Kendrick Lamar Sets Massive Chart Milestone With ‘Luther’

Kendrick Lamar Shatters Historic Chart Records with “Luther” Featuring SZA—and Dominates the Grand National Tour

Kendrick Lamar has once again proven his unstoppable influence on the music industry by breaking an impressive chart record with his blockbuster hit “Luther,” a powerful collaboration with fellow artist SZA.

Featured on his acclaimed album GNX, “Luther” has now secured its place in music history as the longest-running number-one song on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart, which has tracked the genre since its inception in 1989. The track has impressively ruled the chart for an incredible 27 weeks, surpassing Kendrick’s own previous record, when his smash “Not Like Us” held the crown for 26 weeks just last year. Additionally, “Luther” made waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it enjoyed a dominant 13-week run at the top spot—further solidifying Kendrick and SZA’s status as chart powerhouses.

The triumph of “Luther” reflects the broader success of GNX, which itself has made history by becoming the longest-reigning number-one rap album in the United States. The album has held onto the top position for an unprecedented 22 weeks, breaking the record previously set by the late Pop Smoke’s posthumous release Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon, which reigned for 21 weeks. This achievement underscores the enduring appeal and cultural impact of Kendrick Lamar’s latest project.

Beyond streaming platforms and record charts, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have brought this momentum to the live stage, co-headlining the record-breaking Grand National Tour. As the North American leg of the tour nears its conclusion, the tour has already cemented its place in history as the highest-grossing co-headlining tour ever. Spanning 23 electrifying shows across the United States and Canada, the tour has grossed an astonishing $256 million. With an average gross of $11.1 million per show, Kendrick and SZA have drawn an impressive total of 1.1 million fans, filling venues with an average crowd of around 48,000 per concert.

One of the tour’s most memorable moments took place during their Maryland stop, where SZA took a heartfelt pause to express her gratitude to Kendrick Lamar. Becoming visibly emotional on stage, she shared with fans, “He put me onto the biggest moment of my life. This is also the biggest moment of my life… I’m so thankful, and I’m so thankful to y’all.” The two artists, whose chemistry and creative synergy have captivated millions, embraced warmly before continuing to perform their chart-topping collaboration.

Yet, behind the dazzling numbers and sold-out arenas, SZA has bravely opened up about the challenges she faced leading up to the tour. In an intimate conversation with Chappell Roan for Interview Magazine, SZA admitted to battling intense anxiety. “Every time I had to go on stage, every time I had to get on a carpet, I’d have full-on panic attacks,” she revealed. Reflecting on the Grand National Tour, she confessed, “Same thing with the Kendrick tour. Everybody’s going to see Kendrick. I don’t even know if I have anything to show these people that’s exciting and new.”

Despite those personal struggles, SZA’s authenticity and vulnerability have only deepened fans’ appreciation for her artistry. Together with Kendrick Lamar, she has helped turn the Grand National Tour into not just a commercial triumph, but a celebration of creative courage and resilience.

As Kendrick Lamar continues to redefine what’s possible in modern hip-hop—breaking records with “Luther,” dominating charts with GNX, and setting new standards for live performances—it’s clear his legacy is still growing. Alongside SZA, the duo has created a moment in music history that will be remembered for years to come: a testament to the power of collaboration, vulnerability, and artistic vision.

With each new milestone, Kendrick Lamar and SZA prove that they’re not only leaders of today’s music scene—they’re shaping its future.