Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” Hits 8 Weeks at No. 1
Kendrick Lamar and SZA are proving to be one of the most powerful duos in modern music. Their emotional, chart-topping collaboration Luther has now reached its eighth total week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, continuing an impressive run that began late last year.
The single first appeared on Kendrick’s critically acclaimed GNX album, which was released in November 2024. Since then, Luther has become more than just a fan favorite—it’s turned into a cultural touchstone, fueled by live performances, a tribute-filled music video, and a forthcoming world tour.
A Billboard Reign That Shows No Signs of Slowing
On Monday, the Billboard Hot 100 confirmed that Luther earned its eighth week at No. 1, a major achievement in today’s competitive music landscape. With viral hits dropping every week and constant shifts in streaming habits, staying at the top this long is rare.
What’s even more impressive? Luther is a slow-burning, emotionally rich ballad—not the typical viral, TikTok-driven pop hit that dominates the charts today. Instead, it thrives on strong songwriting, heartfelt performances, and the undeniable chemistry between Kendrick and SZA.
From the Studio to the Stadium: Super Bowl Spotlight
While Luther was already climbing the charts in early 2025, its momentum skyrocketed after a show-stopping Super Bowl halftime performance. Held in New Orleans this past February, the performance was a standout moment in a halftime show already packed with surprises.
Kendrick and SZA performed Luther with a full orchestra and gospel choir, bringing added depth and emotion to a song already praised for its vulnerability. Fans and critics called it one of the night’s highlights—an example of how music and storytelling can still create magic on the world’s biggest stage.
The performance introduced Luther to a broader audience and gave the track a second wave of streaming and radio success. It also sparked new conversations about the power of R&B-infused hip-hop in 2025’s music landscape.
The Music Video: A Moving Tribute to Luther Vandross
Just last week, Kendrick and SZA dropped the official music video for Luther, and it’s already being hailed as one of the most meaningful visuals of the year. The video is a tribute to Luther Vandross, the late, legendary R&B singer whose influence can be heard in the song’s tone, emotion, and production.
The video features warm, vintage aesthetics, choreographed scenes inspired by classic R&B videos, and intimate moments that mirror the depth of the lyrics. For longtime fans of Vandross, the tribute was a touching homage. For younger audiences, it served as an introduction to an icon whose influence shaped the sound of modern soul.
This blend of nostalgia and innovation is part of what makes Kendrick and SZA’s collaboration so effective. They honor the past while pushing boundaries in the present.
Kendrick and SZA’s Tour: A Global Moment in the Making
Now, fans have even more to look forward to as Kendrick and SZA prepare to launch the Grand National World Tour. The first stop is set for April 19 in Minneapolis, and the tour will hit major cities across North America before heading to Europe and the UK this summer.
Given their joint success with Luther—and their other recent collabs—this tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the year. It also marks the first time the two stars have headlined a full tour together, despite their long creative history dating back to their Top Dawg Entertainment days.
Their setlist is expected to include Luther, along with other major hits like All the Stars, Love Galore, HUMBLE., Kill Bill, and new cuts from both GNX and SOS Deluxe: Lana.
Kendrick & SZA: A Creative Partnership Built Over Years
While Luther may be their biggest hit to date, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have built their artistic partnership over nearly a decade. They’ve released three songs together since fall 2024 alone:
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“Luther” – from GNX, now at 8 weeks at No. 1
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“Gloria” – another standout from GNX, showcasing Kendrick’s storytelling and SZA’s soft-spoken delivery
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“30 For 30” – a moody, reflective cut from SOS Deluxe: Lana, SZA’s latest expansion of her 2022 Grammy-winning album SOS
Each track highlights a different side of their creative range—from raw vulnerability to cinematic production to introspective lyricism. Together, they strike a balance between hip-hop’s sharp edges and R&B’s emotional core.
A Bigger Picture: The Evolution of Modern R&B and Rap
Kendrick and SZA’s continued collaboration signals more than just two artists making great music together. It represents the evolution of modern rap and R&B, where genre lines are blurred and storytelling is king.
This is part of why songs like Luther are resonating so deeply. They don’t just rely on hooks or trend-driven formulas—they tap into emotion, memory, and timeless themes. Love, loss, healing, and reflection are all baked into the DNA of this music.
And in a world where much of pop culture moves fast, Luther invites listeners to slow down, feel something, and connect.
The Legacy of “Luther” and What Comes Next
With Luther continuing to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching new milestones on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, its legacy is still unfolding. The song is already being discussed as a Grammy frontrunner, and it’s highly likely to pick up nominations across categories—from Song of the Year to Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Kendrick and SZA, meanwhile, are showing no signs of slowing down. Kendrick’s GNX album continues to perform well on the Billboard 200, and SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana has introduced new layers to an already classic album. Both artists are in their prime, pushing boundaries and staying true to their respective artistic visions.
With the Grand National Tour just days away and fan excitement at an all-time high, this joint era is not just a moment—it’s a movement.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Luther isn’t just another number one hit—it’s a cultural moment defined by purpose, passion, and performance. As it enters its eighth week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and continues its reign as a streaming powerhouse, the track stands as proof that timeless music still wins.
Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or already have it on repeat, Luther is a reminder of what happens when two generational artists come together—with no compromises and nothing but soul.
