luther

Album

GNX

Label

Interscope Records

Genre

Trap Soul

Media Type

AC

Duration

2:57

Composer(s)

Kendrick Duckworth;Solána Rowe;Atia Boggs;Samuel Dew

Entered Chart

Jul 12, 2024

Peak Date

Oct 4, 2024

Released

November 29, 2024

On this track from Kendrick Lamar's GNX album, he trades the sharp edge of his usual storytelling for something softer and more expansive: a vision of love that imagines a society without pain or struggle, where relationships flourish in an endless state of emotional support and growth. Lamar's longtime friend and former Top Dawg Entertainment colleague SZA joins him on this one. The song marks Lamar and SZA's seventh collaboration, following: 2014 SZA's Z track "Babylon" 2015 Jay Rock's 90059 track "Easy Bake" featuring both artists 2016 Lamar's Untitled Unmastered track "untitled 04 | 08.14.2014" 2017 SZA's CTRL track "Doves in the Wind" 2018 Lamar and SZA's "All The Stars" single recorded for the Black Panther soundtrack 2024 Another GNX track, "Gloria" The track opens with a sample of Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross' 1982 cover of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 song "If This World Were Mine." That lush, velvety soundscape sets the tone, and the song's title - "Luther" - is an unmistakable homage to Vandross, a master of translating love and longing into music. With Vandross's voice as a spiritual guide, Lamar paints a picture of devotion and empowerment, positioning himself as both protector and partner, someone who lifts up those he loves while imagining a brighter, kinder world for them to share. Married to his high school sweetheart, Whitney Alford, since 2019, Lamar brings a truth to "Luther" that feels deeply personal. The themes of love and commitment here align perfectly with the perspective of someone who has spent years building a life with one person, finding beauty in the everyday while dreaming big about the future. Yet, as is typical of Lamar, this isn't just a love letter; it's an exploration of how personal relationships can reflect broader societal themes. Lamar has explored themes of love and relationships in various tracks throughout his career, often blending personal experiences with broader social commentary. Some of his other songs that touch on love and relationships include: "Poetic Justice" featuring Drake from good kid, m.A.A.d city "These Walls" from To Pimp a Butterfly "LOVE." featuring Zacari from the album DAMN "Luther" feels different - more intimate, more hopeful, and yet every bit as nuanced Report This Ad Lamar and SZA co-wrote "Luther" with: Chicago singer-songwriter Sam Dew. He co-wrote 12 of the Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers tracks and features on "Savior." Dew also contributed background vocals to the track. Georgia songwriter Atia "Ink" Boggs, who co-penned several of Beyoncé's Renaissance and Cowboy Carter tracks. Her songwriting credits include "Alien Superstar," "Summer Renaissance," "Thique" and "16 Carriages." The production on GNX was primarily handled by Kendrick Lamar's principal beatmaker Sounwave and Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lorde, Lana Del Rey.) Rounding out the production team on "Luther" are saxophonist Kamasi Washington, North Carolina producer Scott Bridgeway, Dutch producer Roselilah and Matthew "MTech" Bernard. SZA joined Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show to perform "Luther" and "All The Stars." "Luther" topped the Billboard Hot 100 on March 1, 2025, replacing Kendrick's Drake diss track "Not Like Us," which had returned to #1 the previous week following his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance. The music video, directed by Karena Evans (who has also shot several Drake clips), uses a mix of monochrome and color visuals to emphasize the track's romantic atmosphere. The video shows Lamar and SZA engaging in close encounters with their respective partners and ends with an extended rendition of Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross' "If This World Were Mine."

If this world were mine

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
If this world was mine, I'd take your enemies in front of God
Introduce 'em to that light, hit them strictly with that fire
Fah-fah, fah-fah-fah, fah-fah, fah
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
If this world was mine, I'd take your enemies in front of God
Introduce 'em to that light, hit them strictly with that fire
It's a vibe, do your dance, let 'em watch
She a fan, he a flop, they just wanna kumbaya, nah

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 (if this world were)
If it was up to me
I wouldn't give these nobodies no sympathy
I'd take away the pain, I'd give you everything
I just wanna see you win, wanna see (if this world were mine)

It go in (when you), out (ride it), do it real slow (slide)
Baby, you a star, strike, pose (right)
When I'm (when you), with you (with me), everything goes (slow)
Come and (put that), put that (on my), on my (titi), soul (soul)
'Rari (red), crown (stack), wrist (stay), froze (really)
Drip (tell me), pound (if you), on the way home (love me)

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 (if this world were)
If it was up to me
I wouldn't give these nobodies no sympathy
I'd take away the pain, I'd give you everything
I just wanna see you win, wanna see (if this world were mine)

I can't lie, I trust you, I love you, I won't waste your time
I turn it off just so I can turn you on
I'ma make you say it loud
I'm not even trippin', I won't stress you out
I might even settle down for you, I'ma show you I'm a pro
I'ma take my time and turn it off
Just so I can turn you on, baby
Weekends, get it poppin' on the low
Better days comin' for sure

I know you'll come
I know you're comin' for
(Anything)
(If this world were mine)
Writer/s: Atia Boggs, Kendrick Lamar, Marvin Gaye, S