BigXthaPlug continues his ascent with his sophomore album, “TAKE CARE.”
STREAM
TOP 5
Honorable Mention. Leave Me Alone
“Leave Me Alone” by BigXthaPlug > “Leave Me Alone” by Michael Jackson.
BigXthaPlug let’s it be known that he’s tired of his baby momma thinking he’s smashing other chicks, and those who weren’t shooting with him in the gym before the fame. Unfortunately, X has no shade for Annie.
The main reason I rock with this track is because it features what I believe is honest lyrics that a lot of rappers who had major come ups can relate to. I also feel like you get some of X’s most confrontational bars from this album.
5. Take Care
I wouldn’t open up this album any other way.
In “Take Care,” BigXthaPlug confirms that he went through trials and tribulations to get to where he is now. Now, he’s enjoying a lavish lifestyle and is taking care of his family in major ways. The track features a few powerful excerpts, a flipped version of the “Stay High” beat by Three Six Mafia that I love, and what I believe is good vulnerability from X.
4. Back On My BS
“Back On My Bs” (Ft. The Harlem Renaissance).
Yes, “Back On My BS” boasts production that gives me dazzling Harlem Renaissance vibes. X isn’t supposed to slide over some s**t like this, but he does. Not only does he talk about putting his opps on FOX 5, but he also brags about his blue notes and big diamonds. More than anything, I am impressed with X’s willingness to tackle unique instrumentals like the one that powers this track.
3. Lost The Love
Is there anything worse than losing love? Actually, I take it back: Losing a TV remote might be worse.
On any given day, “Lost The Love” is my favorite track from this album. First and foremost, the soulful sample paired with the hard-hitting beat is beyond fire. BigXthaPlug rides the beat like an absolute pro, dishing out lyrics that call out backstabbers, leeches, and negroes that order nasty-ass meatball marinara sandwiches. I wanna say X sounds extra pissed off on this track; however, I also sense this feeling of relief that he was able to pull people’s cards.
2. The Largest
BigXthaPlug is larger than your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper (all puns intended).
If I were to predict which track from this album I will end up playing the most, “The Largest” might be the one. First and foremost, I absolutely love the sly-ass beat that drives everything. Additionally, I enjoy the swagger that X raps with as he hops and skips around the track like a rogue mayor walking through town, swinging a big-ass key around. I also appreciate that he specifically mentions why he’s the largest, bringing up the big-time shows he’s done and the major M’s he’s made.
1. Mmhmm
“Mmhmm” is the track that confirmed BigXthaPlug is a big dog (All puns intended).
I’ve heard “Mmhmm” in all sorts of settings: on the radio in the car, at the club, while working out, and even at &Pizza. I think the main reason the song is so popular is because of the production. It flips “And The Beat Goes On” in the most unique and coolest way possible. I also think people resonate with the relentless style of rapping that X relies on and just how unapologetic he sounds lyrically.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(B-) (80%)
BigXthaPlug can rap his ass off. Like, this negro just puts his head down and goes to work.
One of the most impressive things about this album is the range of topics BigXthaPlug addresses. While there are moments where he flexes, I really appreciate how he also touches on his come-up, opens up about the difficult relationships he’s had to navigate, and emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself. Overall, his verses feel authentic—unlike the unrealistic narratives some mainstream rappers try to sell.
If I’m being completely honest, my favorite part of this album is the production. A lot of the beats fuse trap vibes with Texas influences and hints of oldies, creating something entirely fresh. These beats are unlike anything I’ve heard before. X rides them effortlessly, delivering his bars with a relentless flow and making full use of his abnormally deep voice. Overall, he’s got a truly unique style that stands out.
Another thing that deserves major props is that BigXthaPlug did this entire album by himself—no features. We should definitely encourage more artists to take that route!
If we’re going to get on DaBaby for recycling flows, we have to get on BigXthaPlug for doing the same thing. I feel like he clearly has go-to flows and abuses it throughout this album. At the end of the day, the formula is working, so I say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
BigxthaPlug’s TAKE CARE isn’t Drake’s Take Care, but it’s damn good.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
