Zach Bryan is becoming a North Dakota favorite thanks to his unfiltered songwriting and acoustic authenticity.
The Navy veteran-turned-Americana star has gained popularity nationwide for his heartfelt lyrics, minimal production, and emotional storytelling. In North Dakota, his music fits perfectly into the backdrop of quiet nights, slow drives, and honest conversations.
Songs like “Something in the Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” and “Sun to Me” were frequently streamed in small towns and on country backroads. Bryan’s music speaks to longing, love, loss, and life’s quieter moments—a refreshing alternative to overproduced pop and party anthems.
Why North Dakota Loves Zach Bryan:
- Acoustic sound that reflects the simplicity of the plains
- Lyrics that express vulnerability and introspection
- An artist who feels like a friend, not a celebrity
Zach Bryan’s songs are the kind you play with the windows down and the volume up—when words alone just aren’t enough.
- Kendrick Lamar – 1.97 Million Views
Rounding out the top five with 1.97 million views, Kendrick Lamar stands tall as a favorite among North Dakotans who appreciate depth, message, and musical mastery.
In 2024, Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us” exploded online, but in North Dakota, fans also turned to his full body of work for meaning. His storytelling, themes of identity and justice, and intellectual approach to hip-hop made albums like To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN. essential listening.
Kendrick’s music is often studied in college classrooms, discussed in community spaces, and streamed during solitary moments. It’s music that asks questions and provokes thought—something that resonates with both students and seasoned thinkers across the state.
Why North Dakota Loves Kendrick Lamar:
- Lyrical depth that challenges the listener
- Cultural commentary that remains timeless
- Music that feels both academic and emotional
In a state that respects thoughtfulness and honesty, Kendrick Lamar is a voice that continues to be heard loud and clear.
What North Dakota’s Top Artists Reveal About the State’s Music Culture
Looking at the most-streamed artists of the past year, a few clear themes emerge. North Dakota’s listeners crave music with depth, roots, and emotional authenticity. While genres range from country to hip-hop to acoustic folk, the common thread is storytelling that connects.
- Rural Identity Is Reflected in Song 🌾
Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan lead the charge with lyrics that mirror rural life. Whether it’s heartbreak on the farm or the freedom of the road, North Dakotans want music that sounds like home.
- Lyrics That Say Something 💬
From Taylor Swift’s poetic honesty to Kendrick’s sharp social insights and Eminem’s mental health reflections, North Dakotans are streaming music that isn’t afraid to dig deep.
- Emotion Over Genre 🎶
While the top five span multiple genres, what connects them all is emotional transparency. Whether you’re dancing or reflecting, the message matters in North Dakota.
- Music as a Mental Health Companion 🧠
Rod Wave, Juice WRLD, and other emotionally expressive artists may not top the list here, but the presence of Eminem, Kendrick, and Swift shows that North Dakotans use music to process, reflect, and heal.
Methodology
This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which track the total number of artist video views by user location. These rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in North Dakota between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on actual view counts.
This data offers a local perspective into what real listeners in North Dakota chose to stream over the past year—uncurated, unsponsored, and unfiltered.
Final Thoughts: The Heartbeat of North Dakota in 2024–2025
In 2024–2025, North Dakotans proved that their musical taste is anything but one-dimensional. From the heartfelt twang of Morgan Wallen and the introspection of Zach Bryan, to the lyrical complexity of Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, and the genre-blending evolution of Taylor Swift, the Peace Garden State listens with intention and soul.
These artists weren’t just played—they were lived. They filled silences, celebrated milestones, consoled heartbreak, and inspired resilience. And as 2025 continues, one thing is certain:
North Dakota’s playlist may be personal—but its voice is powerful.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025