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"Luther" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released as the second single from Lamar's sixth studio album, GNX on November 29, 2024. The song was written by both Lamar and SZA, along with Atia Boggs and Sam Dew, while production was handled by Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, Bridgeway, Kamasi Washington, M-Tech and Rose Lilah. The song is titled after R&B and soul singer Luther Vandross.

Composition

"Luther" is a "love ballad" accentuated by various string sections against 808 beats and hi-hats which was called a blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop by Screen Rant. It features a sample of "If This World Were Mine", written by Marvin Gaye and performed by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn, and builds on the song title from the very beginning. Lamar in a "monotone" delivery kicks off the "love story" by confessing his love for the protagonist, presumably a "sex worker" or a misunderstood “promiscuous woman”. SZA steps in during the choruses to reflect from the standpoint of the woman Lamar had introduced the listener to beforehand. The chorus consists of harmonizations between Lamar and SZA, while the latter's vocals are more highlighted and layered on top of Lamar's.

Critical reception

Writing for NME, Kyann-Sian Williams thought the song was yet another demonstration of the duo's "chart-topping chemistry" and praised their "debonair" take on a "traditional love ballad". Lindsay Zoladz at The New York Times called "Luther" a notably "tender moment" and "three-minute pause" from an otherwise boastful album. Tomás Mier of Rolling Stone noted Lamar for "stretching his singing chops" before being joined by SZA.

Commercial performance

In New Zealand, "Luther" debuted at number one on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts, marking Lamar's fourth overall number-one single in the country, and his second for 2024.

Charts

Release history

References

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45. "A Recap of Radio Add Recaps".

• 2024 singles
• 2024 songs
• Kendrick Lamar songs
• Number-one singles in New Zealand
• SZA songs
• American contemporary R&B songs