Honestly, if you told a rap fan three years ago that the guy who made "A Milli" would be sharing a track with a 6'3" former football player from Dallas named BigXthaPlug, they might have blinked twice. But here we are in 2026, and their track "Hip-Hop" from Tha Carter VI is still doing numbers. It’s one of those rare moments where the torch doesn't just get passed; it gets used to light a whole new fire.
Wayne is the GOAT. We know this. BigX is the "biggest" (literally and figuratively) thing out of Texas right now. When they linked up for "Hip-Hop" alongside Jay Jones, it wasn't just another streaming play. It was a collision of two eras of Southern dominance.
What Actually Happened with Lil Wayne and BigXthaPlug
The song "Hip-Hop" dropped on June 6, 2025. It serves as a standout pillar on Tha Carter VI, an album many thought Wayne might never actually release. While the project had its critics—some called it a "victory lap"—the chemistry between Lil Wayne and BigXthaPlug was undeniable.
Wayne does his thing. You get the metaphors about basketball, the raspy "weezy-isms," and that effortless flow that makes you wonder if he even writes anything down anymore (he doesn't). But then BigX steps in. His voice is a literal earthquake. He brings that thick, Texas "plug" sound that feels heavy enough to dent a car door.
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The Mom Factor
One of the coolest parts of this whole story isn't even the music. It’s the human side. BigXthaPlug did an interview with will.i.am not too long ago where he got surprisingly vulnerable. He mentioned that his mom—a huge UGK and Wayne fan—cries probably twice a day because her son is on a track with Tunechi.
Think about that. Four years ago, his family was in public housing. Now, he’s buying them houses and getting featured on the most anticipated rap album of the decade. That’s the kind of stuff that makes Lil Wayne and BigXthaPlug such a compelling duo. It’s the "new money" Texas energy meeting the "old money" Young Money legend.
Why "Hip-Hop" Still Matters in 2026
We’re currently seeing the 2026 festival lineups roll out, and both of these guys are everywhere. They are literally headlining BottleRock Napa Valley this May alongside the Foo Fighters and Lorde.
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People keep asking: "Is this a one-off?"
Maybe. But the impact of the collaboration did something specific for BigXthaPlug. It validated his "Texas Bama" style on a global scale. He didn't have to change his sound to fit Wayne's world; Wayne stepped into the Texas mud with him.
- The Production: Infamous and Ben Billions handled the boards. It’s got that crisp, modern bounce but stays rooted in the South.
- The Lyricism: Wayne’s line about "weed smoke got me chokin' like Reggie Miller" is classic Weezy.
- The Visuals: Even though "Hip-Hop" didn't get a $10 million movie-style video, the live performances—especially the ones in Dallas—have become legendary.
Misconceptions and the "Fake" Leak Problem
If you search for Lil Wayne and BigXthaPlug on YouTube right now, you’re going to find a dozen videos with titles like "Wicked" or "Whiskey" featuring DaBaby or That Mexican OT.
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Don't get it twisted: most of those are fake. A lot of "type beat" producers use AI or old acapellas to mash these artists together. While some of them sound halfway decent, the only official, high-level collaboration we have is "Hip-Hop" from Tha Carter VI. It’s important to distinguish the real art from the clickbait stuff flooding the algorithm.
What's Next?
Wayne is currently on his Tha Carter VI tour, and rumors are swirling that he might pop up during BigX’s set at BottleRock. If you’re a fan of Southern rap, you need to keep an eye on these two. Wayne has a habit of "adopting" younger artists he respects, and BigX has the work ethic to stay in that circle.
If you haven't really sat with the lyrics of "Hip-Hop," go back and do it. It’s a masterclass in how to stay relevant without chasing trends.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the full Tha Carter VI tracklist to see how "Hip-Hop" fits into the album's narrative.
- Watch the will.i.am interview with BigXthaPlug to hear the full story of his rise from Dallas.
- If you're heading to Napa in May, get your BottleRock tickets early; that Sunday lineup with Wayne and BigX is going to be packed.