BigXthaPlug | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Upcoming Tour Dates and Introduction of Guest

• Upcoming tour dates include Bloomington, Indiana on November 13th, Columbus, Ohio, Champagne, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lafayette, Louisiana, and Bowmont, Texas, with some tickets still available through the link theovon docomo for fair-priced tickets (22s).
• Today's guest is Big X the Plug, a rapper from Dallas, Texas, who has a new album called "Take Care" and is currently on tour, with hit songs including "Texas Whip It" (43s).
• Big X the Plug recently came from Louisville, Kentucky, where he performed a show that was 95% packed and had a good experience (1m8s).
• He also recently visited Montana, where he met some Native Americans and performed shows, and noted that they have good weed (1m43s).

Big X the Plug's Experiences with Native Americans

• Big X the Plug mentioned that Native Americans have the best weed and have a type that can supposedly bring back dead relatives, but he hasn't tried it (2m34s).
• He also talked about Native Americans having exotic animals as pets, such as falcons, buffalo, and eagles, which he finds intimidating (2m58s).

Big X the Plug's Fear of Animals and Discussion of Pets

• Big X the Plug is scared of animals that are bigger than him, including horses, cows, eagles, and snakes, and prefers not to be around them (3m8s).
• He does have a daughter nicknamed "Bird", but that's as close as he gets to being comfortable with birds (3m35s).
• There is a discussion about pets, specifically dogs, mentioning breeds such as Rottweilers, Cane Corso, pocket bullies, and a French Bulldog. One of the dogs, named Sasha, is described as having white patches and being difficult to handle with strangers. (4m10s)
• There is a mention of feeling nervous around dangerous animals, especially when under the influence of marijuana, leading to an anecdote about leaving a car due to anxiety. (4m47s)

Discussion of Big X the Plug's Music and Music Videos

• The conversation includes appreciation for the guest's music, highlighting the cinematic and ambient beginnings of the songs, which are crafted by long-time producers B Playay and Tony Co. The producers are familiar with the artist's style, creating a build-up in the music that sets the mood. (5m43s)
• A music video involving skydiving is discussed, revealing that the skydiving was not real due to a fear of having a heart attack or fainting. Instead, the video was shot using a fake setup with good acting. (6m24s)
• The video is praised for its realistic portrayal, despite the simulated skydiving, and there is a humorous remark about skydiving at a casual speed, indicating a relaxed vibe. (7m12s)

Life in Texas and the Impact of Popularity

• Life in Texas has not changed much despite increased popularity, with daily routines remaining the same, but now requiring curbside pickups instead of going to Walmart due to being recognized by everyone (7m41s).
• The feeling of being overwhelmed by people knowing him is sometimes alarming, but it comes with the job, and having people like BigXthaPlug around helps (8m21s).
• Popularity can be a rare thing, and it's interesting when it happens to someone, especially after previously not wanting people to know who he was (8m37s).
• It can be more dangerous being a rapper, as people may try to shoot him, and he has to be prepared for that, being a target because everyone thinks he has a lot of money (9m23s).
• Many major artists only have material possessions like chains and watches, but no actual money, and he tries to treat everyone as equal to avoid creating a sense of separation (9m53s).

Dangers and Responsibilities of Being a Rapper

• For rappers, it can feel more dangerous, and he jokes about not wanting men to perform CPR on him if needed, instead preferring a woman to do it (10m31s).
• When it comes to safety, he has to be aware of his surroundings and the people around him, looking out for potential threats (11m0s).
• A humorous exchange occurs about whether to say thank you or fight after a near-death experience, with jokes about kissing and finding the nearest woman. (11m8s)
• A discussion takes place about the idea of having a personal security team equipped with various weapons, including bow and arrows, choppers, and ninja stars, likening it to video game characters who carry many weapons but use none. (11m37s)
• There is a humorous observation about police officers carrying an excessive amount of equipment, including tasers, guns, pepper spray, and even marbles, making them resemble a 7-Eleven. (12m11s)

Early Work Experiences and Entrepreneurial Inspiration

• A personal anecdote is shared about a first job at Taco Cabana at age 16, where the initial pay was supposed to be $7.25 per hour but was increased to $7.50 due to good performance. The first paycheck was disappointing, amounting to $200 for two weeks of work. (13m5s)
• The job at Taco Cabana lasted only about a month and a half, and there is a reflection on the difficulty of being told what to do by someone who is not the "big dog." This experience, along with observing entrepreneurial parents, inspired a desire to become an independent entity and be one's own boss. (13m42s)
• The discussion touches on the experience of working a job where someone dictates tasks, which was found to be challenging. A specific food item, a bowl with a shell containing meats, guacamole, rice, and beans, was highlighted as a favorite takeaway from work. (14m41s)
• Dessert options at the workplace included a dish called "soia," which was a favorite to make, involving frying and dipping in sauce. (15m34s)
• During the time of employment, there was no smoking allowed on the job, and the individual was also a football player, focusing on a different path and aspiring to be their own boss. (15m59s)
• A family member had a business that was not officially documented for taxes but was sufficient to pay bills and provide necessities. (16m22s)

Family Background and Children

• The parents of the individual separated before their birth but maintained a good relationship and co-parented effectively. (16m54s)
• The individual has two children: a newborn daughter and a son who is about to be six years old. The son has autism, which is described as making him unique and a character in his own right. (17m11s)
• Autism is discussed as a condition associated with high intelligence, with references to notable figures like Elon Musk. (17m51s)
• A child has difficulty with speech, being able to repeat words but struggling to form sentences independently. Despite this, the child is intelligent, capable of performing tasks like jumping fences and accessing snacks. (18m12s)

Reflections on Family, Early Parenthood, and Career Path

• There is a desire to have children and leave a legacy, influenced by growing up in a large family. The speaker's family gatherings involved many relatives, and there is a strong family tradition on both the father's and mother's sides. (19m20s)
• The speaker reflects on starting a family earlier than expected, noting that their parents had children at a young age. In their community, it was common for young women to become pregnant early. (19m55s)
• At the time of having a son, the speaker was not yet rapping and was living with their grandmother while working at UPS, which did not offer good benefits unless in a managerial position. (20m38s)
• The speaker had lived in Austin, Texas, where they attended school before being expelled. They stayed with the mother of their child, Carter, and experienced legal issues, including a restraining order from an apartment complex. (21m8s)
• After being released from jail, a man returned to Dallas and was informed three months later by a woman that she was pregnant. Despite his difficult living situation, he invited her to stay with him, and they managed to make it work together. He expresses deep respect and gratitude for her, acknowledging that he might not have succeeded without her support. (21m29s)
• He recalls spending Thanksgiving in jail, specifically in solitary confinement, where the experience was marked by hearing people scream from door to door. There was no special celebration or singing related to the holiday. (22m38s)
• On the day of his release, which was a Tuesday, he felt a sense of joy and sang in the shower, reminiscent of a scene from the movie "Norbit." This brought laughter to others in the facility. (23m20s)

Experiences in Jail and Reflections on Incarceration

• During Thanksgiving in jail, a special meal was provided, but it was not comparable to a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Holidays in jail are generally not celebrated, as they are times when inmates wish to be with their families, leading to a more intense and somber atmosphere. (23m50s)
• There was a discussion about the presence of gay activity in jail, with a specific mention of an older man who had been incarcerated multiple times for stealing wood from Home Depot. (24m43s)
• A story was shared about a dentist who was part of the LGBTQ community and was in jail due to being an illegal immigrant and practicing dentistry without a license. He was caught with dental equipment in his trunk. (25m11s)
• The dentist, who was from Mexico, was involved in a relationship with an older inmate who took care of him, which was described as a kind of prison love story. (25m55s)
• The conversation touched on the idea that some inmates might feel envious of those who find companionship in jail, although the speaker did not personally feel that way. (26m52s)
• There was a brief discussion about the difference between jail and prison, noting that jail offers the possibility of going home, whereas prison is more permanent. (27m40s)
• The environment in prison is described as more hostile, with the presence of gangs and racial tensions being significant issues. Some people believe that federal prisons are better than regular prisons because they have more amenities and a wealthier population, although both are still challenging environments. (27m59s)
• Tablets are now available in prisons, providing some level of access to technology, although the overall experience remains difficult. (28m25s)
• There is a preference expressed for serving time in federal prison over regular prison due to a perception of slightly more freedom and relaxation. (28m49s)

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Transition to Rap Career and Early Success

• The transition from playing football to pursuing a career in rap is discussed, with a focus on the motivation and communication skills that contributed to this change. The experience of being in solitary confinement during Thanksgiving and missing a significant family event is mentioned as a turning point. (32m8s)
• After leaving a life of street activity, a promise was made to a son to always be present and never miss important events, despite being physically apart due to pursuing a career. (32m20s)
• Encouraged by a cousin who had been rapping since childhood, a decision was made to try rapping after being released, initially sharing music with a close friend group. (32m52s)
• Positive feedback from friends and acquaintances led to a wider audience, eventually gaining recognition in the local community. (33m35s)
• Within six months, a first distribution deal was secured, resulting in significant financial gain from legal activities, marking a turning point in life. (34m30s)
• Despite earning a substantial amount of money, financial challenges arose shortly after, highlighting the difficulties of managing newfound wealth. (35m8s)

Financial Challenges and Lessons Learned

• The individual discusses the pressure of maintaining an image as a prominent rapper in Texas but initially did not care about it. They became more conscious of spending after realizing how quickly money was depleting, especially after buying luxury items and giving generously to friends and family. (35m26s)
• They recount a moment when their finances dwindled to $25,000, prompting them to work hard to recover financially. They emphasize the benefits of being independent, as all their earnings go directly to them. (36m8s)

Independent Artists, Controversial Jokes, and Non-Political Stance

• The conversation shifts to discussing other independent artists like L Russell, who is noted for his inspirational work ethic and creativity, including making his own merchandise. (36m38s)
• A controversial joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Madison Square Garden is mentioned, which involved a derogatory comment about Puerto Rico, causing public outrage, especially in New York City. (37m1s)
• The individual expresses a non-political stance, focusing instead on making money and taking care of their family, regardless of political situations or potential conflicts. (38m4s)
• They humorously speculate about their chances of survival in a hypothetical world-ending scenario, suggesting they might be chosen to board a survival ship. (38m33s)
• There is a discussion about being on a list and the decision to bring children or women to repopulate, with a conclusion to bring both children. (38m45s)
• A website is mentioned where people can bet on various events, including elections and music awards, with Donald Trump at 62% and Kamala Harris at 38% in the election betting. (39m28s)
• The total amount of money bet on the election is $86 million, which is considered a significant amount. (40m11s)

Mentorship, Future Aspirations, and Musical Collaborations

• The individual reflects on new opportunities and potential mentors, emphasizing the importance of genuine relationships and mentioning an interview with "Million Dollars Worth of Game" hosts Wallow and Gilly. (40m22s)
• The individual expresses a preference for keeping to themselves and considers their son as their biggest mentor, finding inspiration in their son's ability to smile and face each day positively. (41m15s)
• There is a mention of Jelly Roll, with the individual acknowledging that they have not met him but have heard positive things about him. (42m6s)
• A country music tape is being planned, with potential collaborations including artists like Shozi and Shabui. (42m26s)
• Shabui is noted to be 29 years old and shares a similar birthday, being a Taurus. (42m51s)
• Genuine relationships in the music industry are highlighted, with Shabui and NLE Choppa mentioned as particularly authentic individuals. (43m12s)
• NLE Choppa expressed gratitude for support during his transition and performance at Rolling Loud, emphasizing the importance of being comfortable with one's artistic choices. (43m30s)
• A recent call from NLE Choppa, who was in Japan, was received to express appreciation for the support and belief in his vision. (44m31s)

Recent Activities: Basketball Game, Commercial Shoot, and Comedic Projects

• A women's basketball game featuring the Las Vegas Aces was attended, with a shared sentiment about the intensity and relatability of the game. (44m56s)
• A recent commercial shoot for Prize Picks involved a basketball scene where a participant claimed to have dunked the ball, and several people, including Funny Marco, Sketch, and Dusi, were present. (45m24s)
• Spice Adams, also known as Anthony Adams, is highlighted as a humorous figure known for his comedic basketball clips, although there was some initial confusion about his identity. (46m11s)
• A comedic fake movie was created by Druski, featuring a storyline about a family named the Diggers who inherit a funeral parlor. The plot includes a humorous and awkward eulogy scene delivered by a character married into the family. (47m42s)
• The eulogy scene involved multiple takes and became increasingly uncomfortable due to the play on words with the family name, especially in a room full of people unfamiliar with the context. (48m16s)
• Druski is noted for his comedic talent, with a mention of a video where he humorously portrays a character getting out of prison. (49m8s)

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Humorous Discussions and Personal Reflections

• There is a discussion about the possibility of going to space, with a humorous take on writing an album in space and meeting aliens. The idea of aliens is entertained, with speculation that they might look similar to humans but speak differently. (51m45s)
• A humorous conversation takes place about a man who appears to cut his own hair, leading to a discussion about a bus driver who used to cut everyone's hair in town for $2, using just his sight without any tools. This occurred about 22 to 25 years ago. (53m43s)
• A person mentions being 44 years old and feeling the pressure to get married soon, although they currently have two women in their life and feel they might be better off with none. They express that having a daughter has made them want to treat women better. (54m57s)
• There is a discussion about the challenges and admiration for someone who can manage relationships with multiple women, and how it can be a struggle but also a learning experience. (55m35s)

Proposal Plans, Music Choices, and Neighborhood Memories

• A story is shared about a father planning to propose to his girlfriend on stage in Dallas, with a special song to be played if she says yes. (56m30s)
• When asked what songs would be played for aliens, the response includes playing some Texas music and Lil Wayne, suggesting that the aliens would enjoy the songs. (56m51s)
• BigXthaPlug grew up near Juvenile and recalls an incident where Juvenile chased a woman down the street in their neighborhood, but doesn't want to share more details to avoid hurting Juvenile's feelings (57m30s).

Career Goals and Future Plans in the Rap Industry

• Despite having a successful year, BigXthaPlug doesn't feel a responsibility to keep up with his own success, as his initial goal was to take care of his child, not to become the best rapper (57m55s).
• BigXthaPlug never intended to be a rapper and only started doing music to support his child, and he still doesn't consider himself a full-time rapper, comparing his career to the NFL, which he jokingly says stands for "Not For Long" (58m16s).
• He has given himself five years in the rap industry and plans to retire after that, with the goal of setting himself up for other ventures, such as movies, to bring more revenue to his family (58m35s).
• BigXthaPlug wants his children to have their own ambitions and not rely on his success, and he believes that by achieving his own goals, he will make it harder for them to slack off and encourage them to make a name for themselves (59m17s).
• He has considered releasing a Christmas album, but his previous Christmas song didn't gain much traction at the time of its release, although it has since gained over a million views (59m51s).
• BigXthaPlug is open to creating a children's album or a charity album, and thinks it would be a great idea (1h0m22s).

Evolution of Performance Style and Tour Details

• The performance style has evolved from being primarily about dancing and having a hype man to a more structured and rehearsed show. (1h0m28s)
• The chemistry between the performer and Ro, who has been a part of the performances since the beginning, is highlighted as a key element of the show. (1h1m16s)
• Recent performances have included rehearsals for the first time, adding more elements to the show, such as Ro appearing on stage in a FedEx uniform. (1h1m29s)
• The performer, who is a large individual, is noted for his energetic hour-long sets, which are described as second nature due to a background in football. (1h1m53s)
• The "Take Care" tour is based on an album that is more personal and introspective, focusing on the artist's experiences in the industry rather than being a party or romantic album. (1h2m24s)
• The shows now attract audiences who relate to the artist's personal journey and self-belief, with performances incorporating a microphone stand for a more intimate presentation. (1h2m42s)
• The artist encourages followers to check out his Instagram for more insights into his performances. (1h3m16s)

The Authenticity of Sharing Personal Experiences and Connecting with Fans

• The process of making money through sharing personal experiences is described as the easiest task ever undertaken, as it involves no fabrication or manipulation of facts. (1h4m9s)
• The ease of communicating genuine life stories is highlighted, emphasizing that it resonates well with audiences and reaches a wide range of people. (1h4m50s)
• There is a celebration of success, including a current tour with 29 more dates, many of which are already sold out, and the release of a new album. (1h5m1s)
• Meet and greets are typically held before shows to avoid post-performance fatigue, although post-show interactions are considered more genuine and meaningful. (1h5m28s)
• A personal anecdote is shared about a fan expressing deep appreciation and love after a show, illustrating the genuine connection formed through live performances. (1h6m3s)
• The energy and connection between performers and audiences are discussed, noting that some fans are drawn not only to the music but also to the presence and authenticity of the artist. (1h6m32s)
• The importance of being genuine and humble is emphasized, as it enhances the connection with the audience beyond just the music. (1h7m4s)
• The discussion highlights the importance of personal interaction with fans, emphasizing that making people feel valued and human is crucial, rather than treating them like part of a machine. (1h7m25s)

Independent Touring and Financial Investments

• There is a focus on the benefits of independent work in the music industry, with a mention of a distribution deal through United Masters, which provides only a small marketing budget. (1h7m54s)
• The artist finances his own tours, including a $200,000 expense for a tour bus, highlighting the high costs associated with touring independently. (1h8m10s)
• Investing in personal comfort during tours is deemed necessary to ensure a good performance, despite the high costs involved. (1h8m40s)
• The conversation reflects on past experiences of trying to save money on tours, such as using motorbikes and campers, and the eventual realization of the need for comfort. (1h8m57s)
• The artist expresses gratitude for the support and appreciation of his music, and there is mention of ongoing tour dates and the availability of meet and greet tickets. (1h9m39s)