Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” wins Hip-Hop Song Of The Year at iHeartRadio Music Awards
Kendrick Lamar & SZA earn another award at iHeartRadio Awards
Kendrick Lamar and SZA scored one of the night’s biggest wins at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards as their hit single “Luther” was named Hip‑Hop Song of the Year. The award capped an extraordinary run for the track, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 13 consecutive weeks — one of the longest stretches at No. 1 for a hip‑hop song in recent history.
Presented March 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast live on FOX, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrated the most‑played and most‑beloved songs and artists on iHeartRadio platforms. The ceremony featured a mix of performances, special honors, and headline‑grabbing moments from across the music world.
Chart Dominance: “Luther” and Billboard Success
Originally released as part of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album, “Luther” has become one of 2025 and 2026’s most enduring hits. The song’s 13‑week run atop the Billboard Hot 100 marked a rare achievement for any single and underscored the commercial and cultural reach of Lamar and SZA’s collaboration.
The track’s success wasn’t just commercial. Critics praised the chemistry between Lamar and SZA and the song’s blend of emotional depth and widescreen appeal. It stood out on a crowded charts year for its radio play, streaming numbers, and wide demographic reach.
“Luther” also gained visibility through high‑profile live performances, including a standout moment at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025, where Lamar and SZA performed together before a national television audience.
GNX Wins Hip‑Hop Album of the Year
In addition to “Luther’s” win, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX took home Hip‑Hop Album of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. The album, released in late 2024, quickly became one of the most talked‑about projects of the year.
GNX debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking another major milestone in Lamar’s career and reinforcing his status as one of hip‑hop’s premier artists. The album featured a wide range of collaborators and producers, from SZA to Jack Antonoff and Mustard, bringing diverse sounds to the West Coast hip‑hop foundation.
Critics frequently cited GNX for its ambitious scope and cohesion, blending introspective lyricism with broad musical textures. Alongside “Luther,” singles like “Squabble Up” and “TV Off” also found strong commercial traction, with multiple tracks charting on Billboard and other major lists.
Awards Night Highlights and Broader Wins
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards was stacked with big names and big moments beyond Kendrick and SZA’s wins. Host Ludacris opened the night with energy, later receiving the Landmark Award in recognition of his long career in music and entertainment.
Other notable winners included Taylor Swift, who won Artist of the Year and Best Lyrics for “The Fate of Ophelia,” and rising stars like Alex Warren, who earned recognition as both Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Ordinary.”
The night also honored music icons, with Miley Cyrus receiving the Innovator Award for her influence and evolution as an artist, tying her past hits to current successes and cultural impact.
What the Awards Mean for Hip‑Hop
Winning Hip‑Hop Song of the Year and Hip‑Hop Album of the Year places Lamar in a rare category of artists who dominate both artistic recognition and chart performance. “Luther’s” Billboard run showed that hip‑hop can still achieve mainstream dominance at the highest levels of the music industry.
Hip‑hop remains a foundational part of popular music, influencing genres, fashion, and culture worldwide. Awards like the iHeartRadio Music Awards reflect not just streaming and play counts but cultural conversation and listener passion. Lamar’s success this awards season — including recognition at previous award shows — points to his ongoing impact in shaping the sound and direction of modern music.
Behind GNX: Crafting a Career‑Defining Project
GNX represented a significant step for Kendrick Lamar, both artistically and commercially. The album’s diverse production credits and featured artists showed a willingness to push beyond traditional hip‑hop boundaries while grounding its sound in classic rhythmic craft.
The album saw input from producers like Sounwave and Mustard, blending eclectic influences and modern rap sensibilities. SZA’s presence on “Luther” and other parts of the project brought R&B and melodic depth, expanding the album’s appeal to listeners beyond strict rap audiences.
Aside from commercial metrics, GNX earned critical praise for its storytelling, technical skill, and breadth of sound. Its success on the radio, streaming platforms, and award stages reflects how an album can resonate across sectors of the music world in the streaming era.
SZA’s Moment and Continued Success
For SZA, “Luther” continues a remarkable run of success that has seen her transition from breakout solo artist to one of the most sought‑after collaborators in music. Her synergy with Lamar on the track elevated both artists’ profiles and introduced new layers to their musical personas.
SZA’s career has been marked by strong chart performance, innovative artistic moves, and a growing influence in R&B and pop. Collaborating with Kendrick Lamar — one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of the last decade — further solidified her place in the upper echelons of contemporary music.
The Road Ahead: Tours, Awards, and Legacy
Following the success of GNX and “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA embarked on the Grand National Tour in 2025, giving fans around the world a chance to experience the music live. These performances helped turn the studio success into real‑world momentum, expanding fanbases and creating memorable concert experiences.
With major award wins behind them and chart performance that few others matched in recent years, both artists are positioned for continued influence. Awards like the iHeartRadio Music Awards not only celebrate past success but often signal opportunities ahead — including festival bookings, future collaborations, and lasting cultural impact.
iHeartRadio Music Awards: What to Know
The iHeartRadio Music Awards have become a key event in the award show calendar, honoring songs and artists that dominated radio airwaves and streaming platforms. The categories span genres and include both listener‑voted honors and industry‑selected awards.
Unlike some awards that focus primarily on peer voting or academy selection, iHeartRadio’s approach reflects what listeners actually play, share, and request — making it a snapshot of popular music’s pulse in any given year.
For Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and GNX, the night’s wins are not just trophies — they are milestones in careers that have shaped the sound of hip‑hop and contemporary music. “Luther’s” chart dominance and critical acclaim highlight the power of a song to connect across audiences, while GNX stands as an example of creative ambition rewarded by listeners and peers alike.
As the music industry continues to evolve, moments like this illustrate how songs and albums can define a year, influence culture, and leave a lasting imprint on listeners everywhere.