luther (with sza)

"Luther" is a multifaceted love ballad that explores themes of profound love, protection, empowerment, and resilience. At its core, the song is a declaration of devotion, where Kendrick Lamar, with the harmonious support of SZA, imagines a world tailored to the happiness and success of his partner. The title and the primary sample are a direct homage to R&B legend Luther Vandross and his 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn, "If This World Were Mine," which immediately frames the song within a classic, romantic tradition. Lamar uses this framework to express a desire to not only provide material wealth but to act as a spiritual and emotional guardian, shielding his loved one from all negativity and pain.

A significant layer of meaning comes from the recurring lyric, "In this world, concrete flowers grow," likely a nod to Tupac Shakur's poetry collection "The Rose That Grew from Concrete." This metaphor signifies the ability for beauty and strength to emerge from harsh, difficult circumstances. It suggests that the love interest has endured hardship but has blossomed despite it, making the narrator's love and protection even more profound. The song celebrates this resilience.

Furthermore, there's a spiritual dimension woven throughout the lyrics. The reference to "Roman numeral seven" is widely interpreted as a biblical allusion, where the number seven symbolizes perfection and divine completion. This elevates the partner to a status of being whole and perfect in the narrator's eyes. Some interpretations suggest a dual meaning, where Lamar's pledges of love to his partner could also be read as a reflection of divine love for humanity—a promise of protection, empowerment, and ultimate grace.

The song begins by immediately establishing a hypothetical reality with the line, "If this world were mine," a direct sample that sets a romantic and idealistic tone. In this imagined world, the narrator, voiced by Kendrick Lamar, pledges total devotion and empowerment to his partner. He promises to amplify her dreams and fiercely protect her by confronting her enemies directly, using metaphors of divine, fiery light. This protective stance is assertive and absolute, dismissing detractors and critics as insignificant. The narrator addresses his partner affectionately, using the term "Roman numeral seven," which implies she represents perfection and completion to him.

The chorus, a harmonious blend of SZA and Kendrick's voices, introduces a poignant metaphor: "In this world, concrete flowers grow." This image suggests that beauty, resilience, and love can emerge and flourish even in the harshest, most unforgiving environments. It acknowledges the partner's past heartaches, explaining her actions as a product of her experiences ("she only doin' what she know"). Despite this, there is an unwavering belief in a brighter future, with the assurance that "Better days comin' for sure." The narrator reiterates his commitment, stating that if he had control, he would eliminate all her pain, offer no sympathy to those who wronged her, and give her everything he possibly could, all because his ultimate desire is to see her succeed.

The second verse transitions into a more intimate and sensual space, using a call-and-response structure between Kendrick and SZA to describe their physical and emotional connection. The lyrics evoke a slow, deliberate intimacy, highlighting moments of closeness and admiration. This section juxtaposes deep emotional connection with symbols of material success like a Ferrari ('Rari) and frozen wrists, suggesting a world where both profound love and luxury coexist. This blend underscores the multifaceted nature of their shared life, where success is balanced with genuine affection.

The song's third verse deepens the theme of commitment and trust. It's a direct and sincere confession of love and loyalty. The narrator pledges not to waste his partner's time and speaks of a love so profound that he is willing to disconnect from the world's distractions ("turn it off") just to focus entirely on her ("turn you on"). He expresses a desire to make her feel cherished and is open to settling down, showcasing his professional-level commitment to their relationship. The song concludes by reprising the hopeful refrain about better days, leaving the listener with a feeling of optimistic and enduring love that is both a sanctuary and a source of strength against the world's challenges.

"Luther" is the third track on Kendrick Lamar's sixth studio album, GNX, which was released as a surprise on November 22, 2024. The song is Lamar's fifth collaboration with fellow Top Dawg Entertainment alumna SZA. It was officially released as the album's fourth single on November 29, 2024.

The song was written by Kendrick Lamar (Kendrick Duckworth), SZA (Solána Rowe), Atia "Ink" Boggs, and Sam Dew. The production was a collaborative effort, handled by a team of acclaimed producers including Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, Ruchaun "Scott Bridgeway" Akers, Matthew "M-Tech" Bernard, and Roshwita "roselilah" Bacha. The creation of the track is heavily defined by its central sample of the 1982 version of "If This World Were Mine," as performed by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. This choice grounds the song in a classic 80s R&B sound, which is then blended with modern hip-hop elements like 808 drums and hi-hats. Critical reception was highly positive, with many critics highlighting the song as a standout track on GNX for its tenderness and the palpable vocal chemistry between Lamar and SZA, viewing it as a heartfelt pause from the album's more boastful tracks.

• Luther Vandross & "If This World Were Mine" Sample: The song's title and primary sample directly invoke the romantic legacy of Luther Vandross. By sampling the iconic love duet, the track immediately establishes a theme of idealized, all-encompassing love and the desire to create a perfect world for a partner.
• Roman Numeral Seven: Kendrick refers to his love interest as "Roman numeral seven." This is a powerful biblical metaphor where the number 7 represents divine perfection, wholeness, and completion. It symbolizes his view of his partner as being perfect and completing him.
• Concrete Flowers: The line "In this world, concrete flowers grow" is a central metaphor for resilience and beauty thriving in adversity. It is likely a reference to Tupac's poem "The Rose That Grew from Concrete," suggesting the woman he loves has overcome a difficult past to become something beautiful, earning his admiration and desire to protect her.
• The Elevator (Music Video): The music video features the couple in an elevator, which serves as a metaphor for the ups and downs inherent in life and a relationship. It visualizes the idea that while one cannot control the external world, the shared space of the relationship provides harmony and companionship through life's journey.
• Circles (Music Video): The visual motif of circles is used extensively in the music video, appearing in the architecture and room shapes. Circles culturally symbolize eternity, completeness, and harmony, reinforcing the song's themes of a perfect, self-contained love that creates its own world.

The predominant emotional tone of "Luther" is one of profound, tender, and protective love. The song is saturated with a sense of romantic idealism and heartfelt sincerity. This atmosphere is established immediately through the lush, dreamy production that samples a classic R&B love song. Kendrick's vocal delivery, which is initially subdued and contemplative, conveys a deep sense of earnestness as he pledges his devotion.

SZA's soulful and ethereal vocals introduce a layer of yearning and vulnerability, beautifully complementing Kendrick's more grounded promises. Their harmonized chorus creates a feeling of unity and shared hope. There are shifts in emotion throughout the track; the verses carry a fierce, protective determination, especially when Lamar vows to deal with his partner's enemies. However, this intensity mellows into a soft, sensual intimacy in the second verse and culminates in pure, unabashed affection and commitment in the third. The overarching feeling is one of a warm, hopeful sanctuary, celebrating a love that is both a shield against the world's harshness and a source of incredible strength.

Released as a standout track from the highly anticipated surprise album GNX, "Luther" garnered immediate and widespread critical acclaim. It was praised for its emotional depth and was frequently highlighted as a tender, heartfelt moment on an otherwise boastful album. The song achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually climbing to number one, where it remained for thirteen consecutive weeks, becoming the longest-running chart-topper for both Kendrick Lamar and SZA.

The song's use of a classic Luther Vandross sample was widely noted, seen as a masterful bridge between classic R&B and contemporary hip-hop, appealing to multiple generations of listeners. The collaboration itself, being the fifth between the two celebrated artists, was seen as a creative high point, showcasing their undeniable musical chemistry. Culturally, "Luther" contributes to a growing movement of emotional honesty and vulnerability in mainstream hip-hop. It presents a narrative of Black love that is both protective and gentle, resonating with audiences who value sincerity and authentic emotional expression in art. Its music video, rich with symbolism, further sparked conversations online about its deeper meanings related to love, life, and harmony.

Kendrick Lamar's rhyme scheme in "Luther" is intricate yet fluid, characteristic of his style. The verses often employ internal rhymes and couplets that feel conversational rather than rigidly structured. For instance, in the first verse, he rhymes "hot" with "God" and "multiply" with "fire," creating a satisfying but not overly predictable pattern. The rhythm of his delivery is crucial; he starts with a measured, almost monotone flow that drifts across the beat, creating a contemplative mood. This deliberate pacing allows the weight of his promises to sink in.

The song's rhythm is built on a foundation of classic 80s R&B and freestyle music, characterized by a smooth tempo. This is overlaid with the distinct, sharp percussion of modern hip-hop, including 808 drums and crisp hi-hats, which provides a contemporary pulse beneath the nostalgic melody. The interplay between Lamar's lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is key. As the song progresses, particularly into the harmonized choruses with SZA, the vocal rhythms become more melodic and intertwined, mirroring the theme of unity and connection. SZA's soulful, fluid delivery contrasts with and complements Kendrick's more percussive rap style, creating a dynamic rhythmic texture throughout the track.

• Sampling and Homage: The core of the song's musical identity is the sample of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn's "If This World Were Mine." This technique roots the track in a classic '80s R&B aesthetic, creating a nostalgic and lush soundscape that contrasts with modern hip-hop elements.
• Vocal Chemistry and Harmony: The track is celebrated for the seamless interplay between Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Lamar's vocal delivery shifts from a more monotone, deliberate flow in the verses to harmonizing sweetly with SZA's ethereal, soulful vocals in the chorus, creating a rich, layered texture.
• Musical Arrangement: The production, led by Sounwave and Jack Antonoff among others, blends genres. It fuses the '80s R&B sample with modern elements like 808 drums and hi-hats, and incorporates orchestral arrangements that swell in the background, adding a cinematic and grand quality to the intimate lyrics.
• Narrative Perspective and Direct Address: Kendrick employs a first-person narrative, directly addressing his partner. This creates an intimate and personal tone, making the listener feel as though they are witnessing a private declaration of love.
• Call and Response: In the second verse, Kendrick and SZA engage in a subtle call-and-response, with her ad-libs echoing or answering his lines (e.g., "It go in (When you), out (Ride it)"). This technique enhances the feeling of a dynamic, interactive relationship.

What is the meaning behind the song 'luther' by Kendrick Lamar and SZA?

The song 'luther' is a love ballad about deep devotion and the desire to create a perfect world for a partner. It explores themes of protection, empowerment, and resilience, using the metaphor of 'concrete flowers' to signify beauty growing from hardship. The title and main sample honor R&B legend Luther Vandross.

What does 'Roman numeral seven' mean in Kendrick Lamar's 'luther'?

The phrase 'Roman numeral seven' is a biblical reference where the number seven symbolizes perfection and divine completion. By calling his partner this, Kendrick Lamar is metaphorically stating that she is perfect, whole, and completes him in his eyes.

What song is sampled in 'luther' by Kendrick Lamar?

Kendrick Lamar's 'luther' prominently samples the 1982 rendition of 'If This World Were Mine,' a classic duet performed by R&B icons Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. The original song was by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Who produced the song 'luther'?

The production for 'luther' was a collaborative effort by a team of notable producers: Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, Ruchaun 'Scott Bridgeway' Akers, Matthew 'M-Tech' Bernard, and Roshwita 'roselilah' Bacha.

What does the line 'concrete flowers grow' signify in 'luther'?

The line 'In this world, concrete flowers grow' is a powerful metaphor for resilience. Likely inspired by Tupac's 'The Rose That Grew from Concrete,' it symbolizes the ability for beauty, love, and strength to emerge and thrive even in the most difficult and unhospitable environments.

On which Kendrick Lamar album does the song 'luther' appear?

'luther' is the third track on Kendrick Lamar's sixth studio album, titled 'GNX'. The album was released as a surprise on November 22, 2024.