Connecticut’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: What the State Was Listening To

Connecticut may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but its music taste makes a big statement. Nestled between the cultural powerhouses of New York and Boston, the Nutmeg State serves as a unique crossroads for East Coast edge, suburban diversity, and a deep appreciation for genre-spanning sounds.

Between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, Connecticut residents streamed music from artists who delivered powerful lyrics, genre-defining moments, emotional depth, and global appeal. From Latin trap to lyrical rap, introspective pop to nostalgic classics, the most-played artists in Connecticut represent a dynamic blend of styles. Learn more about music by taking music lessons in Boulder.

Here are the top five most-streamed artists in Connecticut this year—and why they captured so much attention across the state.

1. Bad Bunny – 19.1 Million Views

Leading the pack with 19.1 million views, Bad Bunny continues his global dominance—and Connecticut was very much on board. The Puerto Rican superstar is more than a Latin trap pioneer: he’s a cultural phenomenon, and in a state with a growing Puerto Rican and Latino population, his music resonates on a deep, personal level.

From Hartford and Bridgeport to New Haven and Waterbury, Bad Bunny’s blend of reggaeton, trap, and pop has become a daily soundtrack for millions of listeners. His 2023 album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana and recent tour kept the hype strong in 2024–2025, with singles like “Monaco,” “Where She Goes,” and “Un Preview” racking up views statewide.

But it’s not just about the music. Bad Bunny’s fashion choices, political statements, and collaborations with artists from all genres make him a voice for young, multilingual, genre-fluid fans in Connecticut and beyond.

Why Connecticut Loves Bad Bunny:

• Strong cultural and linguistic connection to Puerto Rican and Latino identity

• Club-ready beats, romantic lyrics, and social consciousness

• A versatile artist who appeals to Gen Z, millennials, and more

Bad Bunny isn’t just popular—he’s personal.

2. Kendrick Lamar – 14.6 Million Views

In second place with 14.6 million views, Kendrick Lamar reaffirmed his status as one of the most respected and streamed artists in the state. 2024 was a monumental year for Kendrick, thanks in part to his now-iconic diss track “Not Like Us,” which dominated social media, playlists, and public discourse.

But Kendrick’s rise in Connecticut isn’t just about that moment. For years, he’s built a reputation for thoughtful storytelling, fearless honesty, and lyrical brilliance. His themes of race, trauma, identity, and resilience strike a chord with listeners seeking more than just a beat—they want meaning.

In a state with a large student population and strong ties to education and literature (Yale University, anyone?), Kendrick’s intellectual depth finds an especially enthusiastic audience.

Why Connecticut Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Combines musical talent with intellectual complexity

• Speaks truth to power with lyrical finesse

• Revered by hip-hop purists and casual fans alike

Kendrick is hip-hop’s poet laureate—and Connecticut listens closely.

3. Taylor Swift – 13.7 Million Views

Coming in with 13.7 million views, Taylor Swift continues to dominate in pop—and Connecticut is very much part of the Swiftie nation. Her Eras Tour lit up the world, and New England fans showed up in droves. The hype translated directly to streaming, with Taylor’s re-recorded albums, concert films, and vault tracks climbing the charts all year long.

Connecticut fans love Swift not just for her music, but for her lyrical vulnerability and emotional honesty. Her songs are journal entries in motion—perfect for morning commutes, late-night scrolls, and introspective walks through New Haven or Greenwich.

Whether revisiting the heartbreak of Red, singing along to the glitter of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), or soaking up the new romance in Lover, fans across the state played Swift’s music for every mood and every season.

Why Connecticut Loves Taylor Swift:

• Lyrically rich and emotionally relatable

• Speaks to a multi-generational, mostly female fanbase

• Perfect for quiet towns, college campuses, and city sidewalks alike

In Connecticut, Taylor Swift is more than a pop star—she’s a trusted companion.

4. Drake – 13.6 Million Views

Close behind Swift with 13.6 million views, Drake remained one of Connecticut’s most reliable hitmakers. Despite being on the receiving end of Kendrick Lamar’s infamous diss, Drake continued to draw massive attention with the release of For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition, various collaborations, and ever-present playlist power.

Connecticut has long embraced Drake’s blend of melodic rap, emotional lyrics, and braggadocio. From university parties at UConn to gym sessions in Stamford, his music offers versatility and emotional range, making him one of the most-streamed artists year after year.

Songs like “Virginia Beach,” “First Person Shooter,” and “Slime You Out” were among the most added to personal playlists in 2024–2025, showing Drake’s resilience and cultural pull, even in the face of public scrutiny.

Why Connecticut Loves Drake:

• A mix of rap, R&B, and pop that fits any vibe

• Hit after hit, year after year

• Blends sensitivity with bravado—something many fans identify with

Whether he’s praised or critiqued, Drake is always played.

5. Eminem – 12.9 Million Views

Rounding out Connecticut’s top five is Eminem, with 12.9 million views—a number that confirms his enduring legacy. Though he’s been in the game for over 25 years, Eminem remains one of the most respected and streamed rappers in the world.

In Connecticut, Eminem’s music continues to thrive thanks to its emotional rawness, lyrical complexity, and rebellious spirit. Tracks like “Lose Yourself,” “Mockingbird,” and “Rap God” remain workout and motivation staples, while newer material from The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) gave fans fresh fuel in 2024.

Connecticut's diverse audience—ranging from high schoolers discovering Eminem for the first time to 30-somethings who grew up on The Eminem Show—have helped keep his name and music alive and thriving.

Why Connecticut Loves Eminem:

• Speaks to pain, perseverance, and the power of self-expression

• Iconic catalog filled with classics and comebacks

• A bridge between generations of rap fans

Eminem might not be new—but in Connecticut, he’s still necessary.

What This Data Tells Us About Connecticut’s Music Culture

Looking at the top artists of the year, we can draw several conclusions about what Connecticut values in its music:

1. Bilingual and bicultural appeal is strong 🎧.

Bad Bunny’s top spot proves that Connecticut’s diverse population is looking for music that reflects their language, roots, and culture. Spanish-speaking artists are not just trending—they’re defining the landscape.

2. Lyrical substance matters 🎵.

With Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and even Taylor Swift in the top five, it's clear Connecticut listeners prioritize strong songwriting and storytelling. This is a state that values intellect and emotion in equal measure.

3. Global icons still reign 🎤.

Drake and Taylor Swift show that star power plus quality content equals staying power. Despite drama or shifting trends, these artists still dominate Connecticut’s speakers.

4. Legacy artists have longevity 💽.

Eminem’s presence in 2025 shows that some names never fade. When an artist builds a bond through realness and skill, Connecticut stays loyal.

Methodology

This article was created using YouTube Music’s regional streaming analytics, which provide detailed insights into listening behavior by geographic region. We analyzed streaming activity in Connecticut from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, and ranked the top five most-played artists based on total YouTube views from users located in the state.

This geo-targeted data offers a highly accurate picture of local music preferences, allowing us to explore what truly resonated with listeners across Connecticut—not just nationally or globally.

Final Thoughts

Connecticut’s top artists of the year reflect a state in tune with culture, emotion, and diversity. Whether dancing to Bad Bunny, dissecting Kendrick’s verses, crying with Taylor Swift, vibing to Drake, or grinding through a workout with Eminem, fans across the state used music as both escape and expression.

These five artists—Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Drake, and Eminem—each speak to a different facet of Connecticut’s personality: global, reflective, romantic, ambitious, and raw.

And if this year’s trends tell us anything, it’s that Connecticut might be small on the map—but it’s thinking big when it comes to music.