From the vibrant streets of Baltimore to the historic charm of Annapolis and the suburban pulse of Montgomery County, Maryland is a state that thrives on diversity, culture, and creativity. And nothing captures those traits better than the music its residents choose to stream. According to YouTube Music data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, Maryland’s top songs of the year reveal a state that values boldness, emotional depth, cultural representation, and artistic experimentation.
Whether it’s hip-hop, soul-infused pop, or emotional ballads, Maryland listeners are drawn to music that makes a statement and evokes real emotion. The state's top nine tracks span multiple genres, proving that Maryland’s music taste is anything but one-dimensional. If you are interested in music lessons, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s dive into the most-streamed songs in Maryland over the past year—and what these hits say about the state’s unique musical identity.
At the top of the list with a staggering 8.81 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dominated Maryland’s airwaves and playlists. The song, widely recognized as a hard-hitting diss track in the rap world, became a cultural moment, and Maryland listeners were front and center for it.
With his razor-sharp lyricism and infectious West Coast bounce, Kendrick delivers a track that is both a banger and a message. Maryland, a state with a strong appreciation for lyrical prowess and hip-hop history, especially in cities like Baltimore and Prince George’s County, embraced the song’s energy and layered meaning.
Why It Resonated in Maryland:
“Not Like Us” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem for those who value truth-telling and hip-hop at its most raw.
Taking the second spot with 4.44 million views, “Die With A Smile” pairs two powerhouse vocalists—Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars—for a soulful, theatrical ballad about living passionately and facing mortality with grace.
Maryland’s love for rich, emotional storytelling and genre-bending tracks helped fuel this song’s success. Whether streaming it in the artsy enclaves of Silver Spring or the coffee shops of downtown Frederick, listeners were drawn to its dramatic flair and timeless feel.
Why It Stands Out:
“Die With A Smile” shows that Marylanders love music with substance, elegance, and soul.
Just a hair behind at 4.43 million views, “Wanna Be” brings high-energy Southern hip-hop to the forefront, with GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion teaming up to deliver an infectious, empowering anthem.
The song’s blend of confidence, clever wordplay, and booming beats made it a go-to for Marylanders looking to turn up or boost their confidence. It especially struck a chord with younger audiences in the DMV, where both artists are cultural icons in their own right.
Why It Hit in Maryland:
“Wanna Be” proves that Maryland’s music scene thrives on female-driven, unapologetic bangers.
In fourth place with 4.26 million views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” brings soul, vulnerability, and jaw-dropping vocal talent into Maryland’s top five. Known for his powerful voice and live performance style, Swims delivers an emotionally charged track that clearly resonated with local listeners.
From intimate venues in Baltimore to cozy playlists in Columbia, Marylanders embraced the live version for its raw emotion and authenticity—two things the state’s diverse audience values highly.
Why It Stuck in Maryland:
“Lose Control” reflects Maryland’s appreciation for heart-forward, genre-crossing artistry.
With 3.61 million views, “APT.” brought together the sultry vocals of ROSÉ from BLACKPINK and the legendary Bruno Mars for a cross-cultural hit that felt intimate, moody, and musically rich.
The track’s lo-fi R&B influence and whispered harmonies offered a different flavor from Maryland’s other top tracks, and that’s likely why it stood out. With a strong K-pop fanbase in places like Bethesda, Rockville, and college campuses across the state, “APT.” became a favorite for chill, late-night listening.
Why Maryland Loved It:
“APT.” is the kind of track that quietly takes over playlists—and Maryland noticed.
Landing at sixth with 3.56 million views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” is a piano-driven pop ballad that explores gratitude, love, and emotional vulnerability. Boone’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring chorus touched listeners in Maryland who appreciate sincerity over spectacle.
Whether played during a reflective morning or as part of a soothing evening playlist, the song fit well in the slower, quieter moments of life—moments that Marylanders across both rural and suburban communities relate to.
Why It Found Success:
“Beautiful Things” shows that Marylanders appreciate emotional vulnerability just as much as high-energy anthems.
With 3.37 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” proved that country-infused party tracks have a home in Maryland too. Blending nostalgia, country swagger, and trap beats, this song became a summer favorite for those looking to unwind and let loose.
Its wide appeal spanned demographics, connecting with both country fans in Western Maryland and hip-hop listeners across the DMV. The track’s energetic bounce made it a go-to for bar nights, tailgates, and celebrations.
Why It Worked in Maryland:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” brought some carefree fun to a state that balances urban and rural vibes with ease.
With 3.26 million views, Tommy Richman’s “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” brought funk, pop, and indie vibes into Maryland’s top songs. Richman, known for his genre-bending style, released a track that’s infectiously funky with a retro-modern feel.
The song’s groove, catchy hook, and stylish production made it a hit on social media platforms and playlists across the state. It especially resonated with younger audiences and creatives in Baltimore and College Park, where genre experimentation is embraced.
Why It’s a Hit in Maryland:
“MILLION DOLLAR BABY” proves that Maryland listeners are here for innovation and originality.
Rounding out the list with 3.11 million views, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” is the sleek, flirty pop single that has captivated Gen Z. Known for her clever wordplay and stylish delivery, Carpenter created a track that’s light, fun, and full of confidence.
In Maryland, where pop thrives alongside hip-hop and indie sounds, “Espresso” found its audience especially among teens and young adults. It’s the kind of song you’d hear blasting through AirPods on a University of Maryland campus stroll or during a late-night drive through Bethesda.
Why Maryland Streamed It So Much:
“Espresso” brought lightness and joy to Maryland’s top tracks of the year.
What Maryland’s Top Songs Say About Its Music Culture Maryland’s top-streamed songs of 2024–2025 reveal a state that’s:
From introspective ballads to rap anthems and innovative crossovers, Maryland listeners clearly value songs that are bold, heartfelt, and meaningful.
Notable Themes Across the Chart: Empowerment & Emotion: Tracks like “Not Like Us,” “Wanna Be,” and “Beautiful Things” speak to both strength and vulnerability.
Cross-Genre Collabs: Maryland embraced collaborations that pushed boundaries—especially Bruno Mars’s multiple appearances.
Representation & Identity: K-pop, indie-funk, and soul all found room to shine, reflecting Maryland’s cultural richness and generational range.
This article is based on YouTube Music regional analytics, which track total video views by user location. The rankings reflect the top-streamed songs in Maryland between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on actual listener behavior across the state.
This data offers an accurate picture of what Maryland residents truly listened to—free from playlist algorithms or editorial interference.
With a music chart that includes hip-hop giants, pop icons, soulful vocalists, and genre-blending newcomers, Maryland proves it’s one of the most eclectic and open-minded states when it comes to streaming music.
In 2024–2025, Maryland listened with its head, its heart, and its hips—and the music that rose to the top reflected a population ready to feel, move, and think all at once.