Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” reaches 11th consecutive week at number one in US
Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Reigns at No. 1 for 11 Weeks
Kendrick Lamar and SZA have delivered one of the most compelling musical moments of the past year. Their powerful collaboration, “Luther,” has achieved a milestone rarely seen in today’s fast-moving industry—11 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Their combined talent, lyrical depth, and emotional delivery have struck a chord with fans across the globe. From radio plays to viral social media clips, “Luther” has become more than just a hit—it’s a cultural benchmark for what happens when two generational talents align.
The Roots of “Luther”: Soul Meets Modern Mastery
“Luther” borrows its title and musical DNA from the late Luther Vandross, sampling his timeless 1982 ballad, “If This World Were Mine.” But rather than simply rehashing the past, Kendrick and SZA reimagine it—merging soul with modern hip-hop and R&B sensibilities.
The production features soft synths, warm basslines, and layered vocals, giving it a nostalgic yet refreshing feel. The track’s structure builds with emotion, giving SZA room to soar with her signature vocal runs while Kendrick delivers introspective, poetic bars.
By weaving Vandross’s legacy into a modern soundscape, the track becomes an intergenerational tribute—timeless and current all at once.
Chart Domination: A Historic 11-Week Reign
Since debuting on Kendrick’s Billboard 200-topping album, GNX, “Luther” has steadily climbed the charts, finally reaching No. 1 on March 1, 2025.
What makes its chart run historic?
- It’s Kendrick’s longest-running No. 1 single as a lead artist.
- It’s SZA’s first song to spend more than 10 weeks at the top.
- It joins an exclusive group of less than 50 songs to dominate the Hot 100 for 10+ weeks (Billboard).
The track also dominates Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, proving its appeal isn’t just domestic—it’s global.
Global Reach: “Luther” Resonates Worldwide
“Luther” didn’t stop at U.S. success. The song quickly became a global hit, topping charts in:
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Philippines
It also made the top 10 in:
- Australia
- Canada
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
This international success demonstrates the universal appeal of emotionally rich storytelling and genre-blending soundscapes. It also reinforces how streaming platforms have turned local hits into worldwide sensations almost overnight.
Grand National World Tour: Redefining Live Hip-Hop
To support GNX and SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana, the duo launched their Grand National World Tour on April 19, 2025. This marks their first full stadium tour together and one of the most anticipated hip-hop tours in years.
The tour includes:
- 39 dates across North America and Europe
- Headlining stadiums like Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Wembley Stadium in London
- A European kickoff on July 2 in Cologne, Germany
So far, the Grand National Tour is breaking records. The opening night in Minneapolis grossed over $9 million, setting a new city record previously held by Eminem.
Fans and critics alike are calling it a masterclass in performance, with reviews praising the chemistry, staging, and emotional storytelling the two bring to the stage.
Beyond “Luther”: A Growing Catalog of Collaborations
“Luther” is just one of three major collaborations between Kendrick and SZA over the past year. Each track has offered a different flavor of their artistic connection:
- “Gloria” – A mid-tempo standout from GNX, featuring cinematic instrumentation and a raw exploration of fame and spiritual conflict.
- “30 For 30” – Featured on SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana, this track sees both artists reflect on personal growth and media pressure over a lo-fi beat.
These songs reflect the creative maturity both artists have reached. Their chemistry is natural, evolved from years of friendship and label camaraderie during their shared time at Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE).
From TDE to Titans: A Shared Journey
Kendrick Lamar and SZA both emerged from TDE—one of hip-hop’s most influential collectives. But over the years, they’ve carved out unique lanes:
- Kendrick is celebrated for his narrative lyricism, dense wordplay, and Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN.
- SZA blends neo-soul, alt-pop, and R&B into emotionally raw masterpieces like CTRL and SOS.
Though they’ve since moved toward more independent ventures, their shared history adds emotional depth to every collaboration. There’s a trust and familiarity in their music that’s hard to replicate.
What Makes a Song Timeless?
Why does “Luther” stand out among so many chart-topping tracks? It comes down to timeless ingredients:
- Emotional honesty: The lyrics are vulnerable and poetic.
- Genre fluidity: A seamless mix of hip-hop, R&B, soul, and pop.
- Cultural tribute: Honoring Vandross gives it weight beyond the charts.
- Shared artistry: Kendrick and SZA elevate each other in every verse and chorus.
These elements don’t just make a hit—they make a classic.
What’s Next for Kendrick and SZA?
As “Luther” continues its historic run, fans are left wondering—is a joint project in the works? While no official word has been given, the consistent collaborations and shared tour hint at something bigger on the horizon.
Given the commercial and critical success they’ve found together, a joint EP—or even a full album—would likely be one of the most anticipated releases of the decade.
A Defining Cultural Moment
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” isn’t just another chart-topping single. It’s a defining moment in modern music—where artistic depth meets mass appeal, and two visionary voices create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Through chart success, a world tour, and a growing catalog of work together, the duo is rewriting the blueprint for collaboration in hip-hop and R&B.
Their journey continues—and if the last year is any indication, they’re just getting started.