What you need to know
BigXthaPlug has friends in Shaboozey.
Speaking with PEOPLE at Variety’s Hitmaker Brunch earlier this month, the “Hit List” rapper opened up about relying on Shabuzi’s star as they simultaneously rose.
BigX (real name Xavier Random) says of the “A Bar Song” hitmaker, “We kind of came together at the same time and we’re on equal footing with each other.”
The 27-year-old rapper added, “Every time I see him, I think, ‘Brother, you’re one of the greatest artists in the world.'” And he’ll say, “No, brother, you’re one of the greatest artists.” He keeps me calm. I keep him calm. ”
Big X said Shaboozey, 30, is “definitely one of my closest friends in the industry.”
BigX and Shaboozey previously collaborated on “Drink Don’t Need No Mix,” which appeared on Shaboozey’s 2024 album Where I’ve Been, Is’t Where I’m Going. Then, in 2025, they teamed up for “Home” from BigX’s album “I Hope You’re Happy.”
In an interview with Horror published in March, the “Good News” singer praised Horror as a “good guy.”
“He’s amazing. That’s my boyfriend. He’s just a humble guy, a loving guy, a great guy,” he told the outlet.
Shabzi added, “Everyone around him loves him and he cares about his friends and family. He’s a really stand-up guy. I think he’s one of the most polarizing people in music right now.”
At the hitmaker’s brunch, BigX won the Hip-Hop Disruptor of the Year award, which he called a “huge blessing.”
Reflecting on his whirlwind year and star-studded album production, BigX said it meant “everything” to him to “switch lanes” and be accepted with open arms by country music artists.
“And they’re not just regulars, they’re like A-list artists, the Shaboozies, the Luke Combs, the Morgan Wallens, the Post Malones, the Ella Langleys… it’s just a blessing to be accepted. And when you do music with them and it goes crazy, it’s a blessing,” he says.
Arturo Holmes/Getty for Coachella
In August, BigX’s second album “Take Care” was certified platinum. To commemorate this milestone, the ‘Big Stepper’ artist opened up about falling into the ‘darkest hole’ he had ever been in.
“I questioned the purpose of my life. I questioned my goals. I even questioned my existence on this earth,” he wrote on Instagram. “Depression and life as @bigxthaplug were moving faster than I could have imagined for the first time since I became an artist. I let it all out and put it into this project.”
BigX went on to thank the team for standing by their side as they launched a project that “means more than the world will ever know.”
“Not only did they help me make this platinum album, they saved my life,” he wrote. “Less than a year…no features…no major label…we are PLATINUM!!! Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this…oh take care ❤️🩹”
