Kendrick Lamar and SZA: Hip Hop’s Dynamic Duo Redefining Collaboration
Hip Hop and R&B have long been sister genres, producing iconic rapper-singer duos like JAY-Z and Beyoncé, Method Man and Mary J. Blige, and Drake and Rihanna. Among these power pairs, Kendrick Lamar and SZA have carved their own place, standing out with their undeniable creative chemistry and impactful collaborations.
Since SZA joined Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013, she and Kendrick have collaborated on over eight tracks, earning Billboard Hot 100 hits, platinum certifications, and Grammy nominations. Surprisingly, SZA, not TDE’s ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, or Ab-Soul, has been Kendrick’s most frequent collaborator within the label over the past decade, aside from his go-to producer Sounwave.
Kendrick has often praised SZA’s artistry, calling her compositions “disruptive yet beautiful” and a reflection of her growth. Their partnership continues to flourish even after Kendrick’s departure from TDE in 2022, with SZA joining him on his Grand National Tour in support of his latest album, GNX. This tour, running from April to June 2025, features a double dose of duets between the pair, including standout tracks like “Gloria” and “Luther.”
Their musical synergy has sparked speculation about a joint project, a possibility SZA eagerly endorsed in a recent interview, calling Kendrick a “genius.” Whether or not this collaboration materializes, the pair’s existing body of work speaks volumes. From the raw studio magic of “Untitled 04” to the chart-topping success of “All the Stars,” Kendrick and SZA’s catalog showcases their range and compatibility.
Their finest work, “Luther,” modernizes a Luther Vandross classic, blending their voices seamlessly over a bouncy, intimate production. Though brief, the song epitomizes their dynamic and cements their reputation as one of the best rapper-singer duos today.
Fans can relive their top collaborations through playlists available on Spotify and Apple Music, celebrating the magic of Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
