BigXthaPlug, a vocalist from Dallas, Texas known for his deep and authoritative delivery, has released his new album, Better Over Time. Distinguished from peers who rely on crooning or trap-soul styles, BigX delivers hard-hitting verses that frequently pay homage to hip-hop legends. The project features samples from the Notorious B.I.G. and 112, while also incorporating guest appearances from artists like the D.O.C., Too $hort, and Eazy-E in his previous work. Despite his meteoric rise, the album portrays fame and fortune as a mirage that fails to mask lifelong pain.
Although journalist Eric Diep previously noted that BigX was in better spirits and no longer making sad music, Better Over Time reveals lingering frustration regarding how friends and neighbors have turned him into an object of gossip and envy following his escape from poverty. Similar to Baby Keem's recent work, the rapper struggles to navigate around unnamed haters, often resorting to flashing money as a defense mechanism. Despite this peevish tone, BigX remains a magnetic presence, collaborating with artists such as GloRilla on "FAF" and Ava Max on the advance single "Burn," which showcases his ability to encompass different sonic moods.
Family plays a central role in the album's narrative. The opening track features his mother reflecting on his journey from school trouble to becoming a boss. BigX discusses supporting his two children and extended family, boasting about spending money on firearms while simultaneously expressing a desire to stay off the Forbes list to avoid unwanted attention. However, he contradicts this sentiment later by rapping about wanting billions and trillions, highlighting that he is working out his beliefs in real time.
The album explores the paradox of success, featuring cosigns from Drake and Beyoncé alongside a Wingstop commercial licensing deal for his 2024 hit "The Largest." Yet, BigX feels overwhelmed, questioning if staying in the streets would have spared him from being used for clout. On tracks like "Heal Me," he admits to crying inside his Rolls-Royce after years of fighting his feelings. The project concludes with a somber interpolation of Harry Nilsson's "One," where BigX expresses feeling alone and unwelcome in his own home.
At 28 years old, BigXthaPlug is struggling under the glare of increased expectations from fans and the industry, a situation compounded by an August arrest involving unlawful firearm and marijuana possession charges. While Better Over Time does not offer immediate closure or healing, it implicitly promises that the artist will continue to evolve as he processes the mixture of blessings and frustrations brought by his preternatural talent.
Sources: Rolling Stone.