BigXthaPlug Arrested on Drug and Gun Charges — Iowa State Fair Show in Doubt

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Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug has been arrested in Texas on charges of driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, and illegal possession of a firearm, casting doubt on his scheduled headlining performance at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

The 28-year-old, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was stopped on Friday, August 21, in the Dallas suburb of Allen and booked into the Collin County Jail. Court records show he was arrested by the Allen Police Department and faces charges of driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession of less than 2 ounces, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The Impact:

BigXthaPlug was scheduled to perform Saturday at the Iowa State Fair’s Grandstand. Fair officials told KCCI they were “aware of reports regarding BigXthaPlug” and that “at this time, we have been told he will still be performing.” However, as of Saturday morning, jail records showed he had not been released.

The rapper also missed his scheduled performance at the Country Rising festival on Friday, with organizers posting on Instagram that he would no longer be performing “due to a personal emergency.”

The Artist:

BigXthaPlug, known for his mix of southern hip-hop, trap, and country-rap, became well known for viral singles “Texas,” “The Largest,” and “Mmhmm.” He has 19.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his most streamed song, “Mmhmm,” has garnered over 548 million streams. He performed at Wireless Festival in the UK in 2025.

The Pattern:

Friday’s arrest came exactly one year after he was arrested in Dallas on marijuana possession and unlawful possession of a firearm charges. That August 2025 arrest occurred on the same day his album “I Hope You’re Happy” was released. He also faced similar charges in 2022.

The Bottom Line:

BigXthaPlug’s arrest adds another chapter to the rapper’s legal troubles — and raises questions about his upcoming performances and music releases. The Iowa State Fair has not confirmed whether the show will proceed.

Pierre “P” Thomas, Quality Control Co-Founder, Rushed to Hospital After Cardiac Arrest

The Headline: QC Co-Founder Suffers Major Health Setback — Industry Rallies in Support

The Story:

Pierre “P” Thomas, co-founder of Quality Control Music, was rushed to a hospital on Friday, August 21, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

According to TMZ, which first broke the story, Thomas is alive and currently in the intensive care unit at a Las Vegas hospital receiving medical care. In a statement shared on Instagram, Quality Control Music confirmed that Thomas “is alive and currently receiving medical care.”

“We ask that everyone keep P and his family in their thoughts and prayers and respectfully give them the privacy and space they need during this time. We deeply appreciate everyone’s concern, support, prayers, and loving energy right now.”
— Statement from Pierre “P” Thomas’s team

The Impact:

Thomas is a towering figure in hip-hop. He co-founded Quality Control Music in March 2013 with Kevin “Coach K” Lee. The Atlanta-based label helped develop major artists including Migos, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and City Girls, becoming one of the most influential names in hip-hop.

In 2023, Quality Control was acquired by Hybe America in a deal reportedly worth roughly $300 million in cash and stock.

Thomas’s health scare has prompted an outpouring of support from across the industry. The label confirmed that family members are with him at the hospital and are consulting with doctors on next steps.

The Bottom Line:

The hip-hop community is rallying around Pierre “P” Thomas as he recovers from a major health setback.

Pooh Shiesty Scores First No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart

The Headline: “All Eyes on Shiest” Debuts at No. 1 — Rapper Scores First Career Chart-Topper

The Story:

Pooh Shiesty has scored his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart as his LP All Eyes on Shiest debuts at the top of the list dated Aug. 22.

The album, released on 1017/Atlantic Records, opened with 51,000 equivalent album units in the United States for the tracking week of Aug. 7-13. Streaming activity contributed 49,500 units, equal to 51.6 million official on-demand streams of the album’s songs.

The album also debuts at No. 1 on Top Rap Albums and No. 7 on the all-genre Billboard 200 — his second top 10 on the chart. Fourteen of the album’s 16 tracks landed on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, led by debuts for “Last Man Breathin” (No. 11) and “Reap What You Sew” (No. 13).

The Context:

The album arrives as Shiesty remains awaiting a federal trial, scheduled for February 2027, over allegations that he and multiple co-conspirators forced Gucci Mane at gunpoint to release him from his record deal. He has pleaded not guilty.

All Eyes on Shiest gives Shiesty his first No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with his second appearance. His 2021 mixtape Shiesty Season debuted and peaked at No. 2.

The Bottom Line:

The Memphis rapper’s chart-topping debut marks a significant milestone in his career and signals continued momentum — even as he awaits a federal trial.

The People’s Weekly — urban intel from a holistic social approach.