Maplewood's SZA and Kendrick Lamar Triumph at 2026 Grammys with 'Luther'

Maplewood's own SZA and Kendrick Lamar clinched the prestigious Record of the Year award at the 2026 Grammy Awards for their collaborative track, "Luther."

 

The song, which samples Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn's classic "If This World Were Mine," resonated deeply with audiences, spending 13 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

 

During their acceptance speech, SZA expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "I just want to say thank you to Kendrick for lifting me up. I just am a small part of this record."

 

She also addressed the current global climate, urging, "Please don't fall into despair. I know that right now is a scary time... We can go on. We need each other, we need to trust each other and trust ourselves."

 

Kendrick Lamar further solidified his legacy by winning five awards that night, bringing his total Grammy count to 27 and surpassing Jay-Z as the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy history.

 

Reflecting on the significance of "Luther," Lamar remarked, "This is what music is about. Luther Vandross. This is special. I gotta take my time cause it's one of my favorite artists of all time, and they granted us the privilege to do our version of it."

 

In 2025, SZA and Lamar embarked on a joint tour, commencing with a memorable performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.

 

For Maplewood residents, SZA's achievements are a source of immense pride, highlighting the town's rich musical heritage and the global impact of its artists.

 

As SZA continues to ascend in her career, her roots in Maplewood remain a testament to the community's support and the nurturing environment that has fostered such talent.