Hey y’all, let’s talk about BigXthaPlug—the Dallas rapper who’s been turning heads by dipping his toes into country waters without fully jumping in. As someone who’s grown up on both OutKast beats and George Strait ballads, I love seeing artists like him shake up genres. His new album I Hope You’re Happy, dropped just last week on August 22, 2025, is packed with collabs from country’s A-listers, and it’s got me hooked. But what’s really cool? He stays true to his rap roots in every track, blending flows over twangy guitars and heartfelt hooks. No forced yee-haw raps here—just authentic fusion that feels fresh. In my opinion, this is the future of music: breaking barriers without erasing your identity. Let’s dive into the collabs, what BigX thinks about country, and why his approach is a breath of fresh air.
The Star-Studded Lineup: Who’s on the Album?
BigXthaPlug isn’t just flirting with country; he’s gone all-in with I Hope You’re Happy, a full collab project featuring some of Nashville’s heaviest hitters. This ain’t your typical remix tape—it’s a deliberate mashup where rap meets rural storytelling. Here’s the rundown of the biggest names he teamed up with:
- Bailey Zimmerman on “All The Way”: This one’s been buzzing since April, a trap-infused banger with Zimmerman’s gritty vocals complementing BigX’s booming delivery. It’s topped country airplay charts, proving the combo works.
- Shaboozey on “Home”: Fresh off Shaboozey’s own crossover success with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, this June release feels like a homecoming anthem. BigX raps about roots while Shaboozey adds that soulful country edge.
- Luke Combs on “Pray Hard”: Sounds like a college football tailgate jam—Combs’ powerhouse voice meets BigX’s motivational bars. Fans are calling it an anthem already.
- Ella Langley on “Hell At Night”: Teased in August, this one’s got that edgy vibe, with Langley’s raw emotion clashing perfectly against BigX’s street tales.
- Other heavyweights: Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, Jessie Murph, and INK round out the tracklist. It’s like BigX invited the whole CMA Awards to his studio.
These aren’t gimmicky features; they’re thoughtful pairings that highlight shared themes like struggle, pride, and good times. BigX’s Southern-fried flow fits right in, but he never pretends to be a cowboy—he’s the plug from Dallas, repping Texas hard.
What BigXthaPlug Really Thinks About Country Music
BigX isn’t shy about his country pivot. In interviews, he emphasizes it’s not about switching lanes but merging them. “I wouldn’t say my version of country music is country music. It’s kind of mixing the two sounds,” he told Billboard back in May. He’s all about bridging rap, country, and soul, drawing from his Texas roots where both genres thrive.
He embraced Nashville’s songwriting scene, collaborating in studios there and soaking up the process. But get this: In a recent chat, he admitted he never even wanted to be a rapper initially—life just pushed him that way. And hilariously, despite being a Texas native dropping a country album, he confessed he doesn’t know legends like George Strait or Willie Nelson. Bold move, but it shows he’s not faking fandom; he’s creating his own space.
In my view, this honesty is refreshing. Country purists might scoff (one critic called it “garbage” and not real country), but BigX sees it as evolution: “You can’t just hold [artists] in one lane, cause that’s like telling a painter you can only paint red apples.” He’s right—music’s about growth, and his take feels genuine, not calculated.
Why We Love the Collabs… But Dig Him Sticking to Rap
Here’s what sets BigX apart: In every country collab, he raps. No awkward singing or forced twang—just his signature deep voice and clever bars over banjo riffs and steel guitars. It’s fusion at its best, like if Nelly and Tim McGraw had a love child that actually slapped.
We like it because:
- It Keeps Things Authentic: BigX doesn’t dilute his rap identity to fit country molds. Tracks like “All The Way” have trap beats with country hooks, letting both worlds shine without compromise. In a sea of forced crossovers (looking at you, some hick-hop duds), this feels real.
- It Broadens Horizons: Fans from both sides win. Country folks get exposed to rap’s energy, while hip-hop heads discover Nashville’s storytelling. One X user nailed it: “Bigxthaplug single handedly changed my opinion on country music 🔥” Another raved, “Why does every single BigXthaPlug collab w a country artist go so fucking hard 🔥”
- It’s Inclusive Without Being Corny: By sticking to rap, BigX avoids the pitfalls of artists who “go country” and lose their edge. It’s empowering—showing Black artists can thrive in traditionally white spaces on their terms. Social media’s lit: “The BigXthaPlug country collab project he just put out is incredible!! Nothing but hits!” Even skeptics admit it’s “near perfect.”
Sure, there’s hate—some call it “hick-hop” ruining genres, and his recent arrest timing didn’t help perceptions. But the positives outweigh: “Blending Hip-Hop and country music may be my favorite genre.”
Wrapping It Up: BigX Is Plugging Into the Future
BigXthaPlug’s country collabs are more than hype—they’re a statement. He respects the genre enough to mix it with his rap soul, creating something bigger than both. In my opinion, this is why music evolves: Artists like him remind us genres are just boxes, and the best stuff happens outside them. If you’re sleeping on I Hope You’re Happy, wake up—it’s got hits for days. What do you think—genius fusion or forced trend? Drop your takes; I’m all ears (and biscuits).
