Kendrick Lamar and SZA Surge to the Top of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Chart with "30 for 30"

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Rise of "30 for 30"
4. SZA's Contributions and Continued Success
5. The Future of R&B and Hip-Hop
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Kendrick Lamar's collaboration with SZA on "30 for 30" has reached No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, marking another milestone in Lamar's career.
• The track is SZA's fourth No. 1 on this chart, following her earlier successes in 2023.
• Lamar is now among an elite group of artists who have achieved three consecutive No. 1 hits on the chart since its inception in 1993.

Introduction

On March 29, 2025, Kendrick Lamar's collaboration with SZA, titled "30 for 30," reignited conversations about their profound impact on the R&B and hip-hop landscape. This song's ascendance to the top of Billboard's Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart not only highlights the enduring popularity of Lamar and SZA but also reflects broader trends within the music industry. Representing a pivotal moment for both artists, "30 for 30" has been a game-changer, marking significant milestones in their careers amid evolving musical tastes.

As we delve into this dynamic duo's journey, it is essential to grasp the implications of their latest success and what it signifies for the future of R&B and hip-hop.

The Rise of "30 for 30"

"30 for 30" climbed from fifth to first place in a meteoric rise on the Airplay chart during the reporting period of March 14-20, an increase of 14% in plays over the prior week. Southern radio stations notably propelled this surge, with major airplay contributions coming from WQBT-FM in Savannah, WHXT-FM in Columbia, WHZT-FM in Montgomery, and WZGB-FM in Louisville.

The Radiographic Impact

Billboard's Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart ranks songs based on plays from over 70 monitored radio stations. This system encourages competition and provides a steady pulse on listener preferences across the United States. The recognition awarded to "30 for 30" reflects its resonant popularity, and the song was the week's Greatest Gainer, awarded to the piece that enjoys the largest increase in plays.

Historical Context of Chart Performance

Lamar's ascent to the top with this track marks his ninth career No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. After showcasing his versatility with different projects, he captures yet another achievement in a storied career that includes iconic tracks such as:

• "Swimming Pools (Drank)" - nine weeks at No. 1, starting on December 8, 2012.
• "Humble." - dominated for nine weeks starting June 3, 2017.
• "Love." (featuring Zacari) - held court for six weeks, beginning December 30, 2017.

This recent victory places him among only three other artists—50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Drake—who have attained the impressive feat of three consecutive No. 1 singles on the chart. Given the longevity of the chart since its launch in 1993, this achievement underscores Lamar's status as a leading force in contemporary rap.

SZA's Contributions and Continued Success

Alongside Lamar, SZA also finds herself breaking records with "30 for 30." This marks her fourth No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which she previously topped with:

• "Shirt"
• "Snooze"
• "Luther," a collaboration with Lamar himself.

SZA's consistent presence atop the charts signifies her growing influence in the industry, especially among young female artists. Her ability to craft relatable narratives through music resonates strongly with listeners, bolstering her credibility and expanding her fanbase across various demographics.

An Evolving Landscape

As the music industry evolves, collaborations between artists like Lamar and SZA reshape notions of genre boundaries. The blending of R&B and hip-hop reflects a particularly changing landscape in which traditional genres interweave, creating rich musical tapestries that captivate audiences.

The Future of R&B and Hip-Hop

The duo's collaboration speaks volumes about the state of R&B and hip-hop. Artists are increasingly teaming up, creating new sounds that blur the lines of genre. The significance of "30 for 30" is not limited to one song or one week; rather, it symbolizes a larger cultural moment.

Possible Directions

• Continued Collaboration: Fans may anticipate more collaborations between hip-hop and R&B artists, leading to innovative sounds that push the boundaries of both genres.
• Increase in Diversity: The success of diverse artists like Lamar and SZA encourages labels to sign a wider range of talent, stirring a renaissance in the music world.
• Shift in Radio Play: With the growth of streaming services challenging traditional radio formats, stations may need to adjust their playlists to accommodate the shifting listener preferences reflected in hits like "30 for 30".

Conclusion

Kendrick Lamar and SZA stand as titans of modern music, continuously pushing artistic boundaries while engaging a global audience. Their collaboration on "30 for 30" not only fetes their impressive chart success but also highlights the evolving landscape of R&B and hip-hop at large. As they celebrate this milestone, the implications for the future are vast, paving the way for new trends and potential collaborations that embrace the rich tapestry of contemporary music.

FAQ

What is “30 for 30” about?

"30 for 30" is primarily characterized by its lyrical exploration of personal and social themes, often reflecting the lived experiences of its contributors.

How many No. 1 hits does Kendrick Lamar have?

As of now, Kendrick Lamar has accumulated nine No. 1 hits on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

How significant is SZA's contribution to R&B?

SZA’s unique sound and relatable lyrics have made her a prominent figure in contemporary R&B, allowing her to achieve significant commercial success and critical acclaim.

What does the success of “30 for 30” mean for future collaborations?

The collaborative success of artists like Lamar and SZA indicates a trend toward embracing cross-genre collaborations, which may inspire more artists to work together, broadening the musical landscape and reaching diverse audiences.

How has radio play changed in the streaming era?

Radio play remains critical for chart rankings, notably adapting to incorporate streaming data, thus reshaping how stations curate music playlists in response to listener preferences.