Top Songs in New York (2024–2025): The Tracks That Defined the Empire State
New York isn’t just a state—it’s a cultural epicenter. From the five boroughs of New York City to the college towns of upstate, music is more than just entertainment here—it’s an identity. Whether blasting from rooftop parties in Brooklyn, cafés in Ithaca, subways in Manhattan, or road trips through the Adirondacks, music sets the tone for daily life in the Empire State.
According to YouTube Music streaming data, the top-streamed songs in New York from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, represent a mix of powerful lyricism, emotional ballads, global influences, and genre-defying hits. Here’s a deep dive into the top 9 songs that New Yorkers couldn’t stop playing—and why each one made such an impact. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (24.8M views)
At the top of the list with a staggering 24.8 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dominated New York’s playlists in 2024–2025. What started as a viral response track in a rap feud evolved into a cultural phenomenon—and New Yorkers embraced every second of it.
With Kendrick’s trademark lyricism, West Coast bravado, and a hypnotic beat, “Not Like Us” became a soundtrack for workouts, subway rides, parties, and social media. In a city with deep hip-hop roots, the track felt like a rightful anthem.
Why It Ruled in New York:
- Massive pop culture moment
- Complex lyrics for hip-hop fans
- Danceable beat with mainstream appeal
“Not Like Us” didn’t just trend—it cemented itself as New York’s most played song of the year.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (15.9M views)
Coming in with 15.9 million views, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” brought theatrical emotion and vocal fireworks to the state that birthed Broadway. With a nostalgic yet fresh sound, this ballad touched New Yorkers of all generations.
Whether you’re listening from a brownstone in Harlem or a village home in the Catskills, this song offered the kind of sweeping musical drama that resonates deeply in a place that loves a good story.
Why It Resonated:
- Powerful vocal performances
- Universal message about living life fully
- Perfect for chill evenings or reflective mornings
“Die With A Smile” reminded New Yorkers that even in a city that never sleeps, music can still pause time.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (13.6M views)
With 13.6 million views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” brought raw soul to New York’s bustling soundscape. Live music is sacred here—whether at Madison Square Garden, Apollo Theater, or a subway platform—and this track captured that magic.
His haunting vocals and emotional depth made the live version feel like an intimate performance for every listener. From indie music lovers in Williamsburg to soul fans in Harlem, Teddy hit the right note.
Why It Was a Favorite:
- Emotionally raw and real
- Appeals across genres (pop, R&B, soul)
- Highlights vocal performance over production
“Lose Control” was New York’s emotional gut-punch of the year.
- “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (13.5M views)
Just behind with 13.5 million views, “APT.” united K-pop royalty ROSÉ and R&B crooner Bruno Mars into one hypnotic track. Smooth, sultry, and effortlessly cool, it became a favorite for late-night playlists, romantic drives, and intimate moments.
In a state as global and diverse as New York, international collabs like this thrive. College students, global citizens, and pop fans alike streamed “APT.” on repeat.
Why It Worked in NY:
- Stylish, chilled-out vibe
- Cross-cultural appeal
- Great for background ambiance or focused listening
“APT.” is proof that New York loves a sleek, sophisticated slow jam.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (13.1M views)
At 13.1 million views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” made its mark as New York’s quiet anthem of gratitude and fear of loss. The soft piano, heartfelt vocals, and introspective lyrics appealed to listeners looking for calm in a chaotic world.
This track played just as well in upstate towns like Saratoga Springs as it did in Manhattan’s bookstores and West Village cafés.
Why It Resonated:
- Stripped-down, emotional delivery
- Lyrics that spark self-reflection
- Became a comfort track during stressful times
“Beautiful Things” reminded New Yorkers to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the little moments.
- “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter (11.6M views)
With 11.6 million views, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” gave New York the pop caffeine boost it didn’t know it needed. Fun, flirty, and bursting with energy, this song became the ultimate “get ready” anthem in dorms, dressing rooms, and dance floors across the state.
TikTok trends helped drive its popularity, but its catchy chorus and self-assured lyrics helped it stay on repeat.
Why It Hit:
- Instant pop appeal
- Empowering and playful message
- Loved by Gen Z, Millennials, and TikTok creators
“Espresso” kept New York’s tempo fast and fashionable all year long.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (11.5M views)
With 11.5 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was the unexpected party anthem that bridged generations and genres. Its nod to early 2000s hip-hop fused with modern country swagger made it irresistible at summer parties, beach bonfires, and tailgates.
From Long Island house parties to upstate barbecues, this song got people singing, dancing, and reminiscing.
Why It Was a Party Staple:
- Catchy, nostalgic sample
- Cross-genre appeal (country, rap, pop)
- Universally relatable vibe
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” delivered a dose of fun to every borough and beyond.
- “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” – KAROL G (11.3M views)
With 11.3 million views, KAROL G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” proves that Latinx music continues to thrive in New York’s soundscape. This romantic track captured the hearts of millions, especially in the Bronx, Queens, and surrounding Latin American communities.
KAROL G’s emotive delivery and reggaeton rhythms made it a favorite for summer nights, romantic evenings, and celebrations alike.
Why It Hit Home:
- Strong cultural representation
- Infectious tropical rhythm
- Romantic, nostalgic, and easy to vibe with
“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” brought Caribbean warmth and Latin passion to New York’s playlists.
- “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish (9.24M views)
With 9.24 million views, Billie Eilish’s “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” rounded out the top 10 with a whispery, moody love song that’s signature Billie. Its haunting vibe made it a hit for late-night walks, rainy-day playlists, and introspective moments.
The song’s placement in a Netflix series only added to its reach, pushing it into mainstream rotation across the state.
Why New Yorkers Streamed It:
- Minimalist and emotional
- Great for focus, studying, and late-night vibes
- Billie’s existing fan base remains huge in NYC
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” proved that sometimes the quietest songs speak the loudest.
What These Songs Reveal About New York’s Musical DNA
New York’s most-streamed songs of 2024–2025 reveal a music scene that’s:
- Diverse – with Latin, K-pop, R&B, hip-hop, pop, and country all represented.
- Emotionally intelligent – from introspective tracks to cinematic anthems, feeling comes first.
- Trend-savvy – viral moments and social media drove several chart-toppers.
- Globally aware – the state’s playlists cross borders with ease.
Whether you're catching a train in Penn Station, sipping coffee in SoHo, or hiking through the Catskills, the Empire State listens to music that reflects its intensity, diversity, and heart.
Methodology
These rankings are based on YouTube Music’s location-specific analytics, tracking total views from users in New York between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025. The data includes mobile, desktop, and TV streams, offering a comprehensive look at what New Yorkers were really playing.
Final Thoughts: The Soundtrack of New York
From Kendrick Lamar’s seismic verses to Lady Gaga’s theatrical power ballads, New York’s musical pulse in 2024–2025 beat to a rhythm of bold statements, emotional truths, and global influence.
This is a state that listens loud, feels deeply, and celebrates artistry in every form. And whether you’re dancing in a Brooklyn loft, writing in a Hudson Valley cabin, or walking through Times Square, this year’s top tracks were your companion, your soundtrack, and your story.
Here’s to another year of unforgettable music in the Empire State.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025