Kendrick Lamar has once again rewritten the rules of success. His collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” has not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 but carved out a historic lane of its own, sitting at number one for an astonishing 12 consecutive weeks—a feat that now holds the record for the longest reign at No. 1 by a male-female co-billed single.
The song surpasses the 11-week mark held by Diddy and Faith Evans’ “I’ll Be Missing You” from 1997, pushing “Luther” into rarefied air. Only “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men has lasted longer at the summit. In hip-hop terms, Kendrick now owns the longest-running No. 1 of the decade, outpacing Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” (2020).
Powered by 65.4 million radio impressions, 19.1 million streams, and 2,000 digital sales, “Luther” remains the most played song on U.S. radio months after its release last November. It’s a crossover juggernaut built on emotional gravity, poetic tension, and an unrelenting sense of purpose—something only Kendrick and SZA could deliver.
But Lamar’s dominance isn’t just digital—it’s physical. His Grand National Tour, co-headlined by SZA, has broken multiple touring records, most notably the highest-grossing concert by a Black artist, bringing in $11.8 million at AT&T Stadium in Texas. That beats out The Weeknd’s previous $9.8 million record and adds another title to Kendrick’s growing legacy.
Even the tour opener in Minneapolis made headlines, becoming the first rap show to gross over $9 million in a single night, with more than 47,000 fans in attendance.
“Luther” isn’t just a hit—it’s a cultural moment. It’s Kendrick at his peak, reshaping what hip-hop can sound like at the top of the charts, and doing it with intention, artistry, and scale. The world is listening. Again.
