British R&B singer Nippa brought a little of North London to Los Angeles on Oct. 28, partnering with Marathon Burger for a community giveback event in the Melrose Arts District.
The Warner Records artist treated attendees to complimentary meals, exclusive Homegrown x Marathon Burger T-shirts and an opportunity to connect with him outside of his music. The event celebrated Nippa’s latest EP, Homegrown, while bringing together two brands that share an appreciation for community, culture and remembering where you come from. For those unfamiliar with Nippa, the Tottenham native has been steadily making a name for himself in the R&B world, blending soulful vocals with elements of hip-hop, UK garage and electronic music. His growing recognition has led to collaborations with artists such as Blxst, Craig David and Larry June, along with a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2024 MOBO Awards.
Also showing support was LA native, friend and collaborator Blxst, who stopped by to celebrate the occasion. The two previously joined forces on the title track of Homegrown, making his appearance another fitting connection between Nippa’s North London roots and the Los Angeles music scene.
Nippa & Blxst at Marathon Burger
Personally, I first became a fan after hearing Nippa & Larry June’s “Sugar,” a track that immediately made me curious about the singer on the track. I later crossed paths with him at Wale’s show at Blue Note LA, so getting an opportunity to sit down with him felt like a full-circle moment. In September, Nippa released Homegrown, his nine-track debut EP through Warner Records. The project features contributions from Rance1500, Blxst and Jordan Ward, showcasing his versatility while remaining connected to the people and experiences that helped shape him.
During our conversation, I mentioned that his collaborations with Jordan Ward and Blxst were two of my favorites from the project. However, when asked which song he was most looking forward to performing, Nippa had a different selection.
“I think mine was ‘Talking to the Mirror,'” he shared. “I feel like that was just a real one that hits the heart for me.”
He added that he was particularly looking forward to bringing the track to the stage, telling me, “When I perform that, you know, it’s gonna be lit, man.”
That connection to his music made Marathon Burger a fitting location for Wednesday’s festivities. Inspired by the late Nipsey Hussle’s legacy, the restaurant continues to represent his commitment to entrepreneurship, community investment and creating opportunities for others. Although Nippa grew up thousands of miles away in Tottenham, those values closely align with his own upbringing, particularly his mother’s involvement in community initiatives throughout North London.
Of course, being from Tottenham also meant there was one subject I couldn’t let him escape without discussing: football. When I asked whether he supported Tottenham Hotspur, Nippa immediately confirmed his loyalty to his hometown club. Unfortunately for him, he’s speaking to a Liverpool supporter.
“I’m a Liverpool guy,” I told him.
“Burn them!” he responded without hesitation.
Clearly, the North London loyalty runs deep. Fortunately, our Premier League differences didn’t get in the way of a good conversation. And while I might question his taste in football clubs, his taste in music is certainly something we can agree on.
When asked about artists he would love to collaborate with in the future, Nippa quickly named Leon Thomas, Kalan.FrFr and Sailorr, three artists whose respective sounds could make for some interesting collaborations.
As for what’s next, the singer isn’t rushing to make any major announcements. When I asked whether fans could expect a tour or more music in 2027, he remained optimistic but preferred to take things one step at a time.
“Hopefully, I could do a tour. Hopefully, man, for more music,” he said. “I like to take the day as it goes by, you get me?”
And for fans hoping for a deluxe edition of Homegrown, don’t get your hopes up just yet.
“I let Homegrown just see what it is,” he explained. “I like to let it be. Next thing is the next thing.”
That approach reflects an artist who appears comfortable allowing his work to speak for itself. With Warner Records supporting this next chapter, Nippa continues to establish himself in the American R&B landscape while remaining connected to his North London roots. Wednesday’s giveaway served as another example of that same approach. Rather than simply promoting his latest release, Nippa used the occasion to bring people together through a partnership that carries considerable cultural significance in Los Angeles.
Marathon Burger. An LA staple
For an artist whose latest project is titled Homegrown, bringing those values from Tottenham to Los Angeles felt especially appropriate. And with Marathon Burger continuing to honor Nipsey Hussle’s legacy, the evening demonstrated how music and community can extend well beyond the recording studio. As for Nippa, I’m looking forward to hearing what comes next, hopefully including those collaborations and a tour. And while I’ll continue supporting his music, I can’t promise the same support for Tottenham Hotspur.
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