Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s ‘Luther’ Video Battles Drake’s ‘Nokia’ for Chart Dominance

In a fierce competition for chart supremacy, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have released the highly anticipated music video for their hit collaboration “Luther,” while Drake’s latest single “Nokia” climbs rapidly through the rankings. The collision of these musical powerhouses has ignited fan excitement and industry speculation about which track will ultimately claim the coveted #1 position.

Kendrick and SZA’s Visual Masterpiece Makes Stunning Debut

The newly released “Luther” music video has quickly captivated audiences with its cinematic quality and romantic storytelling. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Karena Evans—ironically, also known for helming several of Drake’s most successful videos including “God’s Plan” and “Nice For What”—the visual portrays Lamar and SZA in intimate, softly lit scenes with their respective love interests.

Within just 24 hours of its release, the video amassed an impressive 5.6 million views, securing its position as the fifth biggest YouTube debut for a hip-hop artist in 2025. This achievement adds to the song’s already remarkable success, having spent seven consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 and accumulating over 700 million Spotify streams since its November 2024 release.

“The visual for ‘Luther’ perfectly captures the song’s soulful essence,” notes music critic Alicia Washington. “The chemistry between the artists and their partners creates a genuinely emotional experience that elevates the track’s sample of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s ‘If This World Were Mine.'”

Anticipation Builds for Grand National Tour

The video’s release strategically precedes Lamar and SZA’s joint “Grand National” tour, which kicks off April 19 and will cover major venues across North America and Europe. This collaboration follows their headline-making performance at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, which drew record viewership numbers.

During a February appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, SZA hinted at what fans could expect from their upcoming shows: “We’re doing a new thing… We’re both just kind of throwing all the paint at the wall. This is our first stadium show for both of us, so we pretty much have to go insane.”

The singer also offered intriguing insights into her creative relationship with Lamar, describing him as a “wizard” who tends to be a “solitary being” working his “Merlin thing backstage, getting us ready to take off.”

Lamar has been equally complimentary about his tour partner. In their joint Harper’s Bazaar interview from October 2024, he expressed admiration for SZA’s authenticity and emotional intelligence: “I’m proud of you in the sense of carrying and respecting who you are and being able to go through emotions and aware of it… That’s what I get from you.”

Drake’s “Nokia” Climbs the Charts

As “Luther” continues gaining momentum, Drake’s “Nokia”—released on February 14 alongside his collaborative album “$ome $e*y $ongs 4 U” with PARTYNEXTDOOR—presents formidable competition. Currently sitting at #3 on the Hot 100 and claiming the top position on Apple Music’s Global Chart, the track blends “modern club beats with a nostalgic 80s R&B vibe,” according to Station Free Radio.

Notably, despite the well-documented tensions between Drake and Lamar, “Nokia” seemingly avoids furthering their feud with lyrics explicitly stating “F*** a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit”—suggesting Drake may be pivoting away from the confrontation that dominated headlines throughout much of 2024.

Legal Battle Continues in the Background

While their music competes on the charts, Drake’s legal action against Universal Music Group—the label representing both artists—continues developing. In January 2025, Drake filed a defamation and harassment lawsuit against UMG for promoting Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which contained serious allegations against the Toronto rapper.

Recent developments have favored Drake, with a federal court granting him access to classified UMG documents regarding Lamar’s recording contract and executive compensation details. Drake’s attorney Michael Gottlieb celebrated this ruling, stating: “Now it’s time to see what UMG was so desperately trying to hide.”

UMG has requested a delay in releasing this information until the case’s final resolution, which could be months away. The trial itself is expected to last approximately three weeks, according to People Magazine.

Fan Response and Cultural Impact

Social media reactions to “Luther” have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing enthusiasm for both the video and upcoming tour. One user on platform X wrote: “Love me a rapper who makes you feel like you’re in a music video also, Luther by Kendrick and SZA? Oh my days I love it.”

Another fan shared their excitement about the tour: “I already have my tickets for the New Jersey leg of the Kendrick Lamar and SZA tour. I can’t wait to go! I know it’s going to be epic, and we might even get a new and surprise collaboration song!”

What’s Next for These Musical Titans?

As “Luther” and “Nokia” continue their chart battle, industry observers are watching closely to see which track will ultimately secure the #1 position. Both songs represent different approaches to modern hip-hop and R&B fusion, with “Luther” embodying soulful storytelling while “Nokia” delivers high-energy club appeal.

With Lamar and SZA’s tour launching soon and Drake’s legal proceedings unfolding simultaneously, the coming months promise continued excitement for fans of both artists. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the courtroom, these industry titans continue pushing boundaries and captivating global audiences with their artistry and rivalry.