Kendrick Lamar is as soon as once more talking in symbolism — solely this time, it feels such as you’re draped in silk whereas gradual dancing cuddled shut — all within the title of Black love.
Within the new visuals for “luther” — the breakout hit from Kendrick’s 2024 shock album GNX — Ok. Dot and SZA serve us romance, reverence, and a reminder: Black love is revolutionary, and when nurtured, it’s artwork.
The romantic and low-key video, set in what seems to be a vacant workplace constructing with a downtown backdrop, options Kendrick Lamar and SZA transferring by way of scenes interspersed with the soulful pattern of Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross’ “If This World Have been Mine” enjoying softly within the background. It’s crammed with serene, cinematic imagery — stately areas and quiet corners the place love lingers. Even a fast-food restaurant feels sacred, turning the abnormal into one thing timeless.
From the second SZA graces the display, she embodies the very magnificence the world too usually tries to decrease. Her styling is deeply rooted in Black tradition, with every look a nod to the divinity and fantastic thing about Black ladies — whether or not in attractive apparel, streetwear couture, or in our gentle woman aesthetic — Sza’s presence within the video feels daring, intentional, and unapologetic.
Then, there’s the symbolism. The video, directed by Karena Evans — recognized for bringing the narrative to life in music — isn’t flashy. It doesn’t should be.
It’s elegant in its simplicity, permitting like to be the point of interest. We watch Kendrick Lamar and SZA transfer out and in of moments with their on-screen companions — smiles exchanged, fingers grazed, souls seemingly aligned as they stare into one another’s eyes. At occasions, it seems like a fond reminiscence enjoying on a loop, a flashback to like at first sight. A tribute to a connection that transcends time and wrestle.
And simply once you assume it couldn’t get extra poetic, Kendrick takes us there. He invokes the spirit of Luther Vandross — one of many biggest vocalists of all time, whose love songs formed generations. Kendrick quietly honors Luther’s legacy, acknowledging how the person who gave the world “By no means Too A lot” by no means obtained to expertise that form of love in his personal life, but by way of his music, Luther made hundreds of thousands really feel seen, desired, and worthy.
It’s that juxtaposition — the truth versus the romance — that makes “luther” hit in another way.
There’s additionally an undercurrent working by way of your complete visible: unity. Delicate however unmistakable. The heat shared between Black and brown characters will not be a coincidence. In a time when division is worthwhile, Kendrick Lamar reminds us that love is the place the actual energy lives. That our communities —interconnected, intertwined — are stronger collectively.
As “If This World Have been Mine” by Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross performs softly on the finish of the video, all of it comes full circle. The message isn’t loud; it doesn’t should be. It whispers what we already know: Black love is sacred. Black pleasure is therapeutic. And once we see one another — actually see one another — we turn into unstoppable.
With “luther” topping the Billboard Sizzling 100 for a seventh consecutive week, Kendrick earns his sixth No. 1 and SZA her third. However the numbers, whereas spectacular, aren’t the purpose.
“luther” is larger than a success; it’s a visible poem. A cultural archive. A mirror for many who’ve liked, misplaced, and dared to strive once more.
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