SZA recently took to social media to express her concerns regarding the rising popularity of Galaxy Gas, a recreational nitrous oxide product that has gained traction, particularly among Black children, largely due to TikTok. On September 19, she tweeted, “Sorry to be old [and] annoying, but is no one [going to] talk about how Galaxy Gas came out of nowhere and is being MASS marketed to Black children? The government is doing NOTHING? Since when are we selling [whippits] at the store? Somebody protect the children.”
In her posts, SZA highlighted the alarming marketing tactics used for Galaxy Gas, which features child-friendly designs and bright colors that she believes are aimed at enticing young audiences. She also shared a screenshot detailing potential side effects of nitrous oxide use, which can include neurological and psychiatric damage. In a follow-up tweet, she questioned the appropriateness of such marketing strategies: “Something about the childlike designs and marketing is so spooky… [Are] you tryna entice the kids on purpose?”
Galaxy Gas, which has been available since its founding in 2021 in metro Atlanta, can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, in flavors like strawberry cream and blue raspberry. Responding to critics who pointed out that whippits have existed for years, SZA clarified that while they have been around, Galaxy Gas is specifically marketed towards children with its branding and availability in stores.
The conversation around Galaxy Gas intensified earlier in the week when rapper Lil Gnar went viral for demonstrating how to dispose of Galaxy Gas safely by tossing it into a dumpster. His actions received praise from several artists, including Ty Dolla Sign and Waka Flocka Flame.