Top Songs in South Carolina (2024–2025): The State’s Most-Streamed Tracks That Ruled the Year
South Carolina is a state rich in musical heritage—from gospel and blues to modern-day trap, country, and Southern soul. In 2024–2025, Palmetto State listeners proved once again that they have a diverse, passionate, and deeply rooted appreciation for music. Whether you're vibing on the coast in Charleston, driving the backroads near Columbia, or tailgating in Greenville, this year's most-streamed songs offered a playlist that was as emotionally powerful as it was party-ready.
Based on YouTube Music streaming data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, these are the top 9 songs that South Carolina couldn’t get enough of this past year. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (4.51M views)
Kicking off the list at #1 with 4.51 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was a clear favorite in South Carolina. Fueled by a high-profile rap feud and Kendrick’s razor-sharp lyricism, this diss track turned cultural juggernaut dominated not only the national charts but also playlists across the Palmetto State.
Listeners across demographics—college students in Columbia, hip-hop fans in Charleston, and even older heads who follow lyricism—streamed the track heavily, solidifying it as the anthem of the year in South Carolina.
Why It Dominated:
- Cultural relevance and media buzz
- Kendrick’s lyrical mastery and bold energy
- Played everywhere from cars to parties to social media feeds
“Not Like Us” was South Carolina’s hip-hop moment of the year, combining drama, skill, and vibe in one track.
- “Wanna Be” – GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion (2.89M views)
Tied for second place with 2.89 million views, “Wanna Be” was a female empowerment anthem that South Carolina streamed on repeat. GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion brought raw energy, confidence, and unapologetic lyrics to this banger—earning major rotation across clubs, workout playlists, and college dorm rooms.
With strong urban music communities in cities like Columbia, Florence, and North Charleston, this track was a go-to for feelin’ yourself and turning up.
Why SC Loved It:
- Empowering message and high-octane energy
- Popular on TikTok and Reels
- Perfect for working out, getting ready, or riding with friends
“Wanna Be” was the ultimate hype track for South Carolina’s queens and go-getters.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (2.89M views)
Tying for second with another 2.89 million views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” captured South Carolina’s heart with soulful vulnerability and a powerhouse performance. Known for his emotional delivery and genre-blending style, Teddy’s live version gave listeners a front-row experience full of grit and grace.
Whether played during a slow drive down I-26 or while winding down after a long workday, this song connected deeply with fans of soul, gospel, and emotional storytelling.
Why It Resonated:
- Raw emotion and powerful vocals
- Soulful performance popular with older and younger listeners
- Real-life lyrics about love and loss
“Lose Control” was South Carolina’s emotional centerpiece of the year.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (2.62M views)
With 2.62 million views, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey became South Carolina’s favorite crossover jam. Combining country twang with hip-hop swagger, the song sampled J-Kwon’s classic “Tipsy” and transformed it into a modern party anthem.
This song played on repeat at summer BBQs, frat parties, beach hangouts in Myrtle Beach, and tailgates throughout the state.
Why It Crushed:
- Familiar but fresh thanks to its nostalgic sample
- Fun for dancing and drinking with friends
- Hit with both country and hip-hop fans
“A Bar Song” was the perfect soundtrack for South Carolina’s social scene.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (2.61M views)
Just one thousand views behind, with 2.61 million streams, “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone became the go-to track for those looking to reflect, feel, or simply slow down. A piano-driven ballad with haunting sincerity, it found listeners across South Carolina’s quieter corners.
Whether played during a sunset over Lake Marion or while unwinding after a long day, this song struck a chord with people looking for honest, beautiful simplicity.
Why It Hit Home:
- Emotional lyrics and stripped-down instrumentation
- Universal message about love and gratitude
- Resonated across generations
“Beautiful Things” brought a soft, contemplative side to SC’s streaming landscape.
- “Help Me” – Real Boston Richey (2.44M views)
With 2.44 million views, Real Boston Richey’s “Help Me” introduced raw street storytelling to South Carolina’s top 10. With gritty lyrics and a pulsing beat, the song was especially popular among fans of trap and underground hip-hop.
You’d hear this track in car speakers rolling through Columbia or blasting from Bluetooth speakers at backyard kickbacks.
Why It Charted:
- Strong presence in hip-hop and trap circles
- Gritty, real, and unapologetic
- Underground feel with rising mainstream momentum
“Help Me” added grit and reality to the Palmetto State’s playlist.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (2.33M views)
With 2.33 million views, “Die With A Smile” offered theatrical flair and vocal brilliance from two pop powerhouses—Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Dramatic, emotionally rich, and reminiscent of retro soul, the track resonated with fans who appreciate melody, meaning, and vocal artistry.
This one was a favorite for relaxing at home or getting lost in your thoughts.
Why SC Streamed It:
- Perfect for ballad lovers and fans of timeless vocals
- Emotional delivery that connects deeply
- Cross-generational appeal
“Die With A Smile” was South Carolina’s most elegant pop entry of the year.
- “Shake Dat A** (Twerk Song)” – BossMan Dlow (2.01M views)
Coming in hot with 2.01 million views, BossMan Dlow’s “Shake Dat Ass (Twerk Song)” was exactly what the title suggests: a twerk-ready, high-energy anthem that fired up parties across the state. It’s no surprise this one surged in popularity, especially among younger audiences and partygoers.
Played everywhere from house parties in Charleston to clubs in Columbia, this track was all about having a good time.
Why It Bumped:
- Straight-up fun and danceable
- Viral on TikTok and Instagram
- High school and college favorite
“Shake Dat A**” brought the unapologetic fun to South Carolina’s top songs list.
- “TGIF” – GloRilla (1.95M views)
Closing out the list with 1.95 million views, “TGIF” by GloRilla was a celebratory anthem for those who live for the weekend. With Friday energy, relatable lyrics, and a catchy beat, this song quickly became the theme song for pre-games, workday countdowns, and weekend adventures across South Carolina.
Whether you were clocking out of work in Spartanburg or hitting the club in Charleston, “TGIF” was the ultimate soundtrack to that “we made it” feeling.
Why It Made the Cut:
- Relatable and celebratory vibe
- Friday-night anthem status
- Popular with both casual listeners and rap fans
“TGIF” was South Carolina’s weekly celebration in a song.
What South Carolina’s Top Songs Say About Its Music Taste
South Carolina’s most-streamed tracks reveal a deeply diverse musical palette. From lyrical mastery and Southern trap to soul, country, and high-energy pop, Palmetto State listeners showed that they crave music with emotion, energy, and authenticity.
Key Trends:
- Hip-Hop & Trap Reign Supreme: Kendrick Lamar, GloRilla, and Real Boston Richey show the strong presence of Southern and mainstream rap.
- Female Power on the Rise: GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sabrina Carpenter all earned massive plays.
- Genre-Bending is In: Songs like “A Bar Song” and “I Had Some Help” (not in the top 9, but still widely played) show that South Carolinians love a good crossover.
- Vulnerability Still Matters: Emotional tracks like “Beautiful Things” and “Lose Control” made space for honesty and depth.
Methodology
This data comes from YouTube Music streaming analytics from users in South Carolina, recorded between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025. Rankings are based on the total number of video plays from devices in the state across that time period.
Final Thoughts: South Carolina’s Soundtrack of the Year
From Kendrick Lamar’s razor-sharp lyrics to Teddy Swims’ gut-wrenching vocals and GloRilla’s party-ready punchlines, South Carolina’s top songs of 2024–2025 capture a state that listens with its whole heart. Whether dancing, crying, reflecting, or turning up, listeners across the Palmetto State embraced tracks that moved them in every way.
As we head into another year of music, one thing is clear: South Carolina doesn’t just play music—it lives it.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025