Kendrick Lamar and SZA secured one of the biggest honors in music at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Record of the Year for their acclaimed collaboration, “Luther.” The award was announced during the live ceremony in Los Angeles, marking a major highlight of the night.
Released as part of Kendrick Lamar’s album GNX, “Luther” quickly became a defining record of the year. The track seamlessly fuses Lamar’s sharp, reflective lyricism with SZA’s emotive delivery, creating a sound that resonated deeply with listeners across genres. Built around a reimagined sample from Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s “If This World Were Mine,” the song bridges classic soul with modern hip-hop and R&B.
The collaboration enjoyed massive success on streaming platforms and radio, topping major charts and maintaining a strong presence throughout 2025. Its commercial performance, combined with critical praise for its production and vocal performance, made “Luther” a standout contender in a highly competitive category.
The Record of the Year award recognizes not just songwriting, but the overall performance, production, and sonic quality of a track—areas where “Luther” clearly excelled. The win further cements Kendrick Lamar’s reputation as one of the most influential artists of his generation, while adding another career-defining achievement to SZA’s growing list of accolades.
Their victory stood out on a night filled with major performances and high-profile nominees, reinforcing the lasting impact of meaningful collaborations in contemporary music.