Podcast Summary: "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" - Episode E541: BigXthaPlug

Host: Theo Von
Guest: Big X the Plug
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Podcast Description: A recap of the events from the past weekend, occasionally delving into other days.

Introduction

Theo Von kicks off the episode with promotional segments, highlighting upcoming tour dates in cities like Bloomington, Columbus, Champaign, Grand Rapids, Lafayette, and Beaumont. He introduces today's guest, Big X the Plug, a Dallas-based rapper known for his hit songs "Texas," "Whip It," and "M." Big X is currently touring in support of his new album, Take Care.

Recent Tours and Performances

Theo Von: "Where'd you just come from? From touring. I'm gonna move this down on you." [01:19]

Big X shares his recent experience performing in Louisville, Kentucky, noting the venue was 95% sold out and packed with enthusiastic fans. Theo adds a personal touch by mentioning his visits to horse tracks, leading to a light-hearted conversation about horses and Native Americans in Montana.

Life on the Road and Personal Experiences

Theo Von: "You ever meet any Native Americans?" [02:02]

Big X admits he hasn't met any in real life but discusses the beauty of Montana and his friend Shabuza's experience there. Their dialogue shifts to pets, with Big X revealing his daughter's nickname is Bird and talking about his Cane Corso and pocket bullies.

Notable Quote: Theo Von: "Native Americans have the best weed. I've always heard that." [02:39]

Family and Personal Life

Big X opens up about his family dynamics, mentioning his parents separated before his birth but remained good friends who supported him. He proudly discusses his two children—a newborn daughter and a six-month-old son with autism.

Big X the Plug: "They both helped take care of me, got made me the man I am today." [17:10]

He shares heartfelt anecdotes about missing his son's first birthday due to being incarcerated and the subsequent challenges he faced balancing fatherhood with his burgeoning music career.

Notable Quote: Big X the Plug: "If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't be here." [22:40]

Career Beginnings and Transition to Rap

Theo Von: "You have to invest this in your own." [69:22]

Big X recounts his first job at Taco Cabela, earning $750 for two weeks, which left him frustrated with traditional employment. This experience fueled his desire to become his own boss, leading him to pursue a career in rap to provide for his children.

Big X the Plug: "That's probably me having that first job is probably what made me start wanting to do stuff, to just be my own entity, my own boss." [14:14]

He details his entry into music, initially sharing his tracks with friends before gaining wider recognition, eventually securing a distribution deal with United Masters.

Notable Quote: Big X the Plug: "This is me being honest about me." [63:35]

Navigating Success and Maintaining Authenticity

Big X discusses the ups and downs of sudden success, including financial missteps and the pressure to maintain an image. Despite these challenges, he emphasizes staying true to himself and his roots, avoiding the trappings of fame that many artists succumb to.

Big X the Plug: "But when you're just talking about what you've done, what you've went through, like, that's just coming out." [65:23]

He highlights the importance of genuine connections with fans, preferring post-show meet and greets where interactions feel more authentic.

Notable Quote: Big X the Plug: "My biggest mentor is my son." [41:26]

Mentorship and Inspirations

While Big X doesn't rely on traditional industry mentors, he credits his son as his primary source of inspiration and guidance. This relationship drives his commitment to his career and personal growth.

Big X the Plug: "He gotta take both my kids." [39:27]

He also mentions connections with other artists like Jelly Roll and Lil Wayne, who have influenced his music and approach to the industry.

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Big X expresses a desire to diversify his career into movies, commercials, and voiceovers, aiming to build a lasting legacy for his children. He mentions plans for a country album and potential collaborations with artists like Shabuzi and Ellie Chopper.

Big X the Plug: "Everything that I'm doing right now, I'm basically doing it to make it hard on them." [60:56]

Theo and Big X also engage in a playful discussion about space travel and the possibility of encountering aliens, showcasing the relaxed and humorous dynamic of the interview.

Closing Remarks

Theo congratulates Big X on his ongoing tour and the success of his album Take Care. They discuss the importance of maintaining genuine relationships with fans and staying authentic in the music industry. The episode wraps up with a mutual appreciation for each other's journeys and a final promotion for Big X's tour dates.

Notable Quote: Theo Von: "People bet on it now. Two people betting on the election. They." [40:31]

Big X the Plug: "We working. We working." [70:32]

Conclusion

In this engaging conversation, Theo Von and Big X the Plug explore the rapper's personal struggles, family life, journey to success, and the importance of authenticity in the music industry. Big X's candidness about his past, combined with his dedication to his family and craft, provides listeners with a deep and relatable insight into his life as an independent artist.

Key Takeaways:

• The influence of early employment experiences on career choices.
• Balancing personal life and professional success amidst sudden fame.
• The significance of genuine fan interactions and staying true to one’s roots.
• Building a legacy for future generations through diverse career endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• Theo Von: "Native Americans have the best weed. I've always heard that." [02:39]
• Big X the Plug: "If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't be here." [22:40]
• Big X the Plug: "This is me being honest about me." [63:35]
• Big X the Plug: "My biggest mentor is my son." [41:26]

Relevant Timestamp Highlights

• Introduction of Big X the Plug: [01:02]
• First Job Experience: [13:22]
• Discussion about Family and Children: [17:10]
• Musical Career and Success: [33:17]
• Touring and Performances: [61:30]
• Future Aspirations: [60:56]
• Closing Statements: [70:32]

This episode of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" offers a profound glimpse into Big X the Plug's life, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry while prioritizing family and authenticity.