Ohio’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: The Voices That Moved the Buckeye State
From the bustling streets of Cleveland to the creative energy of Columbus and the hometown heart of Cincinnati, Ohio’s music taste is as dynamic and diverse as its people. The state has a deep history of musical innovation—home to funk pioneers, hip-hop trailblazers, country legends, and genre-bending icons. Today, that tradition continues as Ohioans stream music that blends emotion, authenticity, and power.
Based on YouTube Music streaming data between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, the top five most-streamed artists in Ohio reflect the state’s hunger for truth-telling lyrics, Southern swagger, raw storytelling, and real-life emotion. These aren’t just stars—they’re the artists that defined the emotional and cultural landscape of Ohio over the past year. If you are interest in music lessons, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s explore the top five artists Buckeyes couldn’t stop listening to—and what their dominance says about the soul of the state.
- Future – 59.3 Million Views
At the top of Ohio’s streaming charts with 59.3 million views, Future proves that his brand of moody, melodic trap and emotionally layered lyricism continues to connect deeply with listeners across the Buckeye State.
Whether it’s a cold morning in Akron or a long night in Cincinnati, Future’s music sets the perfect tone. Known for fusing vulnerability with bravado, the Atlanta rapper has built an empire on autotuned confessions about pain, pride, love, and loss. His 2024 collaborations with Metro Boomin and chart-toppers like “WAIT FOR U,” “Life Is Good,” and “March Madness” saw heavy rotation in Ohio’s clubs, cars, and AirPods.
Future’s appeal goes beyond hype—his music offers emotional therapy for people grinding through everyday life.
Why Ohio Loves Future:
- Lyrics that balance toughness with emotional honesty
- A smooth yet gritty sound that fits both urban and suburban lifestyles
- Music that speaks to ambition, mistakes, and growth
In Ohio, Future isn’t just a favorite—he’s a reflection of real life, in all its complexity.
- Kendrick Lamar – 58.4 Million Views
With 58.4 million views, Kendrick Lamar holds strong as Ohio’s second-most streamed artist—and for good reason. In a state with world-class universities, vibrant arts scenes, and rich political history, Kendrick’s lyrical genius and cultural commentary hit home.
In 2024, his viral track “Not Like Us” stirred national headlines, but Ohioans dove deeper—streaming his full catalog including To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Kendrick’s music blends social consciousness, personal introspection, and poetic storytelling, making him a go-to for listeners seeking more than just a beat.
From students in Athens to artists in Dayton and activists in Columbus, Kendrick’s music remains a guiding voice for reflection, protest, and progress.
Why Ohio Loves Kendrick Lamar:
- Smart, meaningful lyrics that challenge and inspire
- A sound that bridges generations, genres, and ideologies
- Albums that function like literary and cultural documents
Kendrick’s voice is woven into the fabric of Ohio—an anthem for awareness and authenticity.
- Eminem – 58.0 Million Views
Just a whisper behind at 58.0 million views, Eminem continues to be a cultural force in Ohio. The Detroit native’s proximity to the Buckeye State has always given him a special place in the hearts of Midwestern listeners, but his staying power comes from something deeper.
Eminem’s music is gritty, intense, confessional, and often emotionally raw. His ability to speak to trauma, addiction, family, and survival resonates deeply with fans who appreciate music with substance. In 2024, anticipation for his new album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) renewed interest in his classics like “Lose Yourself,” “Mockingbird,” “Stan,” and “Not Afraid.”
Eminem is a storyteller of the underdog, and in Ohio—a state with economic ups and downs, hardworking communities, and a strong sense of pride—that story feels personal.
Why Ohio Loves Eminem:
- Honest lyrics about struggle, identity, and resilience
- A hard-hitting sound that mirrors Midwestern grit
- Music that motivates and connects across generations
In Ohio, Eminem isn’t just a rapper—he’s a symbol of strength in adversity.
- Morgan Wallen – 53.3 Million Views
With 53.3 million views, Morgan Wallen stands tall as Ohio’s most-streamed country artist and fourth overall. His music speaks to both small-town roots and modern emotion, making him a favorite from rural counties to major cities.
Wallen’s lyrics about heartbreak, regret, freedom, and nostalgia ring true in communities across the state—whether it’s Chillicothe, Bowling Green, or the outskirts of Columbus. Songs like “Last Night,” “Sand in My Boots,” “You Proof,” and “Wasted on You” became anthems for long drives, summer nights, and fireside memories.
His 2023 album One Thing at a Time continued to dominate throughout 2024, offering a mix of country twang, pop production, and personal vulnerability.
Why Ohio Loves Morgan Wallen:
- Country songs that tell modern stories with timeless themes
- A blend of tradition and evolution in sound
- Music that fits the emotional tone of everyday life
Morgan Wallen is the voice of Ohio’s countryside—and its crossroads.
- YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 52.7 Million Views
Rounding out the top five with 52.7 million views, YoungBoy Never Broke Again (NBA YoungBoy) remains one of the most influential Southern rappers in Ohio. Known for his emotional honesty, aggressive delivery, and relentless release schedule, YoungBoy is a favorite among young listeners looking for unfiltered truth.
His music often touches on pain, isolation, violence, fame, and mental health, striking a chord with fans navigating life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s teens in inner-city Cleveland or young adults in Toledo, YoungBoy’s raw style and vulnerability make him relatable and respected.
Songs like “Outside Today,” “No Smoke,” “Kacey Talk,” and dozens of new releases kept him in rotation all year long.
Why Ohio Loves YoungBoy Never Broke Again:
- A nonstop stream of new, emotionally real music
- A voice that reflects the struggles of youth in uncertain times
- Music that feels personal, intense, and immediate
In Ohio, YoungBoy is the sound of resilience, survival, and self-expression.
What Ohio’s Top Artists Say About Its Culture
The five most-streamed artists in Ohio showcase a state that craves emotional depth, lyrical storytelling, and cultural diversity. From Southern trap to conscious rap to country twang, the Buckeye State listens to music that mirrors real life and brings people together.
- Emotion Rules the Charts 💡
All five artists—Future, Kendrick, Eminem, Wallen, and YoungBoy—deliver songs filled with vulnerability, reflection, and emotional truth. Ohioans want music that speaks to what they’re living through.
- Urban and Rural Coexist 🌆
Future and Kendrick thrive in Ohio’s cities, while Morgan Wallen and Eminem stretch across the suburbs and countryside. This shows a true blending of musical cultures across the state.
- Genre is Fluid 🎶
Whether it’s rap, country, or somewhere in between, Ohio’s top artists show that genre matters less than authenticity. Listeners value artists who feel real over those who simply top pop charts.
- Substance Wins Over Flash 🧠
With Kendrick, Eminem, and YoungBoy all in the top five, it’s clear that Ohioans stream artists who offer more than catchy hooks—they want meaning.
Methodology
This article is based on YouTube Music’s state-specific streaming data, which tracks total artist video views by location. The rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in Ohio between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on verified view counts from users across the state.
This approach provides a genuine snapshot of listener preferences, independent of national radio trends or curated playlists—offering insight into what Ohioans really streamed and loved.
Final Thoughts: Ohio’s 2024–2025 Playlist
The past year in Ohio was marked by music that spoke to real feelings, honest experiences, and everyday struggles. Whether it was Future’s melodic vulnerability, Kendrick’s lyrical wisdom, Eminem’s relentless truth, Wallen’s relatable storytelling, or YoungBoy’s raw emotion, these artists provided the soundtrack to life in the Buckeye State.
From dorm rooms to downtown streets, from cornfields to coffee shops, their music was more than entertainment—it was company, comfort, and connection.
As 2025 continues, one thing is clear: Ohio will keep listening to artists who speak the truth—and sing from the soul.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025