BigXthaPlug Goes From Jail to Iowa State Fair Stage in Under 24 Hours

An Arrest That Almost Wasn't the Headline

Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug performed as scheduled on Saturday, August 22, less than 24 hours after his arrest in Texas on charges including driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession, and illegal possession of a firearm. For a moment, it seemed like the show might not go on. By the time the night was over, the rapper had given fans something to talk about long after the fair lights went dark.

Videos shared on social media showed the 28-year-old taking the stage at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, where he told the crowd, "They didn't think I was coming." It was a line that landed hard — equal parts defiance and showmanship — and it perfectly captured the surreal arc of his weekend.

What Led to the Arrest

Dallas police said officers pulled over a pickup truck that was missing its front license plate. An officer asked the driver, identified as Landum, if he had a firearm — and BigXthaPlug told officers he did and detailed where to find it in the truck. Police said a criminal database flagged Landum as connected to a gang in Arlington, which meant he was not legally allowed to possess a gun. Police also found a small amount of marijuana in the truck.

BigXthaPlug was arrested on the exact same date as his last arrest — one year later, hours before his biggest show of the summer. Landum was also jailed on drug and weapons charges in 2022 and 2025. The pattern is hard to ignore, even as the legal process plays out. His arrest initially threw his upcoming appearances into doubt — he was expected to perform at the Country Rising festival on Friday, but organizers announced he would no longer be appearing "due to a personal emergency."

A Fair Season Already Full of Drama

Had BigXthaPlug not made the show, it would have been the second act the Iowa State Fair had to cancel on short notice. Rod Stewart had cancelled the previous Friday due to health concerns, and classic rocker John Waite replaced him. Fair officials, to their credit, handled the uncertainty with transparency. Iowa State Fair spokesperson Mindy Williamson issued a statement saying, "We are aware of reports regarding BigXthaPlug. We are in communication with his agent and at this time, we have been told he will still be performing."

The August 22 show marked BigXthaPlug's Iowa State Fair debut, performing as part of the Iowa Lottery Grandstand Concert Series on the Krause Group Stage. For an artist on his trajectory, it was a significant milestone — even if it came wrapped in chaos.

A Rising Star With a Complicated Road Ahead

BigXthaPlug, the rising star out of Dallas, Texas, is rapidly cementing his place as one of hip-hop's most magnetic and genre-bending voices. Known for his raw storytelling, unapologetic lyrics, and undeniable presence on the mic, his RIAA platinum-certified singles "Texas," "Mmhmm," and "Levels" laid the foundation for his breakthrough sophomore album, Take Care. He has also made a splash in the country music scene with "All The Way" featuring Bailey Zimmerman, which debuted at No. 1 on Spotify's USA Charts, hit No. 2 on Apple Music, reached No. 4 globally on Spotify, and soared to No. 1 on YouTube's Trending Top Music Videos chart.

The talent is undeniable. But so is the pattern. BigXthaPlug showed up in Iowa and delivered — that much is clear. What remains to be seen is whether he can channel that same discipline off the stage. The charges he faces are serious, and they will follow him into what should be the most exciting chapter of his career. How he navigates that will define far more than one wild weekend at a state fair.