Kendrick Lamar and SZA have once again proven their dominance in the music industry, as their collaborative single “Luther” secures the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a third consecutive week. This milestone cements Lamar’s place as one of hip-hop’s most consistent chart-toppers while marking a career-first achievement for SZA.

For Kendrick, this three-week run at the top ties his previous record set with “Like That”—his collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin—which held the No. 1 spot for three straight weeks in April 2024. Meanwhile, for SZA, this is an unprecedented victory. Her past chart-toppers, “Slime You Out” with Drake and her solo smash “Kill Bill,” only held the No. 1 position for a single week. With “Luther,” she now has her first multi-week Hot 100 reign, further establishing her as one of today’s most influential R&B artists.

But what makes “Luther” such a powerhouse hit? From its infectious melody to the undeniable chemistry between Lamar and SZA, the track resonates with fans across genres. With its seamless fusion of hip-hop and R&B, a nostalgic Luther Vandross sample, and a hypnotic vocal interplay, this song continues to captivate audiences.

The Story Behind “Luther”

Released on November 29, 2024, “Luther” is the third single from Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album GNX. The track quickly caught fire thanks to its smooth production, heartfelt lyrics, and a masterfully flipped sample of Luther Vandross’ rendition of “If This World Were Mine,” originally written and recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

The song’s title, “Luther,” is an obvious nod to the late R&B legend Vandross, whose influence runs deep throughout the track. By incorporating Vandross’ iconic vocals and infusing them with contemporary hip-hop beats, Lamar and SZA have crafted a timeless anthem that bridges multiple generations of music lovers.

A Perfect Blend of Hip-Hop and R&B

One of the standout elements of “Luther” is its production. The track was crafted by an elite team of producers, including Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and Kamasi Washington, who managed to create an immersive soundscape that blends classic R&B instrumentation with modern hip-hop sensibilities. The lush string sections, deep 808s, and crisp hi-hats provide the perfect backdrop for Kendrick’s introspective verses and SZA’s soulful crooning.

Lamar’s lyrics in “Luther” tell a poignant story of love, loss, and redemption, with his signature poetic flair. Meanwhile, SZA’s buttery smooth vocals complement Lamar’s storytelling, adding depth and emotion to the song. Their chemistry is undeniable, making this one of the most compelling collaborations in recent years.

Critical and Commercial Success

“Luther” has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Kyann-Sian Williams of NME called it “a testament to Lamar and SZA’s incredible chemistry,” while Lindsay Zoladz of The New York Times praised the track for its “tender, introspective energy.” Rolling Stone’s Tomás Mier commended Kendrick’s evolution as a vocalist, highlighting the effortless synergy between the two artists.

The song’s chart performance has been nothing short of impressive. After debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Luther” saw a significant boost following Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance on February 9, 2025. The live performance, which featured a surprise guest appearance from SZA, helped propel the track to No. 2 the following week. By March 1, 2025, it had officially claimed the No. 1 spot.

The numbers behind its success are staggering:

6,000 digital downloads in one week
45.2 million streams
46.7 million radio airplay audiences

These figures highlight the song’s cross-platform appeal, with strong streaming numbers, radio rotation, and digital sales all contributing to its dominance.

The Grand National Tour: A Celebration of Success

Riding the wave of “Luther’s” success, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have announced the Grand National Tour, a massive co-headlining trek that will take them across North America and Europe in 2025. The tour is named after Lamar’s album GNX, which draws inspiration from the 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental, symbolizing a fusion of classic and modern artistry.

Tour Dates and Major Stops

The Grand National Tour will kick off on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The North American leg will take the duo to major cities, including:

Houston, TX
Atlanta, GA
Philadelphia, PA
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
Detroit, MI
Toronto, Canada
Washington, D.C.

Following the North American stretch, Lamar and SZA will embark on the European leg of the tour, with stops in:

Cologne, Germany
Glasgow, Scotland
Birmingham, England
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Paris, France
Lisbon, Portugal
Barcelona, Spain
Rome, Italy
Warsaw, Poland
Stockholm, Sweden (Final show on August 9, 2025)

Massive Demand for Tickets

Tickets for the North American dates went on sale on December 3, 2024, with early presales available through Cash App and Ticketmaster’s Official Platinum program. The European dates were announced on February 10, 2025, with general sales beginning on February 14.

Due to overwhelming demand, additional dates were added in cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. Some venues sold out within minutes, proving that Lamar and SZA are among the most sought-after live acts in the world today.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show’s Influence

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance was a defining moment for hip-hop and played a crucial role in boosting “Luther’s” success. Lamar became the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl—a monumental achievement for the genre.

The performance was a spectacle, featuring guest appearances from SZA and DJ Mustard. Despite some controversy surrounding Lamar’s choice to perform “Not Like Us” amid an ongoing legal battle with Drake, the set was widely praised for its artistry and cultural impact.

The Super Bowl set generated:

Hundreds of millions of views worldwide
A significant spike in streaming numbers for “Luther”
A surge in ticket sales for the Grand National Tour

Final Thoughts: A Historic Moment for Music

With “Luther” maintaining its grip on the Billboard Hot 100 for a third straight week, Kendrick Lamar and SZA continue to solidify themselves as two of the most influential artists of their generation. The song’s unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, combined with the cultural weight of its Luther Vandross sample, makes it one of the defining tracks of 2025.

As the Grand National Tour approaches and the duo continues to break records, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of their reign. Whether through chart dominance, electrifying performances, or their undeniable musical chemistry, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are proving they are an unstoppable force in the industry.

With fans eagerly awaiting their upcoming shows, one thing is certain—the era of Kendrick and SZA is far from over.