BIGXTHAPLUG
From Rap to Country: A Genre-Crossing Story
MUSIC
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MUSIC 〰️
“Combining trap beats with the raspy, tear-in-your-beer tunes, the Texas artist offers a Nashville temperature check with I Hope You’re Happy.”
— Rolling Stone
“Pray Hard, the crown jewel of BigX’s Nashville experiment. Luke Combs delivers a thunderous chorus, as the Dallas native pushes the pace to match his soulful bellow.”
– Billboard
THE OVERVIEW
BigXthaPlug is a multi-platinum rap artist from Dallas, known for his innovative sound and mastery of 80s/90s sample-based rap. Hits like The Largest, Whip It, and Levels featuring Offset established him as a major voice in hip-hop. With his album I Hope You’re Happy, BigXthaPlug set out to expand his artistry into country music, blending Southern roots with his rap foundation to reach new audiences.
The Challenge
While BigXthaPlug was a rising force in rap, he faced a steep challenge entering the country music space. He had no prior collaborations with country artists, no editorial coverage in the genre, and no credibility with country audiences or publications. The goal was clear: prove he could cross genres authentically without compromising his rap identity.
The Strategy
To bridge the gap between rap and country, BigXthaPlug and his team executed a multi-layered plan. They collaborated with Bailey Zimmerman on All The Way, a track designed to blend hip-hop and country seamlessly. A targeted media audit identified the top country outlets—including American Songwriter, Music Row, Rolling Stone Country, and Billboard’s country vertical. The song was shared as an exclusive first listen to generate anticipation and credibility.
Once All The Way debuted on the Billboard Country Charts, the narrative became clear: BigXthaPlug was a genuine genre-blending innovator. Coverage followed, including Billboard’s “Top Genre-Blending Artist” feature and a GQ Hype cover celebrating his Dallas roots and country alignment. Over 20 editorial placements and 30 digital placements cemented his presence in both communities, creating a sustained and authentic crossover
Results & Impact
BigXthaPlug’s genre-crossing strategy delivered historic results:
Billboard Charts:
Hot Rap Songs: #6 (All The Way ft. Bailey Zimmerman)
Hot Country Songs: #8 (All The Way)
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: #7 (TAKE CARE)
Billboard Top 200: I Hope You’re Happy debuted #7, ranking in the top 2 of Rap & Country
Awards & Recognition:
Variety Hip Hop Disruptor of the Year
Billboard Innovator of the Year
Rolling Stone 100 Best Songs of 2025 (#73)
Complex 50 Best Albums of 2025 (#46)
High-Profile Performances:
59th Annual Country Music Awards with Luke Combs
CMA Fest 2025
Apple Music Live at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium
Headlined iHeart Radio Music Festival 2025
Collaborations & Influence:
Featured artists: Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman, Shaboozey, Ella Langley
NFL team anthems: The Largest, Texas, Change Me
6.6B global on-demand streams
Philanthropy:
Partnered with Autism Society in honor of his son to raise awareness
Through this work, BigXthaPlug became one of the few artists in the last decade to top both rap and country charts simultaneously, redefining what it means to be a Southern genre-bending artist.
“A breakout voice with national appeal and Southern grit.”
– GQ Magazine
Key Takeaway
BigXthaPlug’s crossover into country music proved that genre expansion, when rooted in authenticity and cultural alignment, can unlock entirely new audiences without diluting core identity. By pairing strategic collaborations with targeted media positioning, the campaign established BigX as a credible, chart-topping force across both rap and country—setting a new blueprint for modern, genre-defying artists.