Kendrick Lamar's "Luther" Shatters Streaming Records, Reaches One Billion in Unprecedented Time

Kendrick Lamar's

"Luther" Shatters Streaming Records, Reaches One Billion in Unprecedented Time Kendrick Lamar's collaboration with SZA, "Luther," has officially crossed the monumental one-billion-stream mark on Spotify, achieving the feat in a record-breaking seven months since its release in November 2024. This makes "Luther" the fastest song in Kendrick Lamar's illustrious career to reach this milestone, surpassing even his hugely popular track "Not Like Us," which took eight months to hit the same figure. "Luther," a standout track from Lamar's critically acclaimed album GNX, has been a dominant force in the music industry since its debut. The song's rapid ascent to one billion streams underscores its immense popularity and critical acclaim.

It spent an impressive 13 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year, solidifying its status as a chart-topping hit. Beyond the Hot 100, "Luther" also reigned supreme on the Hip Hop chart for an astounding 25 weeks and holds the record for the longest-running No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, with 23 weeks at the summit. The success of "Luther" is attributed to several factors.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA's undeniable chemistry:

Their vocal interplay and ability to convey raw emotion have been widely praised. Critics have highlighted the blend of Lamar's rap verses with SZA's soulful vocals, creating a unique and captivating sound. Unique sound and thematic depth: "Luther" incorporates a posthumous sample from the legendary Luther Vandross, blending classic R&B influences with a fresh, modern sound. The song, a love ballad, stands out for its tender and sincere exploration of love, longing, and commitment, a departure from some of the bolder tracks on GNX. Widespread appeal and radio dominance: The track has resonated with a broad audience, evidenced by its significant radio airplay.

It has consistently been one of the most played songs on U.S. radio, contributing significantly to its streaming numbers. Strategic releases and visualizers:

The release of an official music video in April 2025 further amplified the song's visibility and engagement, drawing in millions of views and solidifying its presence across various platforms. "Luther" is now Kendrick Lamar's eleventh song to join Spotify's "billion streams club," a testament to his enduring impact and consistent ability to produce global hits. Other tracks by Lamar to reach this benchmark include "All the Stars," "Humble," and "Money Trees." This latest achievement comes amid a period of significant success for Kendrick Lamar, who recently swept the BET Awards, taking home five trophies including Album of the Year and Best Hip Hop Artist. He also shared awards for Best Collaboration Video of the Year and Video Director of the Year with his longtime creative partner Dave Free. The ongoing "Grand National Tour," co-headlined by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, has also been breaking records, further cementing their collective influence and the widespread adoration for "Luther." The song's rapid rise to one billion streams is not just a personal triumph for Lamar and SZA, but also a reflection of their current dominance in the music landscape.