Delaware’s Most-Streamed Artists of the Year: What the First State Was Listening To in 2024–2025

Delaware may be the second smallest state in the U.S., but when it comes to musical taste, it makes a big impact. The First State continues to be an important cross-section of the Mid-Atlantic—reflecting the East Coast’s boldness with the South’s emotional resonance and the Northeast’s lyrical sensibilities.

Between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, Delawareans streamed music that was deeply personal, emotionally raw, and lyrically heavy. Whether listeners were cruising through Wilmington, relaxing in Rehoboth Beach, or studying in Newark, the soundtrack of the year was full of passion, pain, truth, and power. If you're interested in music lessons in Boulder just reach out.

Let’s take a look at the top five most-streamed artists in Delaware this year—and why their music meant so much to the state’s listeners.

1. Rod Wave – 2.88 Million Views

Topping the list with 2.88 million views, Rod Wave has become Delaware’s voice of the heartbroken, the healing, and the hopeful. Known for his deeply emotional delivery, gospel-tinged melodies, and cinematic storytelling, Rod Wave has carved out a lane that’s equal parts therapy session and street diary.

Delaware’s streaming numbers show that listeners here aren’t just seeking hype—they want healing. Rod Wave’s 2023 album Nostalgia and 2024 singles like “Checkmate” and “Long Journey” found a loyal following in communities across the state. His vulnerability, especially about topics like depression, family, and loss, resonates in a big way.

Rod’s music hits especially hard for young adults, students, and working-class communities—those navigating real challenges with emotion at the forefront.

Why Delaware Loves Rod Wave:

• Honest, heart-on-sleeve lyrics

• Melodic delivery with gospel and soul influence

• An artist who speaks to inner battles and emotional growth

In Delaware, Rod Wave’s music is more than a vibe—it’s medicine.

2. Kendrick Lamar – 2.83 Million Views

With 2.83 million views, Kendrick Lamar barely missed the top spot—but his impact in Delaware was undeniable. His 2024 feud with Drake reignited national interest in hip-hop’s lyrical roots, and “Not Like Us” became a defining anthem that was played endlessly across the state.

But Kendrick’s streaming success in Delaware is deeper than just drama. His entire catalog—from good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN. to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers—is full of introspective, socially conscious storytelling that fits the intellectual and emotional landscape of a state known for both education and grit.

From college campuses in Newark to the inner-city streets of Wilmington, Kendrick’s message of growth, pain, power, and resistance found fertile ground.

Why Delaware Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• A balance of raw emotion and political commentary

• Soundtracks for thought, protest, and perseverance

• Revered by fans who value meaning in their music

Kendrick doesn’t just make music—he makes statements. Delaware listens.

3. Lil Durk – 2.48 Million Views

Coming in third with 2.48 million views, Lil Durk continued his reign as one of rap’s most respected voices of trauma, loyalty, and survival. The Chicago rapper has long blended street sensibilities with emotional introspection, and in 2024–2025, Delaware fans stayed locked into his catalog.

Songs like “Pelle Coat,” “All My Life” (with J. Cole), and “Smurk Carter” performed especially well, as did his numerous features on tracks by artists like Rod Wave, Polo G, and EST Gee. Durk’s consistency, honesty, and pain-infused lyricism make him a go-to for listeners who’ve experienced hardship—and want to hear a voice that feels authentic.

In Delaware’s urban neighborhoods and rural towns alike, Durk’s themes of survival and self-awareness resonate deeply.

Why Delaware Loves Lil Durk:

• Blends street credibility with emotional storytelling

• A highly relatable artist for many listeners

• Carries his pain like armor, and fans feel that

Durk gives Delaware the soundtrack of scars turned into strength.

4. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 2.22 Million Views

With 2.22 million views, YoungBoy Never Broke Again (NBA YoungBoy) continues to be a streaming juggernaut—and Delaware is part of that ongoing wave. Known for his relentless output, deeply confessional lyrics, and emotional volatility, YoungBoy has built a fiercely loyal fan base that spans coast to coast.

Delaware’s love for NBA YoungBoy is rooted in his unapologetic vulnerability. His songs reflect everything from trauma and betrayal to fatherhood, fame, and regret. That kind of raw honesty hits hard in communities that value authenticity and survival stories, and Delaware listeners find themselves replaying his music in solitude, at parties, and even during workouts.

Tracks like “Testimony,” “Nightfall,” and “Deep in My Thoughts” found strong traction locally.

Why Delaware Loves YoungBoy Never Broke Again:

• A prolific artist with nonstop releases

• Embraces emotional complexity without shame

• Speaks to younger listeners navigating similar chaos

He’s raw, relentless, and real—Delaware loves him for it.

5. Drake – 2.18 Million Views

Rounding out Delaware’s top five is Drake, with 2.18 million views. Despite being embroiled in rap’s biggest beef of the year with Kendrick Lamar, Drake maintained his status as one of the most-played artists in the state—and for good reason.

Drake’s appeal in Delaware is tied to his ability to merge bravado with vulnerability. From heartbreak anthems to Instagram caption-ready flexes, his music offers something for every mood. In 2024, For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition kept his streaming numbers strong, while hits like “First Person Shooter” and “Bahamas Promises” remained in constant rotation.

For fans across Delaware’s college campuses, suburbs, and city streets, Drake is still a go-to artist for love, loss, and lifestyle.

Why Delaware Loves Drake:

• Pop-rap fusion that works for every vibe

• A veteran with unmatched streaming presence

• Speaks to emotional complexity with polished delivery

Love him or criticize him, Drake is still one of Delaware’s most trusted voices.

What This Data Tells Us About Delaware’s Music Taste

Delaware’s most-streamed artists of 2024–2025 paint a clear picture of a music-loving state that leans into emotion, lyricism, and real-life storytelling. Whether it’s the pain of Rod Wave, the protest of Kendrick Lamar, or the confessions of Lil Durk, Delaware listeners want music that feels like it’s coming from lived experience.

1. Vulnerability matters 🎧

Every artist in the top five—especially Rod Wave, Durk, and YoungBoy—built their success on being emotionally transparent. Delaware fans connect with that raw honesty more than flashy gimmicks.

2. Lyrics over hype 🎵

Delaware is tuning into songs that say something. Kendrick’s cerebral storytelling, Eminem’s technical brilliance (close behind in 6th), and Rod Wave’s emotional narratives show that substance is king.

3. The streets still speak loud 🏙️

Lil Durk and YoungBoy’s presence proves that street-rooted hip-hop remains vital in the First State—especially when it's layered with reflection, struggle, and heart.

4. There’s room for vulnerability and swagger 🥇

From Drake’s duality to Rod’s introspection, Delawareans don’t want one-dimensional artists—they want complex ones who reflect real life.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which track music streaming activity by location. The rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in Delaware between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on total YouTube views from users within the state.

This geo-specific data offers a focused lens into what Delawareans actually listened to, rather than what was trending nationally or globally.

Final Thoughts

Delaware’s top-streamed artists in 2024–2025 tell a powerful story about what matters to the state’s listeners: authenticity, emotion, and real-world perspective. Whether it’s Kendrick dissecting social issues, Rod Wave singing through pain, or Durk chronicling the struggle to survive, these artists provide more than entertainment—they provide connection.

The First State may be small, but its musical taste is wide open—and in 2025, it beat loud, proud, and full of soul.