In a revelation that's sure to send ripples through the music world, producer Sounwave recently pulled back the curtain on the creation of one of the year's biggest hits: Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther". The track, which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an astounding 13 weeks and garnered coveted Grammy nominations for Song and Record of the Year, was originally never intended to see the light of day as a full-blown song. Sounwave, the architectural mind behind much of Lamar's sound, shared this surprising insight in a new Rolling Stone piece dissecting the making of the Compton rapper’s acclaimed GNX album.
According to Sounwave, the Luther Vandross-sampling smash began its life as a mere interlude. “There were no drums,” the hitmaker recalled of its nascent stages. “It was literally me chopping the sample and Dot just humming melodies.” This raw, experimental phase underscores the serendipitous nature of hit-making, where sparks of creativity can ignite from the most unassuming beginnings.
From Interlude to Anthem: The Genesis of 'Luther'
The journey from a humble interlude to a chart-topping anthem was sparked by a singular moment of inspiration. Sounwave revealed that he and Lamar had held onto the sample – Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 duet, “If This World Were Mine” – for an extended period, struggling to find its true potential. “We had the sample in the tuck forever, we just never could crack it,” he explained. It wasn't until Lamar hit upon "this one specific melody" that Sounwave recognized the undeniable gravity of what they had on their hands, realizing it "had to be bigger."
The decision to expand the interlude proved prescient. "Luther" didn't just climb the charts; it resided at No. 1 for 13 weeks, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone. Its powerful melodic rap performance and SZA's ethereal vocals propelled it to become the second-biggest hit on the year-end Billboard Hot 100 for 2025 (only behind Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile”), in addition to its multiple Grammy nominations for the 2026 ceremony, including Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Behind the Boards of GNX: Sounwave on Crafting Kendrick Lamar's Masterpiece
The Rolling Stone deep dive wasn't just about "Luther"; it also offered a broader look into the creation of GNX, Kendrick Lamar's monumental album, which is itself nominated for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album at the 2026 Grammys. Sounwave elaborated on his collaborative process for the project, working alongside acclaimed co-producer Jack Antonoff and songwriter Ink. This powerhouse team clearly fostered an environment where groundbreaking music could thrive.
Interestingly, Sounwave clarified the timeline of GNX, noting that the LP had been in the works for years, long before Lamar reset the cultural conversation with his seismic Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” in 2024. This context highlights the long gestation period and meticulous crafting that goes into Lamar's releases, often predating the public's awareness of his next moves. The album's completion, Sounwave shared, was marked by a deeply personal moment. “If I don’t shed a tear by the last second of the album, it is not ready,” he told the publication, describing a poignant studio experience: “Once that last second of the last song stopped, 6 a.m. in the morning, I shed a tear. I was like, ‘We’re done.’” This emotional benchmark underscores the profound connection and dedication Sounwave and Lamar pour into their art, ensuring every project resonates with authentic feeling.
