Three Tune Tuesday | Perfect Duo: Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Happy Tuesday! Joining the #TTT or #ThreeTuneTuesday🤘🏻, thanks to @ablaze for coming up with this amazing idea.

I've been really jealous of everyone who gets to experience Kendrick Lamar and SZA live on stage. Just imagining the energy, the vocals, and the vibe, it kind of hurts knowing I might not get to witness those in person anytime soon.

I’ve been a fan of SZA ever since her CTRL album dropped. Every time she links up with Kendrick Lamar, it made me love her music even more! There’s just something about the way they collaborate. Their collabs never disappoint.

So when they announced their Grand National Tour, I was so excited! But then I realized Philippine's not included 😭

If I’m not mistaken, they’ve collaborated on at least seven tracks so far. Babylon was their first, released back in 2014 on SZA’s Z album. Over time, they’ve created so many cool collabs!

So for this week’s TTT, I wanted to feature three of my favorite SZA x Kendrick collaborations. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

🎶 30 for 30

I get this type of feeling you ain't accustomed to
I swear I'd be at peace if it weren't for you (yeah, yeah)
Only want your love if it's solid

When I first listened to this on SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA album, I was hooked. The mix of R&B, hip-hop, and soul was so smooth! The beat is catchy and the way their voices flow into each other is flawless. It’s definitely one of their most underrated gems.

🎶 All The Stars

Love, let's talk about love
Is it anything and everything you hoped for?
Or do the feeling haunt you?
I know the feeling haunt you

This song reminds me of Black Panther. It was part of the official soundtrack and just radiates empowerment. It has that ‘chase your dreams no matter what’ kind of energy. SZA’s chorus is so powerful and Kendrick’s verses build up to it perfectly. No matter how many times I hear it, it still gives me chills. They also performed this at the Super Bowl 2025!

🎶 Luther

In this world, concrete flowers grow
Heartache, she only doin' what she know
Weekends, get it poppin' on the low
Better days comin' for sure (if this world were)
If it was up to me
I wouldn't give these nobodies no sympathy
I'd take away the pain, I'd give you everything
I just wanna see you win, wanna see (if this world were mine)

This song opens with Luther Vandross’ cover of If This World Were Mine, and immediately sets a reflective vibe. It's a song about wanting a better world for the ones you love. The beat is catchy! The way Kendrick and SZA sang the verses alternately makes the song feel so intimate. It's been on my playlist ever since.

What’s your favorite Kendrick x SZA collab?

Loved these tunes?
If these tracks hit the right note, check out my previous TTT blogs for more music picks:

Top Picks from Wicked
Chappell Roan on Repeat
Olivia Rodrigo Songs I’m Excited to Hear Live
Hamilton Songs
Guilty Pleasure Songs

_{📸 Cover Image created on Canva

Image from SZA x Kendrick Lamar's Grand National Tour cover}