South Carolina’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: The Soundtrack of the Palmetto State

From the sun-soaked Lowcountry to the scenic Upstate, from Myrtle Beach boardwalks to Columbia’s buzzing college life, music is woven into the rhythm of life in South Carolina. Whether blasting from car speakers, setting the vibe at backyard cookouts, or playing through headphones on late-night walks, music is how South Carolinians process, celebrate, and survive.

According to YouTube Music streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, the most-streamed artists in South Carolina reflect a deep emotional core, Southern identity, and love for lyrical storytelling. These artists didn’t just top charts—they connected with listeners on a soul level. If you are interested in music lessons, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s dive into the top five most-streamed artists in South Carolina this year and explore what their dominance reveals about the state’s musical taste and cultural heartbeat.

1. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 30.0 Million Views

Leading the way with 30 million views, YoungBoy Never Broke Again (also known as NBA YoungBoy) is the most-streamed artist in South Carolina by a significant margin. His popularity across the South is well-documented—but in the Palmetto State, it’s personal.

YoungBoy’s music is known for its unfiltered emotion, raw vulnerability, and relentless release schedule. South Carolinians, particularly younger fans in urban and rural communities alike, connect deeply with his storytelling—songs about struggle, survival, betrayal, and defiance.

Tracks like “Kacey Talk,” “Make No Sense,” “No Smoke,” and “Outside Today” have become anthems in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and beyond. His music resonates with those who’ve experienced life’s darker moments and come out stronger for it.

Why South Carolina Loves YoungBoy Never Broke Again:

• He speaks openly about pain, mental health, and perseverance

• His Southern roots and cadence connect with local culture

• Constant releases keep fans engaged and emotionally invested

In South Carolina, YoungBoy isn’t just an artist—he’s a voice of the streets, a storyteller of the soul, and a constant companion through life’s highs and lows.

2. Rod Wave – 23.5 Million Views

Coming in second with 23.5 million views, Rod Wave is another Southern artist who wears his heart on his sleeve—and South Carolinians have listened closely.

Rod Wave’s melodic trap blends gospel, soul, and hip-hop, creating songs that feel more like emotional confessions than chart-toppers. Whether it’s “Heart on Ice,” “Fight the Feeling,” or “By Your Side,” his music speaks to the emotional battles that many in the Palmetto State can relate to—from heartbreak and loneliness to hope and healing.

In towns like Sumter, Spartanburg, and Orangeburg, Rod Wave has found a loyal fan base that appreciates authenticity and honesty. His music doesn’t pretend life is easy—it acknowledges the pain and celebrates the strength to endure it.

Why Rod Wave Ranks High in South Carolina:

• Soulful vocals that connect deeply with listeners

• Lyrics that reflect emotional resilience and inner battles

• A spiritual undertone that fits the region’s gospel-influenced roots

Rod Wave is the sound of South Carolina’s heart—raw, reflective, and resilient.

3. Future – 18.8 Million Views

With 18.8 million views, Future holds the third spot as one of South Carolina’s most-streamed artists—bringing with him a catalog filled with melancholic trap beats, poetic introspection, and hypnotic hooks.

Future’s appeal in the Palmetto State lies in his emotional complexity. While he’s often seen as a party rapper, fans know him as a modern-day philosopher—someone who explores themes like addiction, love, loss, ambition, and mental conflict.

Tracks like “March Madness,” “WAIT FOR U,” “Codeine Crazy,” and “Mask Off” have long been staples in South Carolina’s clubs, gyms, and late-night car rides. Future’s music matches the mood of a state that holds its emotions close but feels deeply underneath the surface.

Why South Carolina Keeps Streaming Future:

• A sound that balances confidence and melancholy

• Lyrics that reflect ambition, loneliness, and emotional duality

• Southern roots that align with local identity

Future’s music lives in the tension between power and pain—and in South Carolina, that duality feels familiar.

4. Kendrick Lamar – 16.8 Million Views

With 16.8 million views, Kendrick Lamar ranks fourth among South Carolina’s top artists, showing that even in a region rooted in Southern sounds, lyrical brilliance and social consciousness resonate deeply.

Kendrick’s ability to combine poetic storytelling with political commentary makes him a favorite among South Carolinians who seek music with substance and soul. His 2024 single “Not Like Us” lit up social media, but it’s albums like To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers that continue to find new meaning for fans.

In college towns like Clemson and Columbia, and among artists and thinkers in Charleston and Greenville, Kendrick’s music inspires conversation, creativity, and critical thought.

Why Kendrick Resonates in the Palmetto State:

• Lyrics that address race, identity, trauma, and self-growth

• A balance of mainstream appeal and academic depth

• A discography that rewards repeat listening and deep reflection

Kendrick Lamar gives South Carolina listeners a reason to think—and feel—more deeply.

5. GloRilla – 15.7 Million Views

Rounding out the top five is GloRilla, with 15.7 million views, showing that women in hip-hop are holding strong in South Carolina.

The Memphis-born rapper burst onto the scene with “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and has since earned respect for her gritty voice, bold lyrics, and unapologetic presence. In 2024–2025, collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion (“Wanna Be”), Moneybagg Yo, and others kept her momentum strong and her fanbase growing.

GloRilla’s rise is particularly significant in South Carolina, where her sound empowers a new generation of young Black women. Her music is confident, energetic, and rooted in self-worth and freedom, making her a standout in both rural towns and urban neighborhoods.

Why South Carolina Streams GloRilla:

• A fearless attitude that inspires confidence and pride

• Anthems that are perfect for parties, workouts, and self-love

• Lyrics that reflect real-life experiences and ambition

In the Palmetto State, GloRilla represents power, progress, and pride—all in one voice.

What South Carolina’s Most-Streamed Artists Say About Its People

The top five artists in South Carolina reveal a deep and nuanced musical identity. This is a state that values emotion over ego, truth over trends, and storytelling over superficiality.

1. Emotion Rules the Playlist 🧠

From YoungBoy’s vulnerability to Rod Wave’s heartbreak and Future’s complexity, South Carolina’s favorite artists don’t hide their feelings—they express them boldly.

2. Southern Identity is Central 🎶

All five artists have roots in or strong ties to the South. Their cadence, themes, and energy reflect a region that is proud of where it comes from—and listens accordingly.

3. Authenticity Over Flash 💪

Kendrick, Rod Wave, and GloRilla don’t rely on gimmicks—they rely on realness. South Carolinians are listening to artists who say something meaningful and live their truth.

4. Women in Hip-Hop Are Rising 👑

GloRilla’s presence on the list shows that female rappers have a powerful place in Southern music, and South Carolina is here for it.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which track total artist video views by user location. Rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in South Carolina between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on real listener activity.

This data offers an authentic, hyperlocal snapshot of what South Carolinians are really streaming—not just what’s promoted on playlists or radio.

Final Thoughts: The Sound of the South in 2025

South Carolina’s most-streamed artists tell a powerful story of a state that listens with heart. Whether it’s YoungBoy’s confessions, Rod Wave’s gospel-like delivery, Future’s moody introspection, Kendrick’s wisdom, or GloRilla’s boldness, the common thread is clear:

Music in the Palmetto State is more than background noise—it’s a form of healing, connection, and empowerment.

As 2025 unfolds, one thing remains certain: South Carolina will keep streaming artists who aren’t afraid to tell the truth—and who do it with soul.