Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” breaks record for longest running number one hit in Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart history

Kendrick Lamar & SZA Break Billboard Record With “Luther”

Kendrick Lamar and SZA have officially rewritten the Billboard history books. Their explosive collaboration, “Luther,”just became the longest-running #1 hit in the history of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, holding the top spot for an unprecedented 23 weeks. That’s nearly six months of uninterrupted chart dominance — a staggering achievement in today’s fast-moving music landscape.

Even more remarkable? The record “Luther” broke was set by Kendrick’s own track, “Not Like Us.”

A Record-Breaking Duo in Sync

Kendrick Lamar and SZA have long been recognized as two of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop and R&B. But “Luther” isn’t just another hit for either of them — it’s a cultural moment.

The song, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, has proven to be more than a streaming juggernaut. It’s become a generational anthem. Its soulful hook, blistering verses, and layered production have helped it stick with fans — whether they’re blasting it in their cars, sharing it on TikTok, or catching it live on stage.

The Power of TDE’s Chemistry

Both Kendrick and SZA come from the now-iconic Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) label, and “Luther” reminds the world what happens when two of its brightest stars collaborate. While they’ve teamed up before — most notably on “All the Stars” for Black Panther: The Album — “Luther” hits differently. While Kendrick isn’t signed to TDE anymore, his relationship with the label remains very much strong to this day. 

It blends Kendrick’s sharp storytelling and SZA’s raw emotion, resulting in a genre-blending track that’s equal parts hip-hop fire and R&B soul. It’s catchy enough for the charts, yet layered enough to satisfy long-time fans.

From “Not Like Us” to “Luther”: Kendrick’s Chart Legacy

It’s worth noting just how dominant Kendrick Lamar has been over the past year. “Not Like Us,” his now-legendary Drake diss track, ruled the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for 22 weeks — a record at the time.

To then break that same record with a follow-up single shows the depth and range of Kendrick’s artistry. He’s not just winning headlines for diss tracks and lyrical feuds — he’s delivering timeless music that connects with audiences on a massive scale.

The Grand National World Tour: A Victory Lap

As if chart history wasn’t enough, Kendrick and SZA are currently riding the high of their wildly successful Grand National World Tour. The North American leg of the tour has already been met with rave reviews, drawing sold-out crowds in major cities from New York to Los Angeles.

Both artists bring unique energy to the stage. Kendrick’s sets are theatrical, intense, and filled with social commentary. SZA, on the other hand, offers more intimate, emotionally rich performances, often backed by stunning visuals and choreography.

This dynamic makes the Grand National Tour one of 2025’s most talked-about live experiences.

As the tour prepares to head to the UK and Europe in July, fans across the Atlantic are already buzzing. If the North American dates are anything to go by, ticket holders are in for a once-in-a-generation show.

Why “Luther” Matters Culturally

Beyond the numbers and accolades, “Luther” taps into deeper cultural themes. Its lyrics speak to identity, resilience, and transformation — common threads in both Kendrick and SZA’s catalogues. For Kendrick, it’s an extension of his legacy as a truth-teller and social commentator. For SZA, it’s another step in her evolution as one of the most authentic voices in R&B.

It’s also a testament to the power of collaboration in a competitive industry. Where many artists shy away from working together at the top of their game, Kendrick and SZA continue to elevate each other.

Lessons from “Luther’s” Success

While “Luther” is undoubtedly a hit of the moment, it also offers evergreen insights for artists, fans, and industry insiders alike:

• Timeless music wins: Trends come and go, but emotionally resonant music — backed by real storytelling — lasts.
• Collaboration matters: Great artists can go far alone, but history is made when they come together.
• Quality over quantity: Kendrick and SZA don’t flood the market. They drop when the time is right — and they do it with purpose.

What’s Next for Kendrick and SZA?

Both artists are reportedly working on new solo albums, though details remain tightly under wraps. Given the momentum of “Luther” and the Grand National Tour, it’s safe to assume that fans won’t have to wait too long for what’s next.

For Kendrick, this could be a follow-up to his critically acclaimed Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. For SZA, it may be the next chapter after her Grammy-winning SOS album — one of the most successful R&B records of the decade.

With “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA haven’t just broken a record — they’ve made a statement. In an era obsessed with algorithms and viral hits, they’ve shown that authentic artistry still leads the way.

As the song continues to dominate and the Grand National Tour rolls into new territories, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a good year for Kendrick and SZA. It’s a historic one.