BigXthaPlug, INK, and the Future of Texas Music at Rolling Stone’s SXSW Showcase
Austin, TX – Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase at SXSW 2026 culminated in a celebration of Texas talent, headlined by the genre-bending success of BigXthaPlug and the captivating performance of singer-songwriter INK. The final night of the three-day event, held at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, underscored the growing influence of Texas artists across the music landscape.
BigXthaPlug’s Genre-Defying Rise
BigXthaPlug’s performance showcased his remarkable journey from the rap world to the country charts. His 2023 anthem, “Texas,” and collaborations like “Hell At Night” with Ella Langley and “All the Way” with Bailey Zimmerman – the first song to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts – demonstrated his ability to bridge musical divides. Rolling Stone documented his rise from solitary confinement to rap fame and then the country charts.
The showcase also featured appearances from members of BigX’s 600 Entertainment collective, including Ro$ama, Yung Hood, Murdagang PB, KevanGotBandz, and KaineMusic. KevanGotBandz opened the night with tracks like “I’m Serious” and “Shine,” while KaineMusic, the collective’s sole female MC, delivered a confident set highlighted by her single “Do it.” The 600 crew is set to release a mixtape, 6WA, this Friday.
INK: From Renaissance to “Turquoise Cowboy”
Singer-songwriter INK, known for her extensive songwriting contributions to Beyoncé’s Renaissance and Cowboy Carter – including co-writing “Texas Hold ‘Em,” “Sixteen Carriages,” and “American Requiem” – took the stage to perform songs from her 2025 album, Massive Buskin. Rolling Stone noted her journey from street performing to working in major studios.
INK’s performance blended country roots with soul and hip-hop influences, exemplified in songs like “Turquoise Cowboy.” She reminisced about performing at SXSW twelve years prior, expressing her appreciation for the Texas music scene.
A Surprise Guest and a Hometown Finale
BigXthaPlug’s set included a surprise appearance from a young fan, Braxton, from San Antonio, whom he invited onstage to perform “Texas.” The moment highlighted BigX’s connection with his audience and his Texas roots. He closed the night with “The Largest,” a song that encapsulates his ambition and success. SXSW scheduled BigXthaPlug’s performance on March 14, 2026, at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
The Rolling Stone Future of Music showcase, coinciding with the publication’s annual Future 25 list, ACL Live, highlighted the dynamic evolution of the music industry and the rising stars shaping its future.
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