Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Ties Billboard Record With 22 Weeks at No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Chart
Kendrick Lamar is making Billboard chart history—again.
Just three months after his explosive track “Not Like Us” broke the record for the longest-running No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Lamar has returned with another chart-dominating hit. His latest collaboration, “Luther” featuring longtime creative partner SZA, has officially tied that record, spending a monumental 22 weeks atop the chart dated May 31.
This marks a massive achievement for both artists, solidifying “Luther” as a powerhouse track with unmatched staying power in today’s music landscape.
From Diss Track to Dual Domination
Earlier this year, “Not Like Us” stormed the charts in the wake of Lamar’s high-profile lyrical feud with Drake, holding strong at No. 1 for 21 consecutive weeks. The track got a major second wind after Kendrick performed it at Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show on February 9, pushing it back to No. 1 for its historic 22nd week.
Now, “Luther” has matched that exact milestone, making Lamar the first artist in Billboard history to have two different songs spend 22 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
SZA Returns to Record-Breaking Form
For SZA, “Luther” is more than just another hit—it’s a return to the top of the leaderboard she once ruled. Before “Not Like Us” took over the record, her smash single “Kill Bill” held the title with 21 weeks at No. 1 between 2022 and 2023. With “Luther,” she now reclaims a share of the crown, proving her consistency and dominance across the R&B and hip-hop spectrum.
Here’s a look at the longest-running No. 1s in the 66-year history of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:
- 22 weeks – “Luther,” Kendrick Lamar & SZA (2024–25)
- 22 weeks – “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar (2024–25)
- 21 weeks – “Kill Bill,” SZA (2022–23)
- 20 weeks – “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
- 18 weeks – “Industry Baby,” Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow (2021–22)
- 18 weeks – “One Dance,” Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla (2016)
- 16 weeks – “Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell (2013)
- 15 weeks – “Be Without You,” Mary J. Blige (2006)
Streaming Numbers Still Strong
Even in its 22nd week, “Luther” continues to show serious strength. According to Luminate, the track pulled in 16.7 million U.S. streams, 2,000 digital sales, and a whopping 60.5 million in radio airplay from May 16–22. Although those figures reflect slight week-over-week declines, the track’s overall presence remains dominant—especially considering its long reign.
In addition to its R&B/Hip-Hop success, “Luther” also notched a 22nd week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. That puts it just behind “Not Like Us,” which still holds the record for the longest-running No. 1 in that category with 26 weeks.
Hot 100: Passing the Torch
While “Luther” continues to crush it on genre-specific charts, its reign on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 has officially ended. After a solid 13 weeks at No. 1—marking the longest run atop the chart for both Lamar and SZA—the track has been bumped to No. 2. The new No. 1? Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want” featuring Tate McRae, which now leads the Hot 100.
Still, 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 is nothing to scoff at. It’s a testament to the crossover appeal and cultural impact of “Luther,” which blends Lamar’s sharp lyricism with SZA’s velvety, melodic vocals.
Lamar & SZA: A Duo for the Ages
The success of “Luther” is just the latest evidence that Kendrick Lamar and SZA are a musical force when they come together. From their TDE days to now sharing festival stages as Grand National Tour co-headliners, their synergy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Whether it’s SZA’s soulful storytelling or Kendrick’s razor-sharp delivery, the magic they create together doesn’t just resonate—it rewrites history.
And with both artists still in their creative prime, it feels safe to say this won’t be the last time we see them break records.