Washington’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: What the Evergreen State Is Listening To

From the rainy streets of Seattle to the peaceful forests of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington is a state defined by both its natural beauty and its artistic soul. Long known as the birthplace of grunge and home to icons like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, Washington continues to cultivate a rich music culture—one that reflects introspection, diversity, and a craving for authenticity.

According to YouTube Music’s regional analytics, the top five most-streamed artists in Washington from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025 highlight the state’s deep appreciation for lyricism, emotion, and cultural resonance. Whether it's hip-hop, pop, or música regional mexicana, Washingtonians are choosing artists who speak to both their intellect and heart. If you are interested in learning music, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s dive into the five most-streamed artists in Washington this year and explore why their music resonated so powerfully across the state.

1. Kendrick Lamar – 45.9 Million Views

Claiming the top spot with 45.9 million views, Kendrick Lamar is Washington’s most-streamed artist of the year—and for good reason. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper from Compton has long been a favorite in communities that value thoughtful storytelling, social awareness, and lyrical depth.

In 2024, Kendrick made headlines with the release of “Not Like Us”, which captivated the hip-hop world and sparked debate. But in Washington, it was his entire catalog—albums like To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers—that drove repeat listens and deep reflection.

Seattle, with its progressive roots and activist energy, has long embraced music with a message. In the state’s college towns, from Bellingham to Pullman, Kendrick’s songs serve as both personal anthems and conversation starters.

Why Kendrick Resonates in Washington:

• Deep lyrics that explore race, trauma, identity, and growth

• A commitment to artistry over trend-following

• A sound that bridges jazz, soul, and modern hip-hop

For Washingtonians, Kendrick Lamar is more than music—he’s a mirror, a mentor, and a movement.

2. Eminem – 39.2 Million Views

With 39.2 million views, Eminem continues to prove that powerful storytelling and emotional grit never go out of style. Despite being over two decades into his career, the Detroit rapper remains one of the most-streamed artists in Washington.

Eminem’s music speaks to those navigating inner conflict, recovery, identity, and ambition—making him especially popular among fans seeking depth and resilience in their playlists. From classics like “Lose Yourself,” “Mockingbird,” “Stan” and “The Way I Am” to newer singles off his forthcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), Eminem continues to strike a chord.

His appeal stretches across urban and rural Washington, where emotional intensity and lyrical excellence find eager audiences.

Why Washington Still Streams Eminem So Often:

• Timeless lyrics that tackle mental health, trauma, and triumph

• Relatable narratives of redemption and survival

• A reputation for authenticity and skill

In Washington, Eminem’s music isn’t just nostalgic—it’s necessary.

3. Taylor Swift – 37.8 Million Views

Coming in third with 37.8 million views, Taylor Swift proves her universal appeal—especially in a state like Washington, where introspective living, creativity, and community are celebrated.

In 2024–2025, Swift maintained cultural dominance with her continued Eras Tour success and the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Her catalog—ranging from country to indie-pop to synthwave—resonates deeply with Washingtonians navigating life, love, and growth.

From tech hubs in Redmond to the artisanal communities of Olympia, Swift’s music finds a home in coffee shops, yoga studios, and quiet apartments. Her poetic lyrics and emotional storytelling mirror the sensitive, thoughtful energy of the Pacific Northwest.

Why Taylor Swift Remains a Favorite in Washington:

• Emotionally intelligent lyrics that speak to personal evolution

• A discography that spans every genre and life stage

• A relatable persona grounded in artistry and vulnerability

For Washington fans, Taylor Swift is more than a pop icon—she’s the soundtrack of their stories.

4. Peso Pluma – 36.1 Million Views

With 36.1 million views, Peso Pluma lands in fourth place, signaling a massive cultural shift: regional Mexican music is no longer niche in Washington—it’s mainstream.

Peso Pluma’s meteoric rise has made him the face of corridos tumbados, a genre that blends traditional Mexican corridos with trap, urban rhythms, and youthful swagger. In Washington, particularly in Eastern regions like Yakima, Pasco, and Wenatchee—home to thriving Latino communities—his songs are heard everywhere.

Hits like “Ella Baila Sola,” “PRC,” “Rubicon,” and “La People” have become essential listening, bridging generations and cultural identities. Even beyond the Latino community, Peso Pluma’s distinct voice and innovative style have earned him fans in places like Spokane and Seattle.

Why Peso Pluma Is Big in Washington:

• Represents bicultural identity and modern Latino pride

• Fuses tradition with new-school sound for broad appeal

• A voice for the hustle, the heart, and the heritage

In Washington, Peso Pluma isn’t just charting—he’s changing the musical landscape.

5. Fuerza Regida – 30.5 Million Views

Rounding out the top five with 30.5 million views, Fuerza Regida proves that corridos and regional Mexican sounds are here to stay in Washington State. Known for their bold lyrics and streetwise storytelling, the band has carved out a space that celebrates working-class pride, cultural roots, and unapologetic self-expression.

In agricultural towns and blue-collar communities throughout central and eastern Washington, Fuerza Regida’s music feels like home. But they’ve also gained popularity in urban areas, where their sound provides a raw, rhythmic contrast to more polished pop and hip-hop.

Tracks like “TQM,” “CH y la Pizza,” and “Sigo Chambeando” reflect not just a sound, but a lifestyle—one that values hustle, loyalty, and ambition.

Why Fuerza Regida Thrives in Washington:

• A modern take on traditional music with real-life relevance

• Lyrics that connect with working-class and immigrant experiences

• A growing fanbase of bilingual and bicultural Gen Z listeners

In Washington, Fuerza Regida is more than background music—it’s identity in sound.

What Washington’s Top Artists Reveal About Its Music Culture

Washington’s most-streamed artists show a rich and diverse musical palate. From introspective lyricism to global cultural movements, the state’s listeners crave authenticity, artistry, and emotional connection.

1. Thoughtful Lyrics Are King 🧠

Whether it's Kendrick’s deep reflections, Eminem’s emotional fire, or Swift’s poetic storytelling, Washingtonians stream music that makes them feel and think.

2. Latino Artists Are Leading a New Wave 🌎

Peso Pluma and Fuerza Regida prove that regional Mexican music has gone mainstream, especially among younger listeners and multicultural households.

3. Genre Doesn’t Matter—Depth Does 🎶

Hip-hop, pop, and corridos might seem worlds apart, but Washington listeners care more about the story and the soul behind the song than the label on the sound.

4. Emotional Honesty Wins in the Pacific Northwest 📍

These top five artists succeed in Washington because they speak to real emotions, real issues, and real people. That resonates with the reflective, community-driven spirit of the region.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional streaming data, which tracks total artist video views by user location. The rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in Washington State between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on verified user activity within the state.

This data provides a genuine look into what Washingtonians are actually streaming, not just what’s promoted by playlists or radio.

Final Thoughts: Washington’s 2024–2025 Playlist of Culture, Emotion, and Connection

From the poetic force of Kendrick Lamar to the genre-defying rise of Peso Pluma and Fuerza Regida, the music that moved Washington this year was as complex and beautiful as the state itself.

Whether you’re navigating downtown Seattle with AirPods in, watching waves crash on the Pacific Coast, or relaxing at home on a rainy afternoon, the artists Virginians streamed the most offered more than just sound—they offered meaning, identity, and emotional release.

As 2025 unfolds, one thing is clear: Washington doesn’t just listen to music—it listens to truth.