SZA Shines in Powerful Visual for “Luther” with Kendrick Lamar
SZA and Kendrick Lamar have released a visually striking new video for their collaborative hit “luther,” one of the standout tracks from Lamar’s recent project, GNX. The track has held steady at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, but SZA’s captivating performance anchors the moment with emotional depth and presence.
Directed by Karena Evans, known for her stylistic visuals including SZA’s “Garden (Say It Like That),” the video is produced by pgLang, the creative collective helmed by Lamar and Dave Free. Blending surreal imagery with grounded intimacy, the visual underscores why SZA remains one of the most dynamic forces in contemporary R&B.
For more on her growing impact, explore her full journey here.
Can’t stop looping “luther”? Tune into Mix—your ears deserve it.
A Soulful Homage with Timeless Roots
“luther” reimagines Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1983 version of “If This World Were Mine”—a classic originally sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Through this sample, the track connects the emotional intensity of classic soul to a modern sound. SZA’s delivery throughout the song is steeped in longing and clarity, offering a vocal performance that resonates well beyond its runtime.
The video concludes with a touching gesture: the original Vandross/Lynn recording fades in to close the narrative with sincerity and reverence.
Halftime Spotlight and the SOS Era
During their Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance, SZA took center stage alongside Lamar, delivering both “luther” and their 2018 anthem “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack. The performance was a clear signal of SZA’s increasing visibility on global stages.
That same day, she expanded her discography with the release of SOS Deluxe: Lana, a special edition of her critically praised album SOS. The deluxe added four new tracks, including two fresh collaborations with Lamar—“30 For 30” and “Gloria.” The drop followed a wave of buzz around SZA’s upcoming projects and chart presence, addressed in recent stories like the one about her “BBL drama” and upcoming hits.
Celebrating SZA’s Catalog and Cultural Presence
While “luther” is a moment of creative synergy, it also highlights SZA’s unique talent for shaping timeless songs. Her discography is full of intimate, genre-blending gems—many of which have earned spots in rankings of SZA’s best songs and even broader cultural roundups like the best love songs of the last 20 years.
Though Lamar’s Grammy-winning “Not Like Us” has dominated headlines, many fans and critics are calling “luther” one of SZA’s most iconic contributions to date. This emotionally resonant moment bridges eras and elevates her artistry to new heights.
