SZA is for the children. The Grammy-winning artist took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday (May 20), saying that she convinced a young fan to throw away his whippets canister in exchange for taking a photo or video with them.
“Literally talked a CHILD into throwing away his whippet drugs in exchange for a picture/video at the in n out drive through,” she began. “Sad but if I can stop this s–t for even a second imma try. Once again, these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN. Really need America to do better man.”
SZA’s post was accompanied by a photo of the nitrous oxide — often referred to as laughing gas — which was packaged into a brightly colored can of Galaxy Gas featuring a strawberry-banana flavor label across the whipped cream charger. Billboard has reached out to Galaxy Gas for comment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, “prolonged use of nitrous oxide can have disabling” neurological issues and conditions, including vitamin B12 deficiency. Per the Cleveland Clinic, a B12 deficiency can “cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms.”
It’s not the first time SZA has voiced her concern with the marketing of Galaxy Gas and nitrous oxide canisters to children.
“Sorry to be old n annoying but.. Is no one gonna talk about how galaxy gas came out of no where and is being MASS marketed to black children? The government is doing NOTHING ? .. since when are we selling whip its at the store ???? Somebody protect the children,” she wrote on X in September 2024 with a screenshot of search results for the long-term effects of nitrous oxide.
SZA is currently on the road as part of her and Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour, which will invade SoFi Stadium for three shows in K. Dot’s home state of California.
