Kansas’ Most-Streamed Songs of 2024–2025: The Tracks That Defined a Year in the Sunflower State
In the heart of America, music matters. From the farms of Hays to the dorm rooms of Lawrence, the streets of Wichita to the small-town diners of Dodge City, Kansas has a soundtrack all its own—a mix of grit, heart, vulnerability, and fire.
And if streaming numbers tell us anything, it’s that Kansans crave music that moves them—whether through lyricism, emotional depth, or beats that demand the volume turned up.
According to YouTube Music streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, these were the top 9 most-played songs in Kansas. The list is a blend of introspective ballads, rap battles, genre mashups, and Southern charm—a testament to the state’s diverse, emotionally honest music taste. If you're interested in learning music, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s take a deep dive into the tracks that defined the past year in Kansas, one stream at a time.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (3.63 Million Views)
Taking the top spot in Kansas with 3.63 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was more than a diss track—it was a cultural moment. As part of his headline-dominating beef with Drake, this song combined raw energy, biting bars, and West Coast swagger that caught fire nationally—and Kansas listeners weren’t immune.
But for Kansas fans, it wasn’t just hype. Kendrick’s clever lyricism and commanding delivery appealed to listeners hungry for intelligence in hip-hop. “Not Like Us” became the go-to track for gym sessions, debates, late-night drives, and hip-hop heads who wanted to see bars back on the throne.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- High energy with lyrical depth
- Fueled one of the biggest rap moments in years
- Gave rap fans a reason to hit repeat again and again
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (3.09 Million Views)
If Kendrick brought the fire, Teddy Swims delivered the soul. His live version of “Lose Control” earned 3.09 million views in Kansas, becoming the state’s second most-streamed track—and for good reason.
Teddy’s performance is stripped down, raw, and emotionally gutting. Whether Kansans were dealing with heartbreak, grief, or just in need of a musical catharsis, “Lose Control” became their safe space. His raspy vocals and slow build made the track a late-night favorite and a heavy replay staple.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Live vocals that hit like a freight train
- Lyrics about emotional unraveling and honesty
- Perfect for introspective nights or long solo drives
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (3.00 Million Views)
At 3 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became Kansas’ favorite reason to hit play and kick back. The country-hip-hop mashup sampled J-Kwon’s 2004 party classic “Tipsy,” reimagined with Southern grit and small-town swagger.
Whether streaming during tailgates, bonfires, or road trips down Highway 400, “A Bar Song” became a multi-generational crowd-pleaser. Its danceable beat and shout-along chorus made it one of Kansas’ go-to celebration tracks.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Blends nostalgic rap with fresh country vibes
- Great for parties, bar playlists, and hangouts
- Catchy, clever, and built to be played loud
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (3.00 Million Views)
Also pulling in 3 million views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” provided a deeply emotional counterbalance to the hype and party hits dominating the rest of the list.
Benson’s vocal performance on this track—gentle, earnest, and filled with fear of loss—captured the hearts of Kansas listeners. It became a quiet anthem for reflection, growth, and gratitude.
Played during rainy mornings in Manhattan, late-night solo drives through Wichita, or contemplative walks across the KU campus, “Beautiful Things” found its way into the souls of Iowans seeking calm in chaos.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Poetic lyrics about love, fear, and thankfulness
- Emotional resonance that’s hard to shake
- A soft song with a big heart
- “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)” – Post Malone (1.92 Million Views)
Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s collaboration clocked in at 1.92 million views, and it’s no surprise—it feels almost tailor-made for Kansas.
With lyrics about shared blame, stubborn breakups, and drinking your way through disappointment, this track hit home for anyone who’s navigated messy relationships. Morgan’s country charm and Posty’s melodic pop sensibilities made the song an instant earworm.
Played everywhere from rural gas stations to college parties, “I Had Some Help” became one of Kansas’ most quotable songs of the year.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Country-pop crossover done right
- Lyrics that feel like real life
- Artists with massive Midwestern fan bases
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (1.90 Million Views)
Coming in at 1.90 million views, “Die With A Smile” gave Kansas a rare pop-disco treat that packed both joy and depth. This collaboration between two of pop’s most charismatic voices encouraged listeners to live fully, love loudly, and smile through life’s struggles.
It’s no surprise the song resonated with Kansas fans—it’s uplifting without being cheesy, danceable without being shallow. It appeared in wedding playlists, TikTok reels, and self-love anthems alike.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Infectious disco groove with a deeper message
- Gaga and Bruno = a pop dream team
- A mood booster during tough seasons
- “Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan (1.57 Million Views)
Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” has become a modern-day folk classic, and Kansas listeners kept it alive this year with 1.57 million views.
The song’s quiet melancholy, acoustic simplicity, and poetic heartache made it a rural anthem. It’s the kind of song you hear on a tractor radio, at a solo campfire, or over a cheap beer at the end of a long day.
In a state with deep country roots and emotional honesty, this song felt like it belonged.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Sparse production and powerful storytelling
- Reflects heartland values and quiet strength
- A favorite among country, folk, and indie fans
- “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” – Tommy Richman (1.55 Million Views)
With 1.55 million views, Tommy Richman’s “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” became one of Kansas’ favorite genre-bending jams. It brought a sleek, futuristic sound that still felt grounded in personal storytelling and subtle confidence.
This track resonated most with younger listeners looking for something fresh but thoughtful, and it played heavily on Kansas college campuses and curated Spotify playlists. Its cool, spacey vibe made it one of the year’s standout alt-pop hits.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Trendy without being overproduced
- Smooth vocals with crisp production
- A rising artist with serious replay value
- “Wild Ones” – Jessie Murph & ? (1.53 Million Views)
Closing out the top 9 with 1.53 million views, Jessie Murph’s “Wild Ones” (collaborator incomplete in the data) became a Gen Z anthem in Kansas.
With lyrics about feeling misunderstood, standing out, and navigating love and chaos, the song connected deeply with teens and young adults in high schools and universities across the state. It captured the emotional whirlwind of young adulthood in a way that was bold, melodic, and empowering.
Why Kansas Loved It:
- Lyrics that speak to individuality and rebellion
- Genre-blending appeal (pop, alt, country)
- A rising artist with a voice that feels real
What Kansas’ Top Songs Reveal About Its Music Taste
Kansas’ most-streamed songs in 2024–2025 weren’t random chart-toppers—they were tracks that spoke to personal experience, cultural identity, and emotional truth.
- Lyricism Reigns 🎤
From Kendrick Lamar to Zach Bryan, songs with strong storytelling and poetic depth topped Kansas charts.
- Emotions Drive the Playlist ❤️
Tracks about heartbreak (Lose Control), growth (Beautiful Things), nostalgia (Something in the Orange), and defiance (Not Like Us) show that Kansans stream music to feel something—not just fill silence.
- Genre Is Flexible 🧠
Kansas fans bounced effortlessly between country, rap, indie, pop, and even disco. If the music is good—and it’s honest—they’re in.
Methodology
This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, which track streaming activity by location. We analyzed the most-streamed songs in Kansas from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, based on total view counts from users within the state.
This gives us an accurate picture of what real Kansas listeners were playing, feeling, and repeating across the past year.
Final Thoughts
Kansas’ top songs in 2024–2025 reflected a year of contrast and connection—from Kendrick’s fire to Benson Boone’s vulnerability, from party anthems to late-night heartbreak.
These weren’t just hits. They were emotional companions, cultural moments, and sonic lifelines. And as the sunflower state heads into a new year, one thing is clear: Kansas doesn’t just listen to music—it lives with it.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025