The 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles delivered one of the most dominant nights in recent memory for Kendrick Lamar. Entering with nine nominations—the most of any artist—he walked away with five wins, including the coveted Best Melodic Rap Performance for his collaboration with SZA on the track “luther.” The victory marked a historic moment for both artists, cementing their status as leading forces in contemporary music while further solidifying Kendrick’s legacy as one of the most decorated rappers in Grammy history.
“luther,” released in late 2025 as part of Kendrick’s album GNX, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The song, featuring SZA’s lush, emotive vocals layered over Kendrick’s introspective bars, samples classic soul elements from Luther Vandross, blending melodic R&B with rap’s rhythmic precision. The result is a soulful, vulnerable duet that explores love, loss, and redemption—themes that resonated deeply with listeners. Critics praised the track for its seamless fusion of genres, calling it a masterclass in emotional storytelling and production. The song’s chart performance was equally impressive, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for multiple weeks and dominating streaming platforms worldwide.
The Best Melodic Rap Performance category, which recognizes tracks that blend melodic elements with rap delivery, featured strong competition. Nominees included standout entries from artists like Fridayy & Meek Mill, JID with Ty Dolla $ign & 6lack, PartyNextDoor & Drake, and Terrace Martin with Kenyon Dixon featuring Rapsody. Yet “luther” stood out for its innovative sound and cultural impact. When the award was announced during the premiere ceremony, the audience erupted in applause. Sounwave, Kendrick’s longtime collaborator and producer on GNX, accepted on behalf of both artists, delivering a heartfelt speech thanking the Recording Academy and acknowledging the song’s inspiration from classic soul.
SZA, who joined Kendrick onstage later in the evening for additional wins, expressed profound gratitude in a post-show interview. She described the collaboration as “organic and healing,” noting how working with Kendrick pushed her creatively while allowing her to explore new emotional depths. The win marked a milestone for SZA, who has consistently elevated R&B and rap crossovers. Her chemistry with Kendrick—evident in their Grand National Tour performances—translated perfectly to the studio, resulting in a track that felt both timeless and urgently contemporary.
Kendrick’s night extended far beyond this category. He secured Best Rap Album for GNX, his introspective and sonically ambitious project that drew acclaim for its narrative depth and production innovation. “tv off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay, earned Best Rap Song, with songwriters Jack Antonoff, Larry Jayy, Dijon McFarlane (Mustard), Sean Momberger, Mark Spears (Sounwave), and Kamasi Washington sharing the honor. Kendrick also claimed Best Rap Performance for his feature on Clipse’s “Chains & Whips” alongside Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams. The sweep pushed his career Grammy total to 27 wins, surpassing Jay-Z’s previous record of 25 and establishing him as the most-awarded rapper in the show’s history.
The evening’s pinnacle came when Cher, fresh off receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented Record of the Year. In a lighthearted but memorable mix-up, she initially announced “Luther Vandross” before correcting herself to name “luther” by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA as the winner. The moment drew laughter and applause, with Kendrick and SZA accepting together in a rare joint appearance. Their speech reflected humility and gratitude—Kendrick emphasized the song’s roots in soul music and its message of love prevailing over adversity, while SZA highlighted the joy of collaboration and the importance of vulnerability in art.
“luther” had been a frontrunner in multiple categories, including Record of the Year (which it ultimately won) and Song of the Year. Its success built on Kendrick’s 2025 dominance with “Not Like Us,” proving his consistency and versatility. The track’s melodic rap elements—SZA’s soaring chorus intertwined with Kendrick’s rhythmic verses—perfectly embodied the category’s spirit, blending singing and rapping in a way that felt innovative yet rooted in tradition.
The win sparked widespread celebration online. Fans praised the duo for bridging rap and R&B, with many calling it a “generational moment.” Social media overflowed with clips of the acceptance speeches, memes about Cher’s slip-up, and tributes to the song’s emotional resonance. For SZA, the victory added to her growing legacy, while Kendrick’s historic tally reinforced his status as hip-hop’s premier lyricist and innovator.
As the Grammys concluded with other major wins—Bad Bunny taking Album of the Year for DtMF—Kendrick and SZA’s collaboration stood as one of the night’s defining highlights. “luther” not only captured a moment in music but also celebrated the power of partnership, vulnerability, and genre-blending creativity. In a ceremony full of surprises and milestones, their win felt both earned and inevitable—a testament to artistry that transcends boundaries.
