Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” named Best Collaboration at BET Awards

Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” shines at BET Awards

The 2025 BET Awards proved once again why Kendrick Lamar and SZA remain at the top of the music industry. On a night filled with powerful performances, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable moments, these two artists walked away with a combined nine wins, cementing their status as modern icons.

Their collaborative single “Luther”—a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper—was one of the night’s biggest highlights, winning Best Collaboration. Kendrick’s latest album, “GNX,” has not only made waves commercially but has reshaped the conversation around hip-hop as an art form. SZA, meanwhile, continues to redefine what it means to be an R&B star in 2025.

“Luther” and the Art of Collaboration

The song “Luther” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in March 2025. It’s more than a chart-topping single; it’s a sonic experience that bridges hip-hop and R&B with elegance and depth.

In an age where collaboration is sometimes formulaic, “Luther” stands out. It’s the kind of track that feels both fresh and timeless. With its 13-week reign at number one, it’s clear listeners connected with its emotional weight and musicality.

This isn’t the first time Kendrick and SZA have teamed up, but it may be their most impactful. Their past work on “All the Stars” set the stage, but “Luther” has taken things to a new level. The song’s success at the BET Awards, where it earned Best Collaboration, validates its cultural resonance.

Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” — A Modern Hip-Hop Milestone

Kendrick Lamar has never been one to chase trends. With the release of “GNX,” he’s once again proven why he’s considered one of the greatest lyricists of his generation.

The album picked up multiple BET Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Each track on “GNX” feels intentional, layered, and thought-provoking—qualities that are often missing in today’s streaming-focused music scene.

“GNX” doesn’t just entertain. It educates, confronts, and invites repeat listens. Kendrick balances commercial success with creative risk, a feat that only a few in the industry consistently manage.

SZA: Four Wins and Still Rising

SZA‘s journey has been anything but linear. Her win for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist at the 2025 BET Awards is a testament to her staying power. She also grabbed awards for Video Director of the Year and two more for her solo work.

While some artists fade after one big album, SZA has only evolved. From “Ctrl” to her more recent projects, she has blended vulnerability with strength, giving listeners a voice for their own emotional journeys.

She’s not just making hits. She’s shaping the future of R&B.

The Grand National Tour: Live Music Reimagined

Kendrick and SZA are not stopping with awards. They’re in the midst of the Grand National World Tour, which is breaking attendance records across North America. Launched in April 2025, the tour has sold out arenas in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto.

This month, the tour wraps up its North American leg, with final shows in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Next month, they’re taking their high-energy performances to Europe and the UK, with stops in London, Paris, Cologne, and Stockholm.

More than just a concert series, the Grand National Tour is a cultural moment. With dazzling visuals, politically charged interludes, and setlists that span their discographies, fans are getting an experience worth every dollar.

Why This Moment Matters for Music Fans

At a time when algorithms drive so much of what we hear, Kendrick and SZA remind us of the power of authenticity. They are proof that you can succeed by prioritizing artistry, message, and real connection with fans.

This moment also highlights a shift in the culture of award shows. The BET Awards celebrated talent and substance, not just popularity. Seeing meaningful music recognized on a major platform offers hope to artists who don’t fit the typical mold.

Whether it’s through the introspective verses of Kendrick’s “GNX” or the soul-baring vocals in SZA’s catalog, both artists are making space for emotion, reflection, and healing in mainstream music.

What Artists and Fans Can Learn

Whether you’re a budding musician, a longtime fan, or someone exploring music’s deeper layers, there are lessons to take from this moment:

• Collaboration is powerful: The success of “Luther” shows that when two artists bring their best, magic can happen.
• Artistry still matters: Kendrick’s “GNX” proves that thoughtful, conceptual albums can thrive in the age of singles.
• Live shows are irreplaceable: The Grand National Tour shows that even in a digital world, fans crave real, shared experiences.
• Representation is vital: With both artists celebrating Black excellence on a global stage, they inspire the next generation to own their voice.

What’s Next?

With their continued dominance on the charts and the road, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are poised to make 2025 a career-defining year. Fans are speculating whether another collaborative project is in the works—especially with the success of “Luther.”

There are also rumors of a documentary capturing their tour, behind-the-scenes moments, and the making of “GNX.” If true, it could be the kind of legacy content fans revisit for years.

Final Thoughts

Kendrick Lamar and SZA didn’t just win awards last night—they made a statement. In a music industry often driven by fleeting trends, they’re offering something lasting.

As the Grand National Tour continues overseas and “Luther” holds strong on the charts, one thing is clear: These two aren’t just artists. They’re architects of the culture.