Rising Dallas rapper Xavier “BigXThaPlug” Landum found himself behind bars following what started as a routine traffic stop. The unexpected arrest on Feb. 26 has fans wondering what this means for the chart-climbing artist who’s been making major waves since 2023.
The night everything changed
What went down
It was just another night in Arlington, Texas — until it wasn’t. BigXThaPlug was driving when police pulled him over for something seemingly minor: expired tags. But the situation escalated quickly when officers approached his vehicle.
According to law enforcement reports, officers detected marijuana odor coming from the car, prompting them to request both BigXThaPlug and his passenger, Cleodist Landum, to step out. What followed was a search that uncovered cigarettes, suspected marijuana, and a handgun in the passenger door pocket.
The discovery led to BigXThaPlug’s arrest on charges of possessing less than two ounces of marijuana. He was subsequently transported to Arlington County Jail, where he remained in custody as of Feb. 26.
Double trouble
BigXThaPlug wasn’t alone in facing legal consequences that night. Cleodist Landum, believed to be a relative, was also arrested during the incident. Officers discovered he had an active felony warrant from Bexar County and allegedly found marijuana on him during the search.
Cleodist faces multiple charges, including the outstanding warrant, marijuana possession, and unlawfully carrying a weapon. In Texas, carrying a weapon while possessing controlled substances like marijuana is prohibited, complicating the legal situation for both men.
From prison bars to chart success
The unlikely rise
BigXThaPlug’s journey to rap stardom began in February 2023 following a prison stint where he discovered his songwriting talents. His breakthrough single “Texas” captured attention and quickly established him as a force in the industry, enabling him to launch his own record label and sign emerging artists.
The numbers speak volumes about his meteoric rise: 17.2 million monthly Spotify listeners, with his hit track “Mmhmm” accumulating over 330 million streams. His album “Take Care” climbed into Billboard’s top 10, cementing his reputation as one of rap’s most promising newcomers.
The silence is deafening
Despite the public nature of his arrest, BigXThaPlug has maintained radio silence regarding the incident. His team hasn’t released any official statements addressing the situation. Interestingly, just hours before his arrest, he shared Instagram Stories showing him on a basketball court, giving no indication of the trouble that lay ahead.
What this means beyond the headlines
Texas marijuana laws under scrutiny
BigXThaPlug’s case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding marijuana legislation in Texas. While many states have moved toward decriminalization or legalization, Texas maintains relatively strict enforcement, particularly when weapons are involved.
This arrest has sparked conversations throughout the hip-hop community and among criminal justice reform advocates. Many question whether such charges reflect equitable application of the law, especially considering the changing national attitudes toward marijuana possession.
Career crossroads
For an artist experiencing such rapid ascension, legal troubles introduce significant uncertainty. Other rappers have faced similar situations with varied outcomes—some finding their careers derailed while others translate the experience into artistic evolution and greater audience connection.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for BigXThaPlug, who had been riding an impressive wave of success. How he responds to this setback could define the next chapter of his career.
What happens next?
As fans await updates, questions linger about potential court appearances, legal strategies, and whether BigXThaPlug might address the situation publicly. The immediate challenge for his team will likely involve managing public perception while navigating the legal process.
For now, supporters continue streaming his music while watching social media for any statements from the artist or his representatives. Industry insiders will be watching closely to see if radio stations and streaming platforms maintain their support during this turbulent period.
The bigger picture
BigXThaPlug’s situation reflects a familiar narrative in hip-hop—talented artists navigating a complex landscape where personal choices intersect with systemic realities. His story resonates with many young African Americans who see their own struggles mirrored in his journey from incarceration to success, and now, facing new legal challenges.
Whether this becomes a footnote in his career or a defining moment depends largely on how he responds in the coming weeks. For an artist whose authenticity has been central to his appeal, this represents both a challenge and potentially an opportunity to connect even more deeply with his audience.
As this story continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: BigXThaPlug stands at a pivotal moment that will test his resilience, his team’s crisis management skills, and ultimately, his ability to maintain momentum in an industry where attention quickly shifts to the next rising star.
