Dallas, TX – Popular hip-hop artist BigXthaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was arrested in Dallas on Thursday, August 21, 2025, facing charges of marijuana possession and unlawful possession of a firearm. The arrest occurred just hours before the scheduled release of his latest album, “I Hope You’re Happy,” forcing the rapper to miss his own promotional events and leading to a night in the Dallas County Jail. He was released on a $5,000 bond late Friday, August 22.
Arrest Details Emerge Amid Album Rollout
The incident began on Thursday evening when officers conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck driven by Landum for a missing front license plate, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Police reported that Landum acknowledged having a firearm in the vehicle and directed officers to its location. Authorities also stated that a criminal database flagged him as being associated with a gang in Arlington, which, under Texas law, makes his possession of a firearm unlawful. During the stop, officers allegedly discovered a small amount of marijuana and two firearms in his truck.
Landum was booked on two misdemeanor counts: possession of marijuana (less than two ounces) and unlawful possession of a firearm. His attorney, Valerie Baston, addressed the situation outside the Dallas County Jail, stating that the defense team intends to vigorously fight the charges. “We’re going to wait to see the affidavit,” Baston told reporters, “but we’re going to work vigorously for our client because it just is what it is. It’s two misdemeanors, and people are trying to make it a felony.”
Album Release Events Disrupted
The timing of the arrest proved particularly disruptive for BigXthaPlug’s highly anticipated album launch. He was scheduled to attend an album release party in Deep Ellum on Thursday night and a promotional event at a Dallas-area Wingstop on Friday. Following his arrest, both events were canceled. Wingstop issued a statement citing “unforeseen circumstances” and expressed commitment to future fan engagement.
Despite the legal troubles, Landum did not directly address the charges upon his release. Instead, he turned the attention back to his music, reportedly plugging his new album, “I Hope You’re Happy,” to reporters. The album, which dropped on August 22, features a blend of rap and country influences and includes collaborations with prominent artists such as Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, and Darius Rucker.
A Familiar Legal Path for the Rising Star
This arrest marks not the first time BigXthaPlug has encountered legal difficulties this year. He was previously arrested in February 2025 in Arlington, Texas, for a marijuana possession charge following a traffic stop for expired tags. Although a handgun was found during that stop, he was initially charged only with marijuana possession, a charge that was later dismissed.
BigXthaPlug’s journey into the music industry has been marked by resilience. Born Xavier Landum in Dallas, he initially pursued a career in football before an expulsion from junior college led him to focus on music. He has spoken openly about periods of incarceration, including time in solitary confinement where he began writing lyrics, which eventually formed the basis of his early projects. His debut album, “Amar,” named after his son, was released in 2023 and received critical acclaim. His 2024 project, “TAKE CARE,” explored themes of success and family, solidifying his status as a significant figure in modern hip-hop and a representative of the Texas music scene.
His breakout hit, “Texas,” has garnered millions of streams and was adopted by the Dallas Cowboys as their team hype song, showcasing his growing influence. As BigXthaPlug navigates these new legal challenges, the music industry and his fans will be watching closely to see how this situation impacts the career of one of Texas’s most promising hip-hop talents. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as his attorney reviews the official affidavit.
