Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” took home the Grammy for Record of the Year on Sunday, marking one of four total wins that evening in connection with GNX, one of 2024’s best albums.
Taking the podium after the win, Kendrick—now the most-awarded rap artist in Recording Academy history with 27 career wins—made sure to show his gratitude for the late Luther Vandross. The singer, who died in 2005 at the age of 54, is the inspiration for the GNX hit’s title. His and Cheryl Lynn’s version of “If This World Were Wine,” originally performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, is sampled on the track.
As Kendrick revealed during the speech, “luther” wouldn’t have been possible if he and his collaborators, including Sounwave and Jack Antonoff, hadn’t agreed to refrain from including profanity in the song.
“This is what music is about,” Kendrick said on Sunday. “Luther Vandross. This is special for me. I got to take my time because it's one of my favorite artists of all time. They granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you, we damn near all dropped a tear because we know how much him and Cheryl Lynn poured into that record.”
Kendrick continued: “Being able to put our vocals [on] it, it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals. They granted us that. They said, ‘No cursing, though. Can't curse on it.’ That was the only thing, right? And we said, ‘You know what? We're gon’ do just that. No cursing. And we're gon’ make sure that this song represents love.’”
GNX also netted Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Melodic Rap Performance wins at Sunday’s Trevor Noah-hosted ceremony.