Rising hip-hop artist BigXthaPlug—born Xavier Landum, aged 27—was arrested early Friday morning in Dallas on misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and unlawful firearm possession, just hours after launching his much-anticipated album I Hope You’re Happy.
Album Launch Overshadowed by Legal Trouble
Landum celebrated the release of I Hope You’re Happy with a release event at the Cash Cow nightclub in Deep Ellum on Thursday night. The 11-track album, notable for its blend of rap and country influences, includes collaborations with Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Shaboozey, Thomas Rhett, and Ella Langley. On the same day as the album release, the music video for “Box Me Up” featuring Jelly Roll was also unveiled.
Arrest Details
According to local authorities, Landum was pulled over around 8:45 p.m. for a traffic violation—a vehicle lacking a front license plate—in southeast Dallas. When questioned, he admitted to having a firearm, and officers subsequently recovered both the weapon and a small amount (3.4 grams) of marijuana from his vehicle. Landum’s entry in law enforcement databases as a “documented gang member” further complicated the situation, rendering firearm possession a misdemeanor under state law.
Landum was booked into the Dallas County Jail at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Friday and remained in custody into the afternoon. Bail was set at $5,000.
Fallout and Cancelled Events
The arrest led to the abrupt cancellation of a second release event scheduled for Friday night at a local Wingstop. The chain, in a social media statement, humorously announced: “Our Friday night plans are canceled,” while affirming future commitment to cultural events.
Despite the setback, the album’s release garnered substantial attention within the music industry and among fans.
Statement from Representation
Following his release from jail, Landum’s attorney, Valerie Baston, issued a brief statement to the press: “We’re going to work vigorously for our client. These charges are two misdemeanors—not felonies, despite what some are suggesting.”
Rising Star Under Scrutiny
This marks Landum’s second arrest in North Texas this year; he was previously detained in February in Arlington on marijuana charges. His music—particularly his 2024 album Take Care—has earned critical and commercial success, including RIAA Platinum certification, with Landum attributing its creative and personal significance to his own resilience and recovery from personal struggles.
Summary
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | BigXthaPlug (Xavier Landum), age 27 |
| Album Released | I Hope You’re Happy, August 22, 2025 |
| Charges | Misdemeanor possession of marijuana (<2 oz) and unlawful possession of a firearm |
| Circumstances | Arrest during traffic stop; found with firearm and marijuana; gang database entry flagged firearm possession |
| Jail & Bond | Booked ~2:20 a.m.; bond set at $5,000; released later that day |
| Cancelled Event | Wingstop album release party called off due to arrest |
| Legal Position | Attorney emphasizes misdemeanor nature, not felonies |
| Career Context | Platinum-certified previous album, crossover country-influenced new release |
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