BigXthaPlug Arrested on Gun and Marijuana Charges in Dallas

Just hours after celebrating the release of his third studio album I Hope You’re Happy in Dallas, rapper BigXthaPlug (real name Xavier Landum) was arrested early Friday, August 22, on charges of marijuana possession and unlawful firearm possession.

The 26-year-old artist has been on a rapid rise this year. In April, he earned his first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with All the Way, featuring Bailey Zimmerman. His new album brings together country stars Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Shaboozey, Thomas Rhett, and Ella Langley, and Friday also marked the premiere of the video for his Jelly Rollcollaboration Box Me Up.

“This album’s my heart, my story — the love, the loss, the heartbreak, the grind,” BigX said in a press release. “I wanted people to feel it all with me, the highs, the lows, the real life that shapes you. I Hope You’re Happy is me mixing my urban roots with that country soul, tellin’ my story straight up, just me.”

According to an arrest affidavit, Dallas police pulled Landum over around 8:45 p.m. Thursday after spotting his truck without a front license plate as he left a Williams Chicken restaurant. Officers said they were patrolling the area following a tip about a car club gathering.

When asked if he had weapons in the vehicle, Landum allegedly replied, “mine is under my arm rest.” Police said they recovered two firearms and a small amount of marijuana from the truck.

They also noted his name appeared in the NCIC gang database, which makes firearm possession a misdemeanor under Texas law.

Landum was booked on charges of possessing marijuana under two ounces and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was released after appearing before a judge and posting bond.

He had planned two release parties in Dallas: one Thursday night at the Cash Cow bar in Deep Ellum, and another Friday at a Wing Stop. The latter was canceled following his arrest, though when asked by FOX 4 if he would reschedule, Landum said yes.

His attorney, Valerie Baston, told reporters:
“We are going to work vigorously for our client. It is what it is. It’s two misdemeanors. People are saying it’s a felony, and it’s not.”

The Dallas arrest was Landum’s second this year. In February, Arlington police pulled over a car for expired registration. Officers reported smelling marijuana and found a handgun in the passenger-side door.

Landum was arrested for possession of marijuana under two ounces, while a passenger, Cleodist Landum, was taken into custody on an active felony warrant.