Top Songs in North Carolina (2024–2025): What the Tar Heel State Streamed the Most
From the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains to the bustling streets of Charlotte and the coastal calm of the Outer Banks, North Carolina is as musically diverse as its geography. Whether you're tuning in from a front porch in Asheville, a tailgate in Raleigh, or a beach house in Wilmington, one thing’s for sure—music is woven into the soul of the state.
Based on YouTube Music streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, the most-played songs in North Carolina reflect a blend of emotional depth, cultural relevance, viral trends, and genre crossover. Let’s dive into the nine tracks that kept the Tar Heel State pressing play—and what those choices reveal about North Carolina’s unique musical taste. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (16.6M views)
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” comes in strong as North Carolina’s most streamed song of the year with a massive 16.6 million views. A hard-hitting diss track that shook the hip-hop world, it quickly transformed from internet buzz into a cultural moment—and Tar Heel listeners couldn’t get enough.
Kendrick’s West Coast flow might be regional, but his influence knows no borders. From college campuses like UNC and Duke to backyard barbecues and late-night drives, “Not Like Us” was everywhere.
Why It Hit in North Carolina:
- Timely cultural relevance
- Complex lyricism that rewarded repeated listening
- Catchy beat perfect for both parties and solo sessions
“Not Like Us” was more than a diss—it was an anthem, and North Carolinians made it their soundtrack of the year.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (12.2M views)
With 12.2 million views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” found a deep emotional connection in the hearts of North Carolinians. The song’s stripped-down delivery, powerful vocals, and raw vulnerability gave it a live-in-the-room feeling that listeners adored.
In a state that values authenticity—from Appalachian storytelling to gospel choirs—this performance hit home.
Why It Resonated:
- Southern soul with real, lived-in emotion
- Perfect for quiet evenings and reflective drives
- Universal themes of heartbreak and release
“Lose Control (Live)” offered a soulful balm to the intensity of daily life—and North Carolina welcomed it.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (10.4M views)
With 10.4 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” proved that country-rap is alive and well in the South. With nods to early 2000s party anthems and a modern twist, the track became a Friday night staple across North Carolina.
Whether at a lake party in Lake Norman or a dance floor in Greensboro, this song was made for turning up and letting loose.
Why It Blew Up:
- Southern-friendly sound with hip-hop nostalgia
- Catchy, danceable beat
- Perfect for bars, cookouts, and party playlists
“A Bar Song” was the social soundtrack of the summer—fun, familiar, and undeniably infectious.
- “Wanna Be” – GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion (9.65M views)
With 9.65 million views, the powerhouse collaboration of GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion on “Wanna Be” delivered high energy, unapologetic confidence, and a strong dose of girl power to North Carolina playlists.
This track resonated with younger listeners, especially in college towns like Chapel Hill and Boone, and found its way into workout routines and party soundtracks.
Why It Dominated:
- Empowering lyrics and confident delivery
- Big personalities with strong fanbases in the South
- Viral appeal on TikTok and Reels
“Wanna Be” gave North Carolina listeners a bold, defiant anthem that encouraged them to show up and stand tall.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (9.61M views)
Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”, with 9.61 million views, emerged as a favorite for North Carolinians looking for something gentle, introspective, and deeply emotional. The soft piano ballad became the perfect background to quiet drives through the mountains or winding down after a long day.
Its message of gratitude laced with fear of loss struck a chord in a state where family and faith are often centerpieces of daily life.
Why It Touched Listeners:
- Tender lyrics and minimal production
- Strong emotional pull for universal themes
- Became a “pause and reflect” track statewide
“Beautiful Things” brought balance and grace to an otherwise high-energy playlist.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (7.91M views)
With 7.91 million views, “Die With A Smile” brought powerful vocals and retro charm to North Carolina. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars crafted a theatrical, emotionally charged duet that resonated in towns that appreciate performance and storytelling.
From theater lovers in Charlotte to soul fans in Winston-Salem, the song found its way into hearts and playlists with its sweeping sound and universal message.
Why It Stood Out:
- Two powerhouse vocalists with cross-generational appeal
- Lush production that nods to old-school soul
- Ideal for weddings, anniversaries, or quiet evenings
“Die With A Smile” proved that dramatic ballads still have a place in the Southern musical landscape.
- “Help Me” – Real Boston Richey (7.31M views)
Real Boston Richey’s “Help Me” drew 7.31 million views in North Carolina, signaling that raw, street-level storytelling still resonates strongly. With its hard-hitting production and emotional honesty, the song connected with listeners looking for something gritty and real.
It particularly gained traction in urban centers like Durham, Fayetteville, and Raleigh, where fans of Southern rap found its narrative gripping.
Why It Worked:
- Raw vulnerability mixed with street sensibility
- Represents a growing wave of emotional hip-hop
- A stark contrast to more polished pop hits
“Help Me” showed that honesty in pain can be just as powerful as celebration.
- “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” – Tommy Richman (6.95M views)
Tommy Richman’s “MILLION DOLLAR BABY”, with 6.95 million views, brought a funky, alternative twist to North Carolina’s top songs. With its unique production and laid-back delivery, the track became a favorite for those who like their pop with a bit of an edge.
Its retro-inspired groove and mysterious aesthetic made it a go-to for listeners who wanted something different but still catchy.
Why North Carolina Streamed It:
- A genre-bending sound that stands out
- Perfect for chill playlists and casual listening
- Appeals to indie-pop and alt-R&B fans
“MILLION DOLLAR BABY” added a layer of cool, offbeat charm to the state’s sonic profile.
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (feat. Morgan Wallen) (6.67M views)
Rounding out the top 10 with 6.67 million views, “I Had Some Help” from Post Malone and Morgan Wallen became North Carolina’s go-to country-pop crossover. With breakup-themed lyrics, a laid-back tempo, and a Southern touch, it felt right at home.
It was especially popular in rural communities, beach towns, and country music hotspots like Greenville and Jacksonville.
Why It Connected:
- Southern drawl + pop polish
- Relatable story of relationships and accountability
- Familiar voices with mass appeal
“I Had Some Help” walked the perfect line between country grit and pop shine—just like North Carolina itself.
What These Top Songs Reveal About North Carolina’s Music Taste
North Carolina’s 2024–2025 playlist reflects a musically mature, emotionally tuned-in, and culturally diverse state of listeners. These songs showcase the Tar Heel State’s ability to embrace deep reflection, high-energy fun, and powerful storytelling all in the same breath.
Key Takeaways:
- Lyrical substance matters – Tracks like “Help Me” and “Lose Control” show a hunger for emotional depth.
- Party-ready bangers dominate – From “A Bar Song” to “Wanna Be,” North Carolina knows how to have a good time.
- Genre blending is the future – Country-rap, alt-pop, and global collabs show that boundaries are fading.
- Diversity is embraced – North Carolinians stream across cultures, moods, and musical styles.
Methodology
This article is based on YouTube Music’s geographic analytics, measuring total song views from users located in North Carolina between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025. The data includes views across all devices and represents real-world listening behavior.
Final Thoughts: North Carolina’s 2024–2025 Playlist of the Year
From Kendrick’s lyrical fire to Teddy Swims’ soul-soaked vocals, from party anthems to piano ballads, the Tar Heel State’s musical taste is bold, balanced, and uniquely its own.
No matter where you’re listening from—urban sprawl, mountain town, or beachside retreat—these songs connected us all through lyrics, melody, and meaning.
As the soundtrack for life in North Carolina, these top hits show us that the state’s heart beats in perfect rhythm with the rest of the world—while still marching to its own tune.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025