Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA

The song Luther is a beautiful blend of Kendrick and SZA’s collaboration, with thrashing lyrics, a steady tempo, and hip-hop beats.

Song Details

• Song Name: Luther
• Primary Artist: Kendrick Lamar
• Featured Artist: SZA
• 1st Genre: Contemporary R&B
• 2nd Genre: Hip-Hop
• Beats per Minute (BPM): The tempo of Luther is 138 bpm (beats-per-minute). This could be considered fast, like electro, trance or dubstep. The time signature of this song is 4/4 (like most pop songs) .
• Key (Sur Scale): A minor
• Estimated Budget: The estimated budget for Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s song “Luther” likely falls between $1.2 million to $2.5 million, considering several high-cost elements typical of a top-tier release. A significant portion would be allocated to sample clearance, as the track interpolates Luther Vandross’s classic “If This World Were Mine,” which could alone cost between $200,000 to $400,000. The music video, directed by Karena Evans and filmed in premium locations like Los Angeles and Simi Valley, appears cinematic and high-concept, suggesting production costs in the range of $500,000 to $1 million. Additionally, music production, recording, engineering, marketing, and styling would contribute heavily to the overall expense. Given the star power of Kendrick and SZA, as well as the scale of promotional rollout across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, “Luther” reflects the kind of high-investment project expected from A-list artists in the streaming era.
• Release Date: November 29, 2024

Chart Performance

• Spotify: Over 300 million streams within the first three months
• YouTube: The Official music video garnered over 150 million views
• Melon 24Hits Chart: Peaked at #2
• Apple Music: Reached #1 on the Global Top 100
• Amazon Music: Top 5 in the R&B category

Music Video

• Director: Karena Evans
• Actors in Music Video:
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • SZA
  • Annahstasia Enuke
  • Geron McKinley
• Filming Locations: The song is shot in location of Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles and the Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley, California

Song Lyrics

Intro:
“If this world were mine”

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar
“Hey, Roman numeral seven, bae, drop it like it’s hot
If this world was mine, I’d take your dreams and make ’em multiply”

Chorus: SZA
“In this world, concrete flowers grow
Heartache, she only doin’ what she know
Weekends, get it poppin’ on the low
Better days comin’ for sure”

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“It go in (When you), out (Ride it), do it real slow (Slide)
Baby, you a star, strike, pose”

Outro: SZA
“I know you’re comin’ for
Better days
If this world were mine”

Review

“Luther” is a poignant collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and SZA, blending contemporary R&B and hip-hop with elements of 1980s R&B. The track samples Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 rendition of “If This World Were Mine,” providing a nostalgic backdrop to the song’s modern production. The lyrics delve into themes of love, aspiration, and the desire to provide a better future for one’s partner. Kendrick’s verses are introspective, expressing a yearning to uplift and protect, while SZA’s chorus adds a layer of soulful affirmation. The duo’s vocal chemistry is evident, creating a harmonious balance between rap and melody.

Critics have lauded “Luther” for its emotional depth and the seamless integration of classic samples with contemporary sounds. The song’s success on various music charts underscores its widespread appeal and the effective collaboration between the artists.

It has been topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for multiple weeks, but it’s primarily known for its chart performance rather than award wins. It has also been recognized for its positive critical reception, particularly the chemistry between Lamar and SZA. 

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