Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” reclaims #1 Spot on Apple Music, surpassing Drake’s “Nokia”
The battle for chart supremacy in today’s music industry is intense, with artists constantly vying for the top spot. Recently, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s track “Luther” reclaimed the #1 position on US Apple Music, surpassing Drake’s latest single, “Nokia,” after the latter briefly held the crown for just six hours.
This swift turnaround highlights Kendrick Lamar’s enduring dominance in the rap game and reinforces SZA’s influence in the R&B scene. But what makes “Luther” such a force in the industry? How did it manage to push aside Drake’s highly anticipated track so quickly? In this article, we’ll break down the impact of “Luther,” its commercial success, and why it continues to resonate with fans despite newer releases.
The Rise of “Luther”
Background & Release
Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther,” featuring SZA, dropped in late 2024 as a part of his much-acclaimed album GNX. The song quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its soulful production, deeply personal lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between Lamar and SZA.
The track samples Luther Vandross’ classic “If This World Were Mine” and fuses it with Lamar’s signature storytelling style. The combination of smooth R&B melodies with Kendrick’s introspective verses made it an instant standout in his discography.
Since its release, “Luther” has consistently dominated streaming charts, earning platinum certifications and cementing itself as one of the most significant releases of the past year.
“Luther” vs. “Nokia”: The Battle for #1
Drake’s “Nokia” emerged as a surprise hit, generating massive buzz upon release in early 2025. As a dance-infused track, it deviates from his usual moody rap style, instead embracing a more vibrant, club-ready sound. Its fresh energy propelled it to the #1 spot on Apple Music shortly after its debut.
However, this reign was short-lived. Just six hours later, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” overtook it, reclaiming the top position on the charts.
This rapid shift raises an important question: Why did “Luther” outlast “Nokia”?
Why “Luther” Is Still Dominating the Charts
1. Timeless Quality & Storytelling
One of Kendrick Lamar’s greatest strengths as an artist is his ability to craft music that lasts. Unlike fleeting viral hits, Lamar’s songs are built around compelling narratives, intricate lyricism, and timeless production.
- “Luther” tells a deeply emotional story about love, longing, and vulnerability.
- It features live instrumentation, giving it a richer and more immersive sound.
- The Luther Vandross sample adds a nostalgic element, appealing to both older and younger listeners.
By contrast, “Nokia” is an energetic track designed for momentary excitement, making it less likely to have the same long-term impact.
2. Kendrick Lamar’s Loyal Fanbase
Kendrick Lamar has one of the most dedicated fanbases in modern music. His listeners are known for their deep appreciation of his work, often streaming and analyzing his lyrics for weeks, months, or even years after release.
- “Luther” benefited from repeat listens, keeping its numbers consistently high.
- Social media buzz and fan theories about the song’s deeper meaning kept engagement strong.
- Music critics and influencers continued to praise the track, adding to its credibility and longevity.
Drake, while also a streaming giant, often sees his singles burn out faster, especially if they lean toward mainstream pop sounds.
3. The Power of SZA’s Feature
SZA is one of the biggest names in contemporary R&B, and her presence on “Luther” only added to the track’s appeal.
- Her vocals brought an emotional depth to the song.
- She has a strong crossover appeal, attracting both R&B and hip-hop audiences.
- SZA’s fanbase actively streamed the song, helping it maintain high numbers on both Apple Music and Spotify.
4. Streaming Algorithms & Playlist Placement
Apple Music and other streaming platforms prioritize songs with sustained engagement over time. Since “Luther” had already built a strong foundation of daily streams, it was always in a favorable position on curated playlists.
- The song remained on high-traffic playlists like “Rap Life” and “Today’s Hits.”
- User-generated playlists also kept it in circulation, further increasing its reach.
- Drake’s “Nokia” surged due to initial hype, but as its streams naturally declined after the first day, “Luther” regained momentum.
How “Luther” Compares to Kendrick’s Past Hits
While “Luther” is a standout track, how does it compare to Kendrick’s previous chart-toppers like “HUMBLE,” “DNA.,” and “Alright”?
| Song | Year Released | Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position | Streaming Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUMBLE. | 2017 | #1 | Massive viral success |
| DNA. | 2017 | #4 | High replay value |
| Alright | 2015 | #16 | Became a cultural anthem |
| Luther | 2024 | #1 (Apple Music) | Longevity-driven success |
Unlike the high-energy bravado of “HUMBLE,” “Luther” focuses on soulful introspection, proving Lamar’s ability to evolve while still remaining at the top of his game.
The Bigger Picture: Kendrick Lamar’s Impact on Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar’s continued success with “Luther” is a testament to his cultural impact. He has redefined what it means to be a rapper in the streaming era by prioritizing substance over trends.
Key Takeaways from His Dominance:
✔ Lyrical Depth Wins in the Long Run In a world of short-lived TikTok hits, meaningful storytelling still holds value.
✔ Authenticity Matters: Kendrick Lamar never chases trends, yet he still consistently dominates the charts.
✔ Collaborations Can Elevate a Song—Partnering with SZA helped “Luther” appeal to a broader audience.
What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar & SZA?
With “Luther” still holding strong, what can fans expect next from Kendrick Lamar and SZA?
- More Collaborations? Given their success, another joint track or even a full project isn’t out of the question.
- New Album? Rumors suggest Kendrick may be working on a follow-up to GNX, which could drop later this year.
- Live Performances? – Fans are eagerly awaiting a major tour where “Luther” could become a signature live performance moment.
Meanwhile, Drake remains a formidable competitor, and while “Nokia” may have lost its #1 position, he’s unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
Conclusion: The Power of Quality Music
The quick comeback of “Luther” to #1 on Apple Music after Drake’s “Nokia” momentarily took the spot is a testament to the power of quality music.
In an industry where viral hits often fade fast, Kendrick Lamar’s music continues to stand the test of time. By blending meaningful storytelling, timeless production, and powerful collaborations, “Luther” proves that substance will always triumph over short-term hype.
With Kendrick Lamar and SZA dominating the charts once again, one thing is clear: real music will always find its way back to the top. 🚀
