Kendrick Lamar tops Apple Music as most streamed song of 2024

In 2024, the music industry observed a significant emergence of new artists in various genres, alongside established stars revitalizing their sounds and gaining popularity. Apple Music's annual Replay event highlighted these trends by revealing that Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us was the platform's most streamed song of the year. This selection is significant as it showcases Lamar's ability to connect with listeners and underscores his impact on the music scene, particularly following a week of intense public interest in cultural and social issues raised in his work. Throughout the year, several mainstream and indie pop artists achieved breakthroughs, offering fresh sounds that resonated with listeners. A range of genres—from rap to indie rock—received acclaim as new hitmakers made their mark on the charts. NPR Music compiled a list of 124 outstanding tracks, celebrating the creativity and diversity of musical expression in 2024, reflecting a genre-blending approach that has become commonplace. As the music year comes to a close, the Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay summaries provided insights into artists’ streaming performance, highlighting the shifts in listener preferences. Celebrities shared their Spotify Wrapped results, revealing a common preference for artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Chappell Roan. The engagement in this digital art show demonstrated how fans and artists alike reflect on their musical journeys while fostering a vibrant community of music enthusiasts. In addition to the mid-year breakouts, traditional pop artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter also maintained their relevance with songs like Cruel Summer and Espresso making waves. Collectively, the data from Apple Music and Spotify may suggest a renewed interest and investment in new talent, encouraging further exploration of rising stars and innovative sounds in the coming year.