During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug shared his perspective on how country music artists maintain a level of unity and genuine friendship that the contemporary hip-hop scene severely lacks.
Having successfully crossed over into the country world with his genre-blending album I Hope You’re Happy—collaborating with heavyweights like Jelly Roll and Luke Combs—BigXthaPlug speaks from firsthand experience within both communities. He explained that while country music fosters authentic camaraderie, hip-hop has become increasingly segregated and superficial, often driven purely by business rather than community.
The rapper illustrated this contrast by pointing out how country artists interact away from their professional obligations. “The difference with a country artist is that you can catch those two artists drinking beer at a bar on a random Wednesday, just cause,” he noted, highlighting an inherent culture of informal hanging out. Conversely, he described the modern rap scene as fractured by geographical cliques—such as distinct, disconnected circles in Atlanta, Miami, and New York. When hip-hop artists do gather at major industry events like Rolling Loud, BigXthaPlug observed that the environment is restricted by intense security, label-mandated interactions, and a persistent undercurrent of tension and violence, preventing artists from building natural bonds.
Ultimately, BigXthaPlug used this comparison to highlight a broader concern that hip-hop is “losing its way” and needs to become fun and collaborative again. He lamented the aggressive shift brought on by the dominance of drill music and the superficial nature of viral TikTok fame, which he feels has stripped away true artistry and genuine community. By praising the tight-knit ecosystem of country music, BigXthaPlug voiced a desire for hip-hop to return to an era where diverse artists felt safe and excited to create together freely.