Kendrick Lamar and SZA are back in visual form, unveiling the music video for their chart-topping hit “luther”—a smouldering, sample-laced slow-burn that’s quietly dominated 2025’s airwaves. Directed by Karena Evans, best known for her cinematic work with Drake and Coldplay, the video leans into elegance and restraint, letting atmosphere do the heavy lifting.
The “luther” visual arrives at a moment of peak momentum. The song, pulled from Lamar’s surprise November release GNX, has held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks—an impressive feat propelled by a powerhouse Super Bowl Halftime performance that reignited its chart climb.
While GNX made headlines for its dense production and collaborations with Jack Antonoff and Kamasi Washington, “luther” stood out immediately—its emotional resonance amplified by the lush interpolation of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s “If This World Were Mine.”
In the music video, Kendrick and SZA navigate their own narratives of love, portrayed through muted lighting, slow pans, and sleek styling. They’re mostly apart, save for one standout shot—wide, blue-lit, and understated—where they sit side-by-side, still and reflective. The closing moments return to the song’s roots, fading out with the original Vandross-Lynn ballad, grounding the visual in its romantic legacy.
The release perfectly tees up the duo’s upcoming Grand National Tour, which kicks off April 19 in Minneapolis and will span major cities before wrapping June 18 in D.C. It’s the first time Lamar and SZA will tour together, marking a long-awaited live chapter in their ongoing creative partnership.
“luther” isn’t just a hit—it’s a reminder that timelessness can still top the charts.
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