If there’s one thing Kendrick Lamar and SZA know how to do, it’s make a moment — and “luther” is proving to be a very loud one. They drop new visuals for the track on April 11th, which helped “luther” slide into the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a seventh consecutive week, parking it there like it pays rent.
It’s become the longest-running No. 1 of both artists’ careers, outshining the previously inescapable “Not Like Us,” which only held the top spot for three non-consecutive weeks. With their joint Grand National Tour kicking off on April 19th, fans think the video is full of clues about what Kendrick’s next move is. From a deluxe version of GNX to the symbolism of circles and squares, there’s plenty to break down in the visual. Find out more below.
Look at the fine print
Let’s start with the Easter egg that’s not even hiding: the credits. The “luther” visuals are directed by Karena Evans—yep, the same genius behind Drake’s “Nice For What” and “God’s Plan” visuals. Coincidence? Maybe. But Kendrick’s never been big on the unintentional. The Drake-Kendrick cold war has been playing out in subliminals for over a decade—it just drew less attention before.
Then there’s the song itself. “Luther” samples “If This World Were Mine” by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. Kendrick made sure to honor that with heartwarming moments in the video that reference the original and its cultural context. If you’re into soul history flexes, the OG version was first sung by legends Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967 before Luther and Cheryl gave it a buttery update in 1982. Your parents would remember it as a love song, featured in classic Black films like 1999’s The Wood (which Kendrick references).
Kendrick can’t resist layered metaphors
The video also features a lot of circles. Like, a lot of circles. According to the Dissect Podcast, they symbolize eternity, harmony, balance, and being “whole.” In contrast, recent visuals like “Not Like Us” used squares, which allegedly stand for “the violence and work it takes to achieve stability in the physical world.” So basically: circles = peace, squares = chaos.
First seen during the Super Bowl performance of “luther,” the Dissect Podcast believes that numerous circles are included in the video to symbolize eternal love and harmony between the masculine and feminine. Even the camera angles bend into the theme. It’s a love story, sure—but one layered with symbolism. Once again, Kendrick has more to say beyond just the superficial.
There’s a scene in the video where Kendrick is dancing in front of what looks suspiciously like another GNX — but this time it’s draped in an ominous red sheet. Eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that the location seems to be the same spot where he shot the GNX teaser —the YouTube video he dropped as a 10-minute rollout before the full album.
Many believe this all points to a deluxe version of GNX dropping on April 14th — or at least before the Grand National Tour on April 19th. If there’s one thing Kendrick loves more than a layered metaphor, it’s a rollout that feels like an exam you didn’t study for.
More Drake shade?
The Internet quickly clocked any potential Drake subliminals. For one, the timing. Kendrick dropped “luther” just in time to block Drake’s “NOKIA” from creeping up the Billboard Hot 100 (it currently sits at No. 2). There’s also a mystery man in the video who gets cozy with SZA—cue theories that he’s a not-so-subtle stand-in for the 6 God.
With the release of “luther,” Kendrick seems to be art directing the beef, wrapping his subliminals in soft lighting and romantic symbolism. At the very least, he’s fueling the conspiracies that shots are still being traded.
Whether you’re deep in the rabbit hole with a red string board or just casually scrolling, one thing is clear: Kendrick and SZA’s tour is about to be a cinematic universe that feels less like a show and more like an experience.
