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Why Is a Dallas Rapper Like BigXThaPlug on a Country Festival Stage?

By Larry Philpot on May 4, 2026

BigXThaPlug took the Big River Stage at 4:30 p.m. on April 18, 2026, and immediately gave the crowd a reason to stop wondering why a Southern hip-hop artist was slotted alongside country acts. With his booming baritone, hard-hitting trap beats, and Texas swagger, he blends raw street storytelling with the kind of regional pride that crosses genres. In today’s music scene, where boundaries between rap and country keep blurring, BigXThaPlug stands out for bringing authentic Dallas energy to any stage—turning a country festival into a celebration of shared Southern roots.

BigXThaPlug performs at Day 2 of the Two Step Inn Festival, Georgetown Texas on April 18, 2026. (Photo Credit and copyright: Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

From Dallas Streets to Festival Headliner Status

Born Xavier Landum on May 12, 1998, in Dallas, Texas, BigXThaPlug grew up on the city’s south side. A former standout football player, he turned to music after a period of incarceration, releasing his debut mixtape *Bacc From the Dead* in 2020. His breakthrough came with the 2022 single “Texas,” a Gold-certified anthem that became a cultural staple, followed by “Mmhmm,” which hit the Billboard Hot 100. He launched his own label, 600 Entertainment, in 2023 and dropped his debut album *Amar* that same year. Recent projects like *Take Care* and the 2025 album *I Hope You’re Happy* have expanded his sound into country-rap territory, highlighted by the hit “All The Way” with Bailey Zimmerman—the first track to top both rap and country charts. A father of two, he continues to build momentum through high-energy live shows and festival appearances that showcase his versatility.

BigXThaPlug Live Performance Setup

BigXThaPlug (Xavier Landum) – Lead Vocals and Performance
One DJ, pictured, but not named

(As a solo rapper, BigXThaPlug performs with a DJ who handles beats and crowd warm-ups. He occasionally incorporates live instrumentation for select tracks. No established band or substantial lineup changes apply, as he builds sets around his catalog and high-energy delivery.)

A DJ for BigXThaPlug performs at Day 2 of the Two Step Inn Festival, Georgetown Texas on April 18, 2026. (Photo Credit and copyright: Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

His Set on the Big River Stage

Positioned on the festival’s main Big River Stage—reserved for headliners and major rising stars—BigXThaPlug delivered a high-octane performance that had the afternoon crowd moving from the first beat. He opened with an acapella chorus singalong on “Choosin’ Texas” (which I believe is an Ella Langley cover), then rolled through fan favorites with energetic dancing and direct crowd engagement. The set highlighted his crossover appeal, blending trap anthems with the Texas pride that resonated perfectly in the festival setting.

The Two Step Inn festival returned to scenic San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas—just north of Austin—for its 2026 edition. The park’s live oaks and open spaces create a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere that feels more like a big backyard party than a massive production. Three stages offered variety: Pony Up for emerging artists, Showdeo for mid-tier favorites, and Big River for bigger draws like BigXThaPlug, with local food vendors adding to the welcoming vibe. Day 1 built strong under sunny skies before afternoon storms forced cancellations after Kaitlin Butts’ set at 5:30 p.m.

Verified Setlist (sourced from the official concert listing on setlist.fm):

Choosin’ Texas (Ella Langley cover) (Acapella chorus singalong)
Back On My BS
Pray Hard
All The Way
Cold
Hell At Night
Home
Texas

What BigXThaPlug Brings to the Live Experience

BigXThaPlug may come from the hip-hop world, but his Big River set showed exactly why festivals like Two Step Inn are smart to include him—his music taps into the same Texas spirit that runs through the lineup. With commanding vocals, crowd-pleasing energy, and songs that feel lived-in rather than manufactured, his performances give you that rush of a great live show without needing to know every lyric upfront. As his 2026 dates keep rolling, including afterparties tied to the festival, it’s worth catching him whenever the opportunity comes around—you’ll leave with a clearer sense of why his sound travels so well across genres, and the crowd was packed.