Dallas rapper Xavier Landum, better known to fans as BigXthaPlug, was arrested and booked into the Dallas County Jail on Thursday night, marking his second arrest in North Texas this year. The arrest occurred just hours before he was scheduled to celebrate the release of his new album at a local venue, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a major milestone in his career.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, the 26-year-old artist was pulled over by officers around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, after police noticed his vehicle did not have a front license plate as he was leaving a restaurant in Dallas. Officers were already patrolling the area that evening following a tip about a local car club gathering, which led them to observe Landum’s vehicle.
When approached by police, Landum was asked if he had any weapons inside his truck. He reportedly responded by saying that his firearm was under the armrest. Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly discovered two firearms along with a small quantity of marijuana. Records also indicated that Landum’s name was listed in the NCIC gang database, which makes it a misdemeanor offense for him to possess a firearm in the state of Texas. As a result, he was charged with possession of marijuana under two ounces as well as unlawful possession of a firearm.
The timing of the arrest is notable, as Landum had been scheduled to host an album release party later that same night at a Deep Ellum venue for his new project titled “I Hope You’re Happy.” The album, which officially dropped on Friday, August 22, includes collaborations with several high-profile artists and was highly anticipated by his growing fan base. Despite the legal setback, the release is still moving forward, and it is expected to generate significant attention within the hip hop community given the artist’s recent rise to fame.
In the weeks leading up to his arrest, Landum had been active in the local scene, including filming a music video on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge alongside another well-known artist. His presence in Dallas has been increasingly visible, both through his music projects and public appearances, further establishing him as a voice emerging from the Texas rap scene.
This arrest is not the first encounter with law enforcement for Landum in 2025. Earlier in February, he was taken into custody in Arlington, Texas, after officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration tags. Police reported that they detected the smell of marijuana upon approaching the car and subsequently discovered a handgun in the passenger-side door. During that incident, Landum was arrested for possession of marijuana under two ounces. A passenger identified as Cleodist Landum was also arrested on an active felony warrant.
Born and raised in Dallas, Xavier Landum has quickly become one of the most recognizable rap artists to emerge from the city in recent years. His music career began in 2023, and his personal story has been a central part of his artistry. He started writing songs while incarcerated, channeling his experiences into lyrics that would eventually lead to his breakout single “Texas.” That track gained significant traction and set the foundation for his debut album, which further established his reputation as an authentic voice in modern hip hop. Following his initial success, he launched his own independent record label, positioning himself as both an artist and entrepreneur.
Despite his legal troubles, Landum has built a substantial online presence. With over 19 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms, his fan base extends far beyond Dallas. His most streamed single, “Mmhmm,” has amassed over 400 million plays, cementing his popularity and reach within the industry. His ability to blend Southern rap influences with a modern sound has attracted a wide audience and earned him collaborations with major names across different genres.
While this latest arrest creates complications for the young artist, it also underscores the challenges he faces as he balances his rising fame with legal battles. For fans, the release of “I Hope You’re Happy” remains a focal point, though the circumstances surrounding the project may impact how it is received in the weeks ahead. For the Dallas rap community, Landum’s situation is both a cautionary tale and a reflection of the pressures that come with rapid success in the music industry.
BigXthaPlug’s future remains uncertain as he continues to deal with the consequences of multiple arrests this year. However, his musical trajectory, strong digital following, and cultural impact within Dallas suggest that his story is far from over. The coming months will determine whether he can navigate these challenges and maintain his momentum as one of the most watched rap figures to come out of Texas in recent years.
