Beyoncé Knowles-Carter featured music from emerging rapper BigXThaPlug in one of the interludes on her “Cowboy Carter” tour. Not only is he confident the exposure will have a lasting impact on his career, he says he’s gained a community.
Beyoncé recently concluded her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas on July 26 after 32 shows in nine cities across the U.S. and Europe.
The tour proved to be a revolutionary spectacle filled with fashion, different music genres and cultural commentary. While the singer was known to change elements like the set list and high-fashion wardrobe, some components stayed the same at each stop — including an interlude that featured BigXThaPlug’s song “The Largest.”
Born Xavier Landrum, the 27-year-old artist has emerged as one of pop culture’s rising stars. This year alone, his crossover music has allowed him to step foot on a wide range of stages — from Coachella Music Festival to Morgan Wallen’s inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival and CMA Fest.
When asked about the impact of Beyoncé including his music on her tour, his initial response focused on the community aspect.
“I became a part of the Beyhive,” he told the USA TODAY Network, joking that he didn’t need to submit an application or know Beyoncé’s full discography to be welcomed with open arms.
“I got to skip all of that and just be in the Beyhive, so I’m forever grateful and blessed for that for sure,” he said.
He expects fans’ embrace to continue.
“Of course it’s going crazy in the blogs right now, but as far as like streams and everything — they’re listening right now, but I’m not going to see (the full effect) until like maybe three months from now,” he said. “Everything’s going to spike up out of nowhere … and I’m going to know exactly where it came from — the Beyhive.”
In the last five years, the Dallas-bred rapper has released two studio albums and a handful of EPs. BigX’s upcoming project will feature country tracks and a mix of other trap and hip-hop sounds.
As fans know, Beyoncé first released her eighth studio album, “Cowboy Carter,” in March 2024. It has since made history and broken multiple records. As Beyoncé’s first country album, she deliberately featured country legends and emerging Black country artists while putting a spotlight on country music’s Black roots.
BigX said by including his song on her tour, Beyoncé underscored the importance of his music.
“It not only signifies what I’m doing, but it shows that I’m not the only one that is willing to do it,” he said. “It makes me feel good that there’s somebody out there that’s trying to push what I’m pushing.”
He ended with a short message to the singer, “I love you Beyoncé.”
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: BigXThaPlug talks Beyonce, Beyhive, his song being used on her tour
