Kendrick Lamar Makes Chart History as “Luther” Tops the Billboard Hot 100 for a Twelfth Consecutive Week
Kendrick Lamar continues to cement his place in music history with his latest record-breaking achievement. His collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” has made waves by holding steady at the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive twelve consecutive weeks. This milestone marks a significant moment for both artists, as it has now surpassed the record for the most weeks at number one for a song with co-billed solo men and women, previously held by Diddy and Faith Evans with their 1994 tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You.”
But the achievements don’t stop there. “Luther” is now the biggest hip-hop single of the decade, surpassing Roddy Ricch’s “The Box,” which spent 11 weeks at the top in 2020. The success of “Luther” not only highlights the enduring power of Kendrick Lamar and SZA but also solidifies their places as two of the biggest forces in contemporary music.
A Historic Song: “Luther” Shatters Records
As of its twelfth week at number one, “Luther” continues to dominate the charts, boasting 65.4 million radio airplay audience impressions, 19.1 million streams, and 2,000 actual sales. With these impressive numbers, it remains the most played song on U.S. radio, and its reign at the top shows no signs of slowing down.
The song’s success also extends to its historical significance: only one other collaborative song—Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” (which spent 16 weeks at number one in 1995)—has spent more time at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. “Luther” is not just a cultural moment; it’s a testament to the enduring power of Kendrick Lamar’s lyricism and SZA’s unique vocal presence, both of whom have now extended their longest stay at number one.
“Luther” Dominates Despite Being Released in November 2024
What makes the success of “Luther” even more remarkable is the fact that it was released back in November 2024, and yet, it continues to hold the number one spot. In an era where singles often rise and fall quickly on the charts, the track’s longevity speaks to its widespread appeal, its impact on listeners, and the unique collaboration between two of the most celebrated figures in modern music.
The success of “Luther” has helped elevate both artists to even greater heights, and it marks another career milestone for Kendrick Lamar, who has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Kendrick Lamar’s Monumental Year: A Record-Breaking Tour
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 has already been full of groundbreaking moments. In addition to his Hot 100 dominance, Lamar recently celebrated another major achievement during his Grand National Tour, which he co-headlined with SZA. On April 26, 2025, Lamar made history by setting the record for the highest-grossing show by a Black artist in history. The concert, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, grossed an astounding $11.822 million in a single night, surpassing the previous record of The Weeknd, who grossed $9.8 million at his 2022 show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Earlier in the tour, Lamar also set the record for the highest-grossing rap concert, a title previously held by Eminem following his 2019 Australian tour. Kendrick’s opening night in Minneapolis also broke records, grossing over $9.1 million from a crowd of more than 47,000 fans, with an average ticket price of $192.70. This marked the first-ever rap concert to gross more than $9 million in a single night, solidifying Kendrick’s status as not only a chart-topping artist but also a major touring powerhouse.
The Influence of Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s success is a testament to his unique artistic vision and his ability to push boundaries within hip-hop. His career has been marked by innovation, both lyrically and sonically, and his collaboration with SZA on “Luther” further solidifies his influence in shaping the genre.
With “Luther” continuing its reign at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and his tour shattering records, it’s clear that Kendrick Lamar is not only a dominant force in hip-hop but in the entire music industry. His ability to blend artistic integrity with mainstream appeal has made him one of the most important and influential artists of his generation.
As “Luther” continues to break records and Kendrick Lamar’s tour continues to sell out stadiums, the future looks incredibly bright for this rap icon. With a legacy already well-established, Lamar’s influence on both music and culture is only set to grow.
