Culture 3 min read By Mason Emerson
BigXthaPlug arrested on drug and gun charges in Texas
Rapper BigXthaPlug, real name Xavier Landum, was arrested in Texas on drug and gun charges, causing him to miss a scheduled festival performance.
Rapper BigXthaPlug was arrested on drug and gun charges in Texas on Friday, August 21, causing him to miss a scheduled performance at Manitoba's Country Rising Festival. The artist, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was pulled over by the Allen Police Department and booked into the Collin County Jail on charges of driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession of less than 2 ounces, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Landum was already on bail following an arrest exactly one year earlier for marijuana possession and unlawful possession of a firearm in Dallas. The new charges add to a growing legal history for the rapper, who previously spent time in solitary confinement in 2022 on weapons and marijuana charges.
Organizers of the Country Rising Festival addressed the rapper's absence, saying they understood fans' "disappointment and frustration" over his no-show due to a "personal emergency." The Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club, which hosts the festival at its venue, released a statement noting they "share the disappointment and frustration felt by those in attendance," but clarified they were "serving as the host venue only" and "not responsible for the event's programming, artist bookings, scheduling or related decisions."
Despite the arrest, BigXthaPlug still performed the following night, August 22, at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand. Shortly before his scheduled slot, he shared an Instagram story telling fans, "I'm on my way." He later posted a thumbnail of his mugshot on Instagram, teasing his upcoming album with a clip of a new track.
BigXthaPlug rose to prominence in 2023 with his hits "Texas" and "Mmhmm," the former appearing on his debut album "Amar," which he wrote while in solitary confinement in 2022. His legal troubles have been a recurring theme in his career, with his music often drawing on those experiences.
The rapper performed at Wireless Festival in 2025, shortly before releasing his latest album, "I Hope You're Happy," his third studio record. He had previously released his second album, "Take Care," in 2024. The new arrest raises questions about the timing of his upcoming album promotion, though he has not publicly commented on the charges beyond his social media posts.
The case remains under review by authorities in Collin County, Texas. No court date has been announced, and it is unclear how the new charges will affect his bail status or his planned performances.
