BigXthaPlug's Ambition is Texas-Sized. Where Will He Go Next?

Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug built a career on bangers — then invaded the country charts. But before any victories, he had to overcome a tough past.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:00pm

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BigXthaPlug, a 27-year-old Dallas rapper, has achieved remarkable success in both hip-hop and country music. After years of making raw, authentic rap music, he decided to release a country-rap album in 2025 that topped both the Hot Country Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. This pivot to country music was a risk, but it introduced BigX to a new fan base and allowed him to achieve impressive milestones like performing at the Ryman Auditorium and closing out the CMA Awards. However, BigX is now ready to return to his rap roots, fueled by a desire to conquer the genre that made him. The story explores BigX's humble beginnings, his struggles with the law and providing for his family, and his determination to become "the best artist in the world" by venturing beyond just one genre.

Why it matters

BigXthaPlug's success in crossing over from hip-hop to country music highlights the growing popularity of country-rap crossovers and the versatility of talented artists who can thrive in multiple genres. His story also serves as an inspirational tale of overcoming a tough upbringing and legal troubles to achieve stardom, while remaining committed to supporting his family and community. BigX's ambition to be "the best artist in the world" by expanding beyond a single genre mirrors the career trajectories of other music legends, making his journey noteworthy for both its artistic and personal accomplishments.

The details

BigXthaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, grew up in the low-income neighborhoods of Ferris and Pleasant Grove in Dallas. He played football from a young age, which kept him out of trouble, but struggled in his teenage years when his mother dealt drugs and his father served time in prison. After getting kicked off his college football team, BigX turned to selling drugs and had several run-ins with the law. It was his friend Ro$ama who encouraged him to start rapping, and within six months BigX was earning a living from his music. His evocative portrayals of life on the streets in Dallas helped him build a following, and he eventually founded his own label, 600 Entertainment. BigX's success allowed him to buy his mother a house and take care of his family, but he also faced depression and relationship issues as his fame grew. Now, he is focused on expanding his musical horizons beyond just hip-hop, while also developing the artists on his 600 Entertainment label.

  • In 2018, BigXthaPlug's son Carter was born.
  • In 2019, BigXthaPlug recorded his second song ever.
  • In 2020, Dallas rapper Mo3 was murdered in broad daylight on I-35.
  • In 2021, BigXthaPlug released his track "Safehouse" and shot the mic-drop performance on the 600 block of Meadowridge Street.
  • In 2022, BigXthaPlug released the track "Texas" featuring steel guitar and a cowboy hat in the music video.

The players

BigXthaPlug

A 27-year-old Dallas rapper whose real name is Xavier Landum. He has achieved success in both hip-hop and country music, and is now focused on expanding his musical horizons beyond just one genre.

Courtney

BigXthaPlug's mother, who dealt drugs when he was younger but now lives with him in his multigenerational home.

Angela

BigXthaPlug's grandmother, who is a former bodybuilder and helps take care of the family.

Bay

BigXthaPlug's father, who served time in prison during part of his son's childhood but encouraged his rapping talents early on.

Ro$ama

One of BigXthaPlug's closest friends and collaborators, who encouraged him to start rapping.

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What they’re saying

“In my head, they can't be fucking with me for real. But he was the one who was telling me, 'As much as you feel like they don't want you here, they want you here. So get that out of your head.'”

— BigXthaPlug

“Everybody has a purpose. My purpose is my family.”

— BigXthaPlug

“I'd rather have been depressed and come out a soldier than have folded and ended up a weirdo.”

— BigXthaPlug

“I just feel like he runs his team way different than most people. Way more established, way more family-oriented. I feel like that's what a lot of labels and teams are missing in their business.”

— KaineMusic, 600 Entertainment Artist

“You're getting a guy who has been through it all in a short amount of time. And still came out OK. A lot of people get into this industry and the shit that I just went through, it tears them up, and they either start doing drugs or they end up catching a lot of charges. Not letting that happen to me caused me to be depressed. But I'd rather have been depressed for a year and come out a soldier than have folded and ended up a dope fiend and a weirdo.”

— BigXthaPlug

What’s next

BigXthaPlug is planning to release a new rap album in the fourth quarter of 2026, shifting his focus back to the genre that first brought him success. He is also continuing to develop the artists on his 600 Entertainment label, with a new compilation album '6ixers With Attitudes' scheduled for March 2026.

The takeaway

BigXthaPlug's journey from a troubled youth in Dallas to becoming a successful artist who has conquered both hip-hop and country music serves as an inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone and explore new genres, while remaining committed to supporting his family and community, makes him a unique and compelling figure in the music industry.