BigXthaPlug Explains How Friend Shaboozey Helps Him Stay Grounded

Shaboozey and BigXThaPlug in Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2025.
Credit :

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Quick Facts

• BigXthaPlug discussed his friendship with Shaboozey at Variety’s Hitmakers brunch.
• “He keeps me level-headed. I keep him level-headed,” BigX shared.
• The artists have collaborated on the tracks “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” and “Home.”

BigXthaPlug has a close relationship with Shaboozey, as he revealed during a recent interview at Variety’s Hitmakers brunch. Speaking about their simultaneous rise in the music industry, BigX (born Xavier Landum) noted, “We kind of came up at the same time, and we keep each other leveled out.”

The 27-year-old rapper expressed admiration for Shaboozey, stating, “Every time I see him I’ll be like, ‘Bro, you’re one of the biggest artists in the world.’ And he’ll be like, ‘No, bro, you’re one of the biggest artists.’ He keeps me level-headed. I keep him level-headed.” He emphasized the significance of their friendship, identifying Shaboozey, 30, as “definitely one of my close friends in the industry for sure.”

The duo has previously teamed up for tracks like “Drink Don’t Need No Mix,” featured on Shaboozey’s 2024 album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, and “Home” from BigX’s 2025 release I Hope You’re Happy.

Shaboozey has also praised BigX, calling him a “good guy” in an interview with Holler. “Man, he’s amazing, that’s my guy. He’s just a humble guy, a loving man, and a great guy,” he stated. Shaboozey emphasized that everyone around BigX appreciates him for taking care of his family and his people.

At the Hitmakers brunch, BigX received the Hip-Hop Disruptor of the Year award, which he described as a “huge blessing.” Reflecting on his whirlwind year, he shared, “It means everything to switch lanes and be accepted by country music artists with open arms.”

BigX expressed gratitude for the acceptance from top-tier artists such as Shaboozey, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen, stating, “It’s just a blessing to be accepted. Then when you do the music with them and it goes as crazy as it went, it’s a blessing.”

Shaboozey and BigXthaPlug in April 2025 in Indio, Calif.

Arturo Holmes/Getty for Coachella

In August, BigX’s sophomore album Take Care achieved platinum certification, a milestone that prompted him to reflect on his personal journey. The “Big Stepper” artist shared his struggles, stating, “I questioned my purpose for life. I questioned my goals. I even questioned being on this very earth.”

He elaborated on his mental health challenges, admitting, “Depression and the life of being @bigxthaplug was moving faster than I could ever think of for the first time since I’ve been an artist. I let everything out and put it into this project.”

BigX expressed gratitude towards his team, acknowledging, “They didn’t just help me make this platinum album; they helped me SAVE MY LIFE.” He celebrated the achievement of going platinum within a year, stating, “Less than a year… No features… No major label… We PLATINUM!!! I thank you all for helping me achieve this.”