Honestly, this list is a little wacky…
YouTube Music has introduced a new feature called “Monthly Audience,” offering a broader and more nuanced look at artist popularity on the platform. Similar to Spotify’s “monthly listeners,” this metric accounts for more than just official streams—it includes music videos, audio uploads, Shorts, lyric videos, fan edits, and more. For rap artists, this data reveals not only who’s currently trending, but also who holds long-term cultural relevance and consistent replay value across formats.
Leading the charge are Doechii and Eminem, who are tied at the top with a staggering 332 million monthly audience each. Doechii’s meteoric rise in the genre, amplified by her genre-fluid sound and viral visuals, makes her presence here impressive but not entirely surprising. On the other hand, Eminem’s decades-long career continues to dominate through classic music videos, fan-made tributes, and nostalgic content that keeps his work circulating worldwide.
Coming in third is Kendrick Lamar with 262 million, showing the massive engagement that followed his headline-grabbing battles and the anticipation for new material. Meanwhile, the late Coolio earns a surprising fourth-place spot with 251 million, fueled primarily by the timelessness of “Gangsta’s Paradise” and its consistent rotation in nostalgic and cinematic content.
Meek Mill and Wiz Khalifa both clock in at 237 million, reflecting how their music often finds second lives through motivational videos, remixes, and lifestyle content. Nicki Minaj, ever the icon, pulls 178 million, carried by her vibrant fanbase and an extensive catalog of colorful visuals that remain highly shareable.
Next, Travis Scott holds strong at 166 million, maintaining his grip on the culture with high-production visuals and event-style drops. J. Cole follows with 162 million, showing how deeply his introspective lyricism still resonates on YouTube, from live performances to lyric breakdowns. Kanye West, with 160 million, proves that even with less frequent releases, his influence remains pervasive thanks to fan compilations and archival content.
Rounding out the list is XXXTENTACION at 156 million. Despite his tragic passing in 2018, his emotionally charged music and raw visuals continue to attract a devoted and growing fanbase, especially among younger listeners.
Altogether, these numbers show that YouTube Music’s “Monthly Audience” metric goes beyond streams—it reflects impact, engagement, and cultural stickiness across the platform’s many formats. Whether driven by new hits or timeless catalog plays, these rappers are not just surviving in the streaming era—they’re dominating.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
