Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” remains at number one in US for third straight week
Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Tops Hot 100 For Third Week
Kendrick Lamar and SZA continue to make history. Their latest collaboration, “Luther,” has secured the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the third consecutive week, cementing its place as one of the most dominant songs of 2024.
This marks a major milestone for both artists. For Kendrick, it’s only the second time in his career that one of his songs has remained at the top for three weeks straight, the first being “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin earlier this year. Meanwhile, this is SZA’s longest-running No. 1 hit, surpassing her previous chart-toppers “Kill Bill” and “Slime You Out” (with Drake), both of which only held the top position for a single week.
The success of “Luther” not only underscores Kendrick and SZA’s influence but also highlights a growing demand for R&B and hip-hop collaborations that seamlessly blend both genres.
But what makes “Luther” so special? How has it managed to capture such widespread attention? And what’s next for Kendrick and SZA as they gear up for their massive Grand National Tour? Let’s break it all down.
Why “Luther” Is a Chart-Topping Success
One of the key reasons behind “Luther”’s massive success is its clever use of sampling. The song flips Luther Vandross’ classic hit “If This World Were Mine”, a timeless R&B record that has resonated across generations. This blend of nostalgia and modern production has struck a chord with fans, bringing a fresh yet familiar sound to today’s charts.
Beyond its production, “Luther” thrives because of the undeniable chemistry between Kendrick and SZA. The song showcases Kendrick’s sharp storytelling and SZA’s signature smooth and emotional vocals. This dynamic creates a perfect balance between hip-hop’s lyrical depth and R&B’s melodic appeal, making the song accessible to a wide audience.
Social media has also played a crucial role in the song’s success. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Twitter (X) have been flooded with users reacting to the song, creating their own remixes, and discussing its meaning, lyrics, and production style. The viral nature of “Luther” has helped keep it at the top of streaming charts, further fueling its dominance on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Kendrick Lamar’s Unstoppable Chart Run
While “Luther” is Kendrick’s latest No. 1, it’s far from his only hit right now. He currently has four songs in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100:
- “Luther” – No. 1
- “Not Like Us” – No. 2
- “TV Off” – No. 3
- “Squabble Up” – No. 4
This level of chart domination is rare. It showcases Kendrick’s ability to consistently deliver music that resonates with both mainstream and hardcore hip-hop fans.
Much of his recent success can be attributed to the ongoing rap feud with Drake, which has kept his name in headlines and fueled excitement around his music. “Not Like Us,” a direct diss aimed at Drake, has become an anthem, sparking viral dance trends and dominating streaming services.
But even beyond the diss tracks, Kendrick’s ability to blend storytelling, intricate wordplay, and modern production ensures that his music remains both commercially and critically acclaimed.
SZA’s Continued Rise in R&B
For SZA, “Luther” represents another milestone in her meteoric rise over the past two years. Coming off the success of her Grammy-winning album “SOS”, she has solidified her position as one of R&B’s biggest stars.
Her ability to blend R&B, hip-hop, and alternative sounds has made her one of the most versatile artists today. Beyond “Luther,” she’s worked with Drake, Summer Walker, and Doja Cat, proving her ability to dominate charts across multiple genres.
With “Luther” now her longest-running No. 1 hit, it’s clear that SZA is not just riding a wave—she’s defining it.
The Grand National Tour: One of 2024’s Biggest Tours
Kendrick Lamar and SZA aren’t just dominating the charts—they’re about to take over arenas worldwide. Their Grand National Tour kicks off on April 19 in Minneapolis and runs through August 9 in Stockholm.
Key Tour Dates:
- April 19 – Minneapolis, MN (First show)
- June 18 – Washington, D.C. (Final U.S. show)
- July 2 – Paris, France (First European show)
- August 9 – Stockholm, Sweden (Final show)
Tickets have been in extremely high demand, with several overseas dates selling out within 24 hours, despite premium prices. Fans are eager to see these two stars share the stage, especially after their highly praised Super Bowl Halftime Show performance earlier this year.
With a setlist expected to feature both of their biggest hits, this tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest live events of 2024.
The Impact of “Luther” on Hip-Hop and R&B
The success of “Luther” is more than just a moment—it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of hip-hop and R&B. By merging elements of classic soul with modern rap and R&B, Kendrick and SZA are proving that blending genres isn’t just a trend—it’s the future.
This isn’t the first time hip-hop has embraced classic samples. Artists like Kanye West, Drake, and J. Cole have frequently used older R&B and soul records to create something new. However, “Luther” stands out because of its flawless execution and the star power behind it.
As hip-hop continues to evolve, expect to see more collaborations like this—where artists pay homage to the past while pushing the culture forward.
What’s Next for Kendrick & SZA?
With “Luther” still sitting at No. 1, the big question is: what’s next for Kendrick Lamar and SZA?
For Kendrick, there’s speculation that a new album could be on the way. With his recent wave of releases and his dominance on the charts, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s building up to something bigger.
As for SZA, fans are hoping for a deluxe edition of “SOS” or even a new project altogether. Given her recent success, another album could further establish her as one of the biggest voices in R&B today.
There’s also a strong possibility that Kendrick and SZA collaborate again in the near future. Their chemistry on “Luther” proves that they make an incredible duo, and fans would love to see them build on that momentum.
“Luther” Is More Than Just a Hit—It’s a Moment
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” isn’t just another No. 1 hit—it’s a defining moment for hip-hop and R&B in 2024.
From its Luther Vandross sample to its flawless blend of rap and R&B, the song captures everything fans love about both artists. It also proves that their influence is stronger than ever, whether in the studio, on stage, or on the charts.
As “Luther” holds the No. 1 spot for a third straight week, it’s clear that this song has left an undeniable impact. And with the Grand National Tour on the horizon, the momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.