Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s 'Luther' Poised for Grammy Glory While Luther Vandross Waited Years for His First Win

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Legacy of Luther Vandross
4. The Modern Landscape: Kendrick Lamar and SZA
5. Grammy Award Dynamics and Recognition
6. Implications for Future Artists
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Kendrick Lamar and SZA's single "Luther," a tribute to legendary R&B artist Luther Vandross, is a leading contender for multiple Grammy nominations in 2026.
• The song includes a sample of Vandross' hit "If This World Were Mine," showcasing the lasting impact of classic R&B in modern music.
• Vandross experienced a long wait of nearly a decade between his first Grammy nominations in 1982 and his first win in 1991.
• His struggles mirror those of other prominent R&B artists, highlighting the often-challenging relationship between artistry and recognition in the music industry.

Introduction

Even as the modern music landscape continues to evolve, it is the echoes of classic R&B that often resonate most deeply, commanding both admiration and nostalgia. Kendrick Lamar and SZA's latest single "Luther," which honors the profound legacy of Luther Vandross, serves as a potent reminder of this legacy. The song has swiftly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, capturing listeners with its rich sound and heartfelt homage. What makes "Luther" especially significant is not merely its commercial success; it stands as a testament to the durability of old-school R&B songwriting amidst the current hip-hop era.

But as the anticipation builds for the Grammy nominations later this year, it is also important to reflect on Vandross’ own jarring journey through the labyrinth of Grammy recognition. After enduring an astonishing stretch of nine consecutive nominations without a win, he finally secured his first Grammy in 1991. This article delves into the contrasting experiences of contemporary artists like Lamar and SZA against the backdrop of Vandross' storied, albeit tumultuous, Grammy journey, shedding light on the ongoing dynamics of recognition in the music industry.

The Legacy of Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross emerged as one of the most celebrated voices in R&B history, known for his silky smooth falsetto and emotionally charged performances. His career spanned over three decades, and he became the defining voice of romantic ballads, crafting timeless hits such as "Never Too Much," "Here and Now," and "Dance With My Father." Yet, despite his immense talent and commercial success, Vandross’ relationship with the Grammy Awards was complicated.

From 1982, when he received his first nomination for Best New Artist, to 1991, when he finally won for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, for "Here and Now," Vandross' path included six nominations for Best R&B Vocal Performance—each met with disappointment. The unexpected losses raise questions about the criteria and whims of awards that can appear contentious and opaque, particularly for genre-defining artists like him.

A Timeline of Nominations and Wins

• 1982: Nominated for Best New Artist but lost to Sheena Easton.
• 1983 - 1991: Nominated six times for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, without a win.
• 1991: Wins his first Grammy for "Here and Now."
• Posthumous Wins: Vandross was awarded four more Grammys after his death, including Song of the Year for "Dance With My Father."

Vandross' trajectory was not unique. Other R&B icons faced similar hurdles, including Marvin Gaye, who waited 15 years for his first Grammy win, and Lionel Richie, who endured 18 nominations before winning for "Truly."

The Modern Landscape: Kendrick Lamar and SZA

The emergence of Lamar and SZA in the contemporary R&B scene represents a turn towards blending genres and redefining traditional elements. Their collaboration on "Luther" brings together modern hip-hop influences and classic R&B roots, evident both in lyrical storytelling and melodic structure.

The Cultural Significance of "Luther"

"Luther" has been noted not only for its lyrical directness but also for its seamless incorporation of Vandross’ sound. Sampling "If This World Were Mine," a beloved duet originally performed by Vandross and Cheryl Lynn, the song bridges generations and showcases the impact of Vandross in today’s music.

• Chart Performance: As of March 24, 2025, "Luther" holds its position at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for the fifth consecutive week.
• Lyrical Depth: The lyrics pay homage to Vandross, exploring themes of love and longing that are hallmark traits of classic R&B.

Grammy Prospects and Historical Context

As the 2026 Grammy nominations draw near, "Luther" positions itself strongly for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year due to its artistic quality and commercial appeal. Should "Luther" or Lamar’s other single "Squabble Up" win in these prestigious categories, Lamar would enter the record books as only the fourth artist to achieve back-to-back wins in the Record of the Year, underpinning the significant cultural shift in the music industry.

Grammy Award Dynamics and Recognition

Despite the evolving nature of the music industry, the Grammy Awards have historically represented both celebration and contention. Trends suggest a preference for new, emerging artists at times overshadowing the legends who laid the groundwork for current successes.

Challenges for R&B Artists

1. Recognition Delays: Many R&B artists face long waits for recognition, particularly those who break traditional molds or lack mainstream appeal.
2. Genre Overlap: As genres blend, defining what constitutes R&B can blur lines and complicate their representation within award categories.

Implications for Future Artists

As Lamar and SZA ride the crest of current musical trends, their successes, juxtaposed with Vandross' struggles, inspire both hope and caution for emerging artists in R&B. The stories of artists like Vandross remind us that recognition may come slowly, yet talent and artistry will ultimately prevail in time.

The Importance of Legacy

• Preserving History: Future artists must navigate the realities of an industry influenced by market trends while remaining connected to the rich history of R&B.
• Learning from the Past: Insights from Vandross’ experiences can guide emerging artists on resilience and the importance of crafting significant artistic messages and connections.

Conclusion

The vibrant conversations around Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther" juxtaposed against Luther Vandross' tumultuous journey through the Grammy landscape highlight the complex relationship between artistry and recognition in the music industry. As we celebrate the new while honoring the old, the legacies of these artists remind us that music spans generations and continues to resonate deeply within our cultural fabric.

FAQ

What is "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA about?

"Luther" is a tribute to R&B legend Luther Vandross, incorporating samples from his song "If This World Were Mine." It explores themes of love, longing, and nostalgia, connecting modern listeners with Vandross' legacy.

How many Grammys did Luther Vandross win?

Luther Vandross won a total of four Grammys during his lifetime and four additional posthumous Grammys.

Why did Luther Vandross wait so long for his first Grammy win?

Vandross faced various nominations yet encountered strong competition from other artists in a dynamic music landscape, leading to a frustrating nine-year wait before his first win in 1991.

What makes "Luther" a Grammy contender for 2026?

The song's commercial success, emotional resonance, and strong lyrical content position it as a prime candidate for nominations and potential wins in major Grammy categories.