SZA Convinces Young Fan to Ditch Whippets at In-N-Out: “America Needs to Do Better”
SZA is known for her soulful music and down-to-earth persona, but a recent encounter at an In-N-Out Burger left the singer feeling deeply unsettled. While grabbing food, she ran into a young fan who was in possession of a whippets canister—a form of inhalant drug often used to get high. Rather than ignore the situation, SZA took action.
The Grammy-winning artist shared the troubling moment on her Instagram Story on May 20, revealing that she convinced the child to throw away the nitrous oxide canister in exchange for a photo. “Literally talked a CHILD into throwing away his whippet drugs in exchange for a picture/video at the in n out drive through,” she wrote, according to Billboard. “Sad but if I can stop this sh*t for even a second imma try. Once again, these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN. Really need America to do better man.”
This isn’t the first time SZA has sounded the alarm on the growing accessibility and appeal of whippets—especially among young people in Black communities. Last September, she voiced her frustration on X (formerly Twitter), calling out the rise of Galaxy Gas, a popular brand of nitrous oxide. “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?” she asked. “The government is doing NOTHING? Since when are we selling whip its at the store???? Somebody protect the children.”
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or “whippets,” can cause short-term euphoria but carries serious risks with repeated use—including brain damage, nerve issues, and even death. Despite the dangers, the product is widely available, and its use has surged among teens and young adults in recent years.
SZA’s passionate response to the fan encounter highlights her growing advocacy for youth safety, particularly as she continues traveling the country for her record-shattering “Grand National” tour with Kendrick Lamar. The pair recently broke their own record in Seattle for the highest-grossing hip-hop concert in history, selling over 60,000 tickets and generating nearly $15 million at Lumen Field.
They had previously set the record in April with a sold-out performance in Houston, dethroning Eminem’s 2019 Melbourne show from the top spot. The “Grand National” tour has been a landmark moment for both artists, but SZA is making it clear that her mission goes beyond music.
In a time where harmful substances are becoming alarmingly easy for children to access, SZA’s actions and words serve as a critical reminder: fame can be used to make an impact far beyond the stage.
