Alabama’s Top Music Artists of the Year: The 6 Most-Streamed Stars in the Heart of Dixie

In the ever-changing landscape of music, regional trends often paint a vivid picture of what resonates with different communities. And when it comes to Alabama—known for its rich musical heritage—the data tells a fascinating story about the artists dominating the streaming charts. Over the past year, from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, Alabamians have shown strong preferences for hard-hitting hip-hop, emotionally resonant storytelling, and unapologetically real lyrics.

With millions of views pouring in from the state, these six artists rose above the rest to capture Alabama’s ears—and hearts. From Baton Rouge’s prolific hitmaker YoungBoy Never Broke Again to Memphis’s breakout star GloRilla, the lineup reflects the Southern roots and raw authenticity that continues to define Alabama’s musical taste. Learn how to play music with music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s break down Alabama’s most popular artists of the year.

1. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 71.9M Views

YoungBoy Never Broke Again (also known as NBA YoungBoy) continues to solidify his reign as a Southern rap heavyweight, particularly in Alabama. With an astonishing 71.9 million views in the state over the past year, YoungBoy stands miles ahead of the pack.

What drives his massive appeal in Alabama? For starters, YoungBoy’s relentless work ethic and prolific output keep fans constantly engaged. Whether it's dropping full-length albums, surprise EPs, or emotionally raw music videos, his ability to stay connected with his audience is second to none.

His themes of struggle, loyalty, pain, and redemption strike a chord with many in Alabama, especially younger listeners who see their own lives reflected in his stories. Combine that with his Louisiana roots and Southern drawl, and it’s easy to see why Alabama keeps him on repeat.

Key Songs from the Year:

• “Testimony”

• “My Body”

• “Shadows”

These tracks showcase his unique blend of melodic flows and gritty storytelling—a combo that has earned him near-mythical status in the state.

2. Future – 42.7M Views

With 42.7 million views, Atlanta’s own Future proves once again that his influence reaches far beyond Georgia’s borders. In Alabama, Future is more than just a rapper—he’s a cultural icon whose music soundtracks parties, car rides, workouts, and late-night reflection sessions.

Future's impact lies in his versatility. Whether he’s leaning into heavy trap beats or exploring more introspective territory, his voice—often soaked in auto-tune and emotion—resonates deeply. Alabama fans gravitate toward his signature themes of success, heartbreak, and the highs and lows of fame.

Collaborations with other popular Southern artists and frequent releases have kept Future front and center. He’s managed to maintain relevance in a crowded field by constantly evolving while staying true to his roots.

Key Songs from the Year:

• “712PM”

• “Back to the Basics”

• “Hard for the Next” (feat. Moneybagg Yo)

In Alabama, Future isn’t just a favorite—he’s a staple.

3. Rod Wave – 39.7M Views

Florida-born Rod Wave comes in strong with 39.7 million views, making him one of Alabama’s most beloved voices in emotional rap. His unique ability to fuse soulful melodies with deeply personal lyrics has earned him a devoted following across the South.

Rod Wave’s music hits a special nerve in Alabama, where his themes of overcoming adversity, dealing with emotional trauma, and staying resilient deeply resonate. Unlike many of his peers, Rod leans more into singing than rapping, often layering gospel-style harmonies over trap beats—a combo that’s powerful and cathartic.

His vulnerable storytelling offers comfort to listeners facing their own battles, and that authenticity has made him a go-to artist for late-night drives and introspective moments.

Key Songs from the Year:

• “Come See Me”

• “Long Journey”

• “Fight the Feeling”

Rod Wave isn’t just popular in Alabama—he’s relatable, and that makes all the difference.

4. Kevin Gates – 33.4M Views

Another Baton Rouge native, Kevin Gates, brings a raw, street-savvy edge to Alabama’s playlists, earning 33.4 million views this year. Known for his gruff delivery, deeply spiritual references, and fearless exploration of personal topics, Gates commands respect in the South.

Alabama listeners value authenticity, and Gates delivers it in spades. Whether he’s talking about his past, his spirituality, or his commitment to growth, he’s consistently transparent with his fans. This unfiltered realness is what continues to earn him loyalty, year after year.

He also blends street wisdom with surprising vulnerability—one moment he’s rapping about survival, the next he’s sharing heartbreak. That duality makes him both powerful and approachable.

Key Songs from the Year:

• “Big Lyfe”

• “Shoot My Shot”

• “Thinking with My D***” (still holding strong on charts)

For many in Alabama, Kevin Gates is more than an artist—he’s a philosopher in a trap beat.

5. Lil Baby – 31.9M Views

Atlanta's Lil Baby continues to be a mainstay in Alabama with 31.9 million views over the past year. Known for his laser-sharp delivery, poignant street narratives, and ever-evolving sound, Lil Baby has become a voice of a generation—and Alabama is listening.

His music blends polished production with raw lyrics about growing up in difficult environments, learning from the streets, and leveling up in life. His rise from a troubled past to mainstream success inspires countless young fans across Alabama who see a bit of themselves in his journey.

He’s also a frequent collaborator, and his name attached to any track guarantees it will land on playlists across the South.

Key Songs from the Year:

• “Heyy”

• “California Breeze”

• “Stand on It”

Lil Baby’s staying power in Alabama proves that skill, hustle, and authenticity will always find an audience.

6. GloRilla – 31.8M Views

With 31.8 million views, Memphis rapper GloRilla has emerged as Alabama’s breakout female favorite. Her fierce energy, gritty beats, and unapologetic lyrics have turned heads and earned her a devoted fan base, especially among younger listeners and women who see her as a symbol of empowerment.

She burst onto the scene with a viral hit, but she’s far from a one-hit wonder. GloRilla has proven she has range, charisma, and the lyrical chops to hold her own in a male-dominated genre. Her Southern roots make her especially relatable to Alabama listeners who appreciate her blend of street smarts and confidence.

Her music celebrates independence, strength, and success—qualities that resonate deeply in a state where rising above challenges is part of the culture.

Key Songs from the Year:

• “Tomorrow 2” (with Cardi B)

• “Lick or Sum”

• “Internet Trolls”

GloRilla represents a new wave of Southern hip-hop, and Alabama is clearly on board.

Alabama’s music tastes reflect a strong connection to the Southern hip-hop scene, with artists like YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Future, and Rod Wave dominating the charts. These musicians tell stories that resonate deeply with the experiences, hopes, and struggles of their listeners. Whether it’s the pain-laced melodies of Rod Wave, the relentless output of YoungBoy, or the fierce empowerment of GloRilla, each artist offers something meaningful to their fans.

What’s clear from the data is that Alabama values authenticity. These aren’t just chart-toppers—they’re voices of a culture, of a region, and of a generation.

As we head into the next year, it’ll be fascinating to see who rises, who maintains their reign, and which emerging voices capture Alabama’s ever-loyal ears next.

Methodology

The data used in this article reflects the most-streamed music artists in Alabama between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025. View counts were sourced from YouTube Music’s publicly available regional statistics, which track the number of views artists receive within specific geographic locations. By isolating viewership data specifically for users located in Alabama, we identified the six artists with the highest total YouTube views in the state over the one-year period. This provides a clear snapshot of regional listening preferences and streaming behavior among Alabama audiences.