Rapper BigXthaPlug headlines Iowa state fair hours after getting arrested

The rapper was arrested on charges including driving while intoxicated and illegal firearm possession BigXthaPlug went from jail to the Iowa State Fair stage in less than a day. The Dallas rapper and producer 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. Videos shared on social media showed the 28-year-old taking the stage at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, where he said, “They didn't think I was coming.” The rapper, whose real name is Xavier Landum, had been arrested on Friday, August 21, and was booked into Collin County Jail before later being released. His arrest initially threw his upcoming appearances into doubt. BigXthaPlug was expected to perform at Country Rising festival on Friday, but organisers announced that he would no longer be appearing “due to a personal emergency.”  However, the Iowa State Fair remained confident that Saturday’s concert would go ahead. Fair officials said they had been in contact with his agent and were told he would still perform. Around noon, Landum appeared to confirm the show himself in a short Instagram Story video, telling fans: “Des Moines, Iowa, I'm on my way.” He ultimately made good on that promise, arriving to headline the fair’s Grandstand with special guest XOLEX. This is not Landum’s first run-in with the law. The hip-hop star was previously jailed on drug and weapons charges in 2022 and 2025.