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GD & TOP
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GD & TOP is a South Korean hip-hop/pop duo formed by G-Dragon and T.O.P, the rappers of the K-pop boy band Big Bang in 2010.[1] The release of their first album, GD & TOP (2010) was a commercial success becoming one of the best selling albums of the year in South Korea, and spawning the top-five hits "High High", "Oh Yeah", and "Knock Out" on the Gaon Digital Chart. After a five-year hiatus, they released the single "Zutter", which peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.
Key Information
History
[edit]2010–2011: Formation and first album
[edit]YG Entertainment announced the a sub-unit between G-Dragon and T.O.P under the name "GD & TOP" in November 2010, and to release an album with the same name.[2] The duo held a worldwide premiere showcase for their album at Times Square in Yeongdeungpo of Seoul,[3] which was also broadcast live on YouTube.[4] The album was released on Christmas Eve, and debuted at number one on the Gaon Chart[5] with pre-orders of 200,000 copies.[6] By the end of 2010 the album had surpassed 130,000 copies sold in a week, becoming the fifth best-selling album of the year.[7] As of 2015 the album sold 200,000 copies.
To promote their album, G.Dragon and T.O.P released three music videos for the tracks "High High", "Knock Out", and "Baby Goodnight". "High High" was released first, then "Baby Goodnight." However, due to the song being banned twice for being too explicit,[8] the release of the music video for their song "Don't Go Home" was postponed till late June 2011.[9] The singles attained commercial successes, topping the online music charts in South Korea.[10][11][12] In the Gaon Digital Chart, "Oh Yeah!" peaked at number two, "High High" at number three,[13] while "Knock Out" and "Don't Go Home" peaked at number five and eleven, respectively.[14]
2015: "Zutter"
[edit]After a four-year hiatus, YG Entertainment announced that the duo will come back with a new single as a part of Big Bang's Made Series E.[15] The teasers were released on July 25, 2015, with the song name "Zutter".[16] The song was a commercially success, selling 280,817 downloads in its first week on Gaon Chart peaked at number two in the Digital and Download charts.[17][18] The single charted second on US Billboard World Digital Songs and in the Chinese QQ Music video chart.[19][20][21] In the end of 2015, the song sold 982,710 copies in South Korea and 6,000 in USA.
Impact
[edit]In 2012, "Knock Out" and "High High" were both listed as one of the best K-Pop music videos of all time by Stereogum, ranking at seventh and fourth, respectively.[22] That same year, "High High" was also named the seventh greatest K-Pop song of all time by Spin.[23]
XXL listed the duo as one of "15 Korean Rappers You Should Know", stating that "if it wasn't for acts like these two, Korean rap probably wouldn't have amassed such international appeal that it’s garnering now." The magazine also wrote that "K-Pop's currently full of boy bands with designated rapper as a member, and nine out of ten times they're modeled after" GD & TOP.[24] Korean magazine Ize wrote that GD & TOP inspired several idol groups to make "more extreme or extraordinary attempts" concept and music wise that their groups could not do through unit activities.[25]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [26] |
JPN [27] |
TW [28] | |||
| GD & TOP |
|
1 | 8 | 10 |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [30] | ||||
| "High High" | 2010 | 3 |
|
GD & TOP |
| "Oh Yeah" (featuring Park Bom) | 2 |
| ||
| "Knock Out" | 5 |
| ||
| "Zutter" | 2015 | 2 | E and Made |
Other charted songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [30] | ||||
| "Don't Go Home" | 2010 | 11 |
|
GD & TOP |
| "Baby Goodnight" | 24 | N/a | ||
| "Intro" | 71 |
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Int. [35] | ||||
| "Dancing on My Own" (Pixie Lott ft. GD & TOP)[36] |
2012 | 2 |
|
Young Foolish Happy |
| "Bubble Butt" (Remix) (Major Lazer feat. Bruno Mars, G-Dragon, T.O.P, Tyga and Mystic)[38] |
2013 | 2 |
|
Free the Universe |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Music video | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Knock Out" | GD & TOP |
| "High High" | ||
| "Baby Good Night" | ||
| "Don't Go Home" | ||
| "Oh Yeah" | ||
| 2015 | "Zutter" | Made |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melon Music Awards | 2011 | Best Rap/Hip Hop Award | "Oh Yeah" (feat. Park Bom) | Won | [40] |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Big Bang duo on TV today". Korea JoongAng Daily. International Herald Tribune. Archived from the original on January 19, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ "G-Dragon and Top to Release Duet Album in December". KBS World. November 30, 2010. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ Kim, Jessica (December 15, 2010). "Big Bang T.O.P, G-Dragon pose at album showcase". 10Asiae. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ Yoon, Hee-Seong (December 15, 2010). "G-Dragon and T.O.P hold world premiere showcase for duo unit". 10Asiae. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ "Gaon Chart Search: GD & TOP" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on May 15, 2012. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
- ^ "발매 D-2' GD·탑 유닛 첫앨범, 선주문만 '20만장' (GD&TOP's album receives 200,000 pre-orders)" (in Korean). Daum. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved January 23, 2011.
- ^ "2010년 가온차트 부문별 Top 100위". Gaon Albums Chart. Archived from the original on February 13, 2011.
- ^ 길혜성 (January 5, 2011). "GD&탑, '집에~'도 MBC 불가.."수정없이 재심요청". Star News. Archived from the original on March 15, 2011. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ Hong, Lucia (December 24, 2010). "Big Bang unit G-Dragon and T.O.P release third title track". 10Asiae. Archived from the original on January 5, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ "Big Bang duo on TV today". Korea JoongAng Daily. January 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 19, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ Kim, Heidi (January 6, 2011). "IU "Good Day" stays atop Gaon chart for 4th week". 10Asiae. Archived from the original on November 29, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ Kim, Heidi (January 4, 2011). "IU's "Good Day" takes charge of Mnet chart for 4th week". 10Asiae. Archived from the original on November 29, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ "2011년 01주차 Digital Chart". Gaon Digital Chart. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ^ "2011년 02주차 Digital Chart". Gaon Digital Chart. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ^ YG Entertainment. "BIGBANG comes back in August in "GD&TOP" unit… Shooting music video for new song now". YG LIFE. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
- ^ YG Entertainment. "빅뱅, 8월 신곡은 GD&TOP '쩔어'…오는 5일 공개". YG LIFE. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
- ^ "Gaon Digital Chart - Week 33". Gaon Chart. August 13, 2015. Archived from the original on July 5, 2016. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
- ^ "Gaon Download Chart - Week 33". Gaon Chart. August 13, 2015. Archived from the original on August 13, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
- ^ "Billboard's World Digital Singles Chart: Singles". Billboard. August 11, 2015. Archived from the original on January 17, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
- ^ a b "BIGBANG Tie PSY for Most No. 1s on World Digital Songs Chart". Billboard. August 11, 2015. Archived from the original on August 12, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
- ^ "빅뱅 중화권 돌풍…QQ 뮤비 차트 1, 2위 석권 (in Korean)". Sports Donga. August 13, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ "The 20 Best K-Pop Videos". Stereogum. February 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- ^ "The 21 Greatest K-Pop Songs of All Time". Spin. June 1, 2012. Archived from the original on September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
- ^ "15 Korean Rappers You Should Know That Aren't Psy". XXL Magazine. February 15, 2013. Archived from the original on September 6, 2017. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
- ^ "G-Dragon 고별展│가사로 본 지 드래곤의 인생". Ize Magazine (in Korean). June 13, 2017. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
- ^ Gaon Album Chart:
- "GD & TOP". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
- ^ Oricon Album Chart:
- GD&TOPのランキング情報 [GD&TOP's Top Album Sales]. Oricon. February 23, 2011. Archived from the original on March 8, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Combo Chart – GD & TOP". G-Music. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012.
- ^ Cumulative Sales for "GD&TOP"
- "Combo Chart - GD & TOP". G-Music. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012.
- "2011 Year End Gaon Chart (#41)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- "2012 Year End Gaon Chart (#91)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on November 13, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- "2013 Year End Gaon Chart (#113)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on September 13, 2016.
- "2014 Year End Gaon Chart (#180)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016.
- "2015 Year End Gaon Chart (#236)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on August 25, 2016.
- "2016 Half Year Gaon Chart (#185)". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on August 4, 2016.
- ^ a b *"Oh Yeah + High High". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
- "Knock Out + Baby Goodnight + Don't Go Home + Intro". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
- ^ Cumulative sales for "High High"
- "Gaon Download Chart - 2011". Archived from the original on October 10, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 02 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 03 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 10 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 11 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 12 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 13 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 18 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ Cumulative sales for "Oh Yeah"
- "Gaon Download Chart - 2011". Archived from the original on October 10, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 02 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 13 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 18 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 19 - 2012". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ a b "Gaon Download Chart - 2011". Archived from the original on October 10, 2016.
- ^ Cumulative sales for "Zutter":
- "Online Download – Week 33 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 13, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 34 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 35 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 36 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 37 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 38 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 39 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 40 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 41 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 8, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 42 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 43 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Online Download – Week 44 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 45 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 46 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 47 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 48 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 49 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 50 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 51 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 52 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 53 - 2015". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- "Online Download – Week 1 - 2016". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
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- "Online Download – Week 6 - 2016". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
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- "Online Download – Week 36 - 2016". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
- ^ *"Dancing On My Own". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
- "Bubble Butt". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
- ^ "Pixie Lott's 'Dancing on My Own' Ft. GD&TOP Released". Kpop Starz. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
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- ^ "Major Lazer Enlists G-Dragon & TOP for 'Bubble Butt' Remix: Listen". Billboard. October 4, 2013. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
- ^ "Online Download – 2013". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
- ^ "2011 Melon Music Awards Winners" (in Korean). Melon. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
GD & TOP
View on GrokipediaMembers
G-Dragon
Kwon Ji-yong, known professionally as G-Dragon, was born on August 18, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea. He began his entertainment career at the age of six as a child performer in the group Little Roora, releasing a Christmas album before transitioning to trainee life at YG Entertainment, where he honed his skills in rapping, dancing, and production from a young age.[8] As the leader and main rapper of Big Bang, G-Dragon debuted with the group on August 19, 2006, at the YG Family 10th Anniversary Concert in Seoul's Olympic Gymnastics Arena, marking the start of their rise as a leading K-pop act with hip-hop influences.[9] His leadership role stemmed from his longest training period among the members, and he quickly established himself as the group's primary songwriter and producer. Following Big Bang's early success, G-Dragon made his solo debut on August 18, 2009, with the album Heartbreaker, which topped charts and sold over 300,000 copies in South Korea, showcasing his versatile blend of hip-hop, pop, and electronic elements.[10] The duo was formed in 2010 as a YG Entertainment side project amid Big Bang's activities, aiming to delve deeper into the synergy between hip-hop rhythms and pop melodies through collaboration with fellow rapper T.O.P. This initiative led to their self-titled debut album release on December 24, 2010, highlighting G-Dragon's creative vision for subunit explorations within the group. His production skills were instrumental in the duo's sound, as he co-wrote key tracks like "High High," blending bold lyrics with infectious beats to complement T.O.P's deeper, more laid-back rapping style.[11][12] In 2023, G-Dragon departed YG Entertainment after 20 years and signed with Galaxy Corporation. As of 2025, he continues solo activities, including performances and brand collaborations, with no new GD & TOP releases since 2015.[13]T.O.P
Choi Seung-hyun, known professionally as T.O.P, was born on November 4, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea.[14] Before his debut, he gained recognition in the underground hip-hop scene as an overweight rapper under the stage name Tempo, winning KBS Radio's Rap Battle in 2003 for his skills.[15] In 2006, he joined YG Entertainment and debuted as the lead rapper of the boy band BigBang, bringing a distinctive deep baritone delivery that contrasted with the group's higher-pitched vocals and added a gritty edge to their sound.[16] His acting career began in 2009 with a supporting role as an assassin in the spy thriller drama Iris, marking his transition into versatile entertainment pursuits.[17] In the GD & TOP sub-unit, T.O.P complemented G-Dragon's production leadership by infusing theatrical flair drawn from his acting background and a strong fashion sensibility that emphasized "bad boy swagger" and edgy aesthetics, enhancing the duo's visually striking image.[16] He co-wrote and composed the introspective solo track "Oh Mom" on their 2010 self-titled album, which reflected personal themes inspired by a fan's letter and showcased his lyrical depth.[18] T.O.P's career faced significant challenges in 2017 when he was convicted for marijuana use, receiving a 10-month suspended prison sentence and two years of probation, which halted BigBang's activities and indirectly stalled GD & TOP projects.[3] He began his mandatory military service on February 9, 2017, as a public service agent due to health reasons, completing it in July 2019 after interruptions from the scandal and a tranquilizer overdose.[19] T.O.P parted ways with YG Entertainment in 2022 and withdrew from Big Bang in 2023. As of 2025, he is in discussions for a solo music comeback. No new GD & TOP activities have occurred since 2015.[20][21]History
2010–2011: Formation and debut album
In late 2010, YG Entertainment announced the formation of GD & TOP as a sub-unit of the boy group Big Bang, pairing rappers G-Dragon and T.O.P to showcase their collaborative hip-hop and pop styles. The duo first performed as a unit at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards on November 21, 2010, previewing tracks from their upcoming album alongside Taeyang.[22] The duo held a showcase on December 16, 2010, to discuss their project, highlighting their long-standing creative synergy within the group.[23] The debut album, GD & TOP, was released on December 24, 2010, debuting at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and marking the duo's first official collaboration.[24] The record featured 11 tracks blending R&B, hip-hop, and electronic elements, with standout songs including the lead single "High High," "Oh Yeah" (featuring 2NE1's Park Bom), and "Oh Mom" (a T.O.P solo). Production was led by G-Dragon alongside YG's key producer Teddy, who contributed to the album's polished sound and innovative beats.[25][24] Promotions began with digital singles like "High High" on December 15, 2010, followed by music video releases and television appearances. "High High" became a commercial standout, peaking at number three on the Gaon Digital Chart and earning multiple music show wins.[26][27] The album achieved strong sales in South Korea, moving 130,000 copies in 2010 and an additional 34,703 in 2011, according to Gaon Chart data, for a total of approximately 165,000 units by the end of the year. It received an international release in Japan on February 23, 2011, via a special edition with bonus content, expanding the duo's reach in the market.[28][29]2012–2025: Hiatus and sporadic activities
Following the release of their debut album in December 2010, GD & TOP entered an indefinite hiatus in 2012 as both members shifted focus to individual pursuits within and beyond BigBang. G-Dragon prepared and released his second solo album One of a Kind in September 2012, while T.O.P delved into acting roles, including the lead in the action film Commitment (2013) and a supporting part in Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014). Concurrently, BigBang's extensive world tours, such as the Alive Galaxy Tour (2012–2013), demanded significant group commitments, further limiting duo activities.[30] The duo briefly reunited in 2015 for a revival amid BigBang's MADE project, releasing the digital single "Zutter" on August 5 as part of the subunit album E. The track, blending hip-hop and trap elements, debuted at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and amassed 823,317 digital downloads by year-end, establishing it as one of the project's standout releases.[31][5] Post-2015, the duo's inactivity deepened due to personal and legal challenges. T.O.P faced a marijuana use scandal in June 2017, stemming from incidents during his pre-enlistment period and early military service, leading to a suspended sentence and a shift to public service duty from February 2017 to July 2019. G-Dragon, meanwhile, sustained a severe ankle injury in 2018 while serving his own military term (2018–2019), requiring multiple hospitalizations and surgeries that exacerbated prior tour-related damage. These events, compounded by G-Dragon's 2023 hiatus triggered by unfounded drug allegations (cleared in December 2023), stalled any potential collaborations.[32][33][34] As of November 2025, GD & TOP remains on indefinite hold with no new duo material announced, despite members' solo endeavors. G-Dragon returned with his third studio album Übermensch on February 25, 2025, via Galaxy Corporation, marking his first full-length release in over a decade but without T.O.P's involvement. Media outlets noted brief nods to the duo in coverage of G-Dragon's comeback, yet emphasized the ongoing separation. The 10th anniversary of "Zutter" in August 2025 prompted fan-driven celebrations and retrospective articles, highlighting its enduring popularity but underscoring the lack of fresh joint output.[35][5]Artistry
Musical style and influences
GD & TOP's musical style is characterized by a fusion of hip-hop and pop, frequently incorporating R&B and electronic elements to create energetic, rap-driven tracks. Their debut album in 2010 emphasized a hip-hop foundation, with select songs like "High High" introducing upbeat electronica influences for a club-oriented vibe that encourages high-energy dancing.[17] "Knock Out," produced by Diplo, exemplifies this through its electronic hip-hop frenzy, blending fast-paced beats with boastful lyrics about a luxurious, high-flying lifestyle.[17] Lyrical themes in their work often revolve around swagger and romance, infused with elements of youth rebellion and personal reflection. For instance, "Zutter" delivers addictive rap flows centered on confident self-assertion and playful seduction, capturing a rebellious, carefree attitude toward relationships.[36] In contrast, "Oh Mom" shifts to a more introspective tone, exploring regret and familial bonds with emotional depth.[37][38] The duo draws influences from American hip-hop, evident in G-Dragon's admiration for rap albums and artists like Pharrell Williams, whose production style impacted their genre-blending approach.[39] This is complemented by the broader sound of Big Bang, where the members' solo aesthetics—such as G-Dragon's fashion-infused swagger—add a distinctive, experimental edge to their collaborative output. Over time, GD & TOP's style evolved from the raw, battle-like rap exchanges of their 2011-era debut to the more polished, digital-friendly singles like the 2015 release "Zutter," which refined their hip-hop core with tighter production and broader appeal.[36]Production and songwriting
The production for GD & TOP's music was primarily handled by G-Dragon and YG Entertainment's in-house producer Teddy Park, who served as a primary producer for their debut album alongside Kush, with Yang Hyun-suk as executive producer. Teddy, a key figure in YG's sound, contributed to composing and arranging multiple tracks, including "High High" and "Oh Yeah," while G-Dragon took a leading role in overall creative direction and lyric writing. T.O.P focused more on lyric contributions rather than production, co-writing several songs but rarely handling beats or arrangements.[11] Songwriting credits for the duo's debut album largely fell to G-Dragon, who penned the majority of the lyrics, such as those for "High High," co-written with T.O.P. For their later single "Zutter" (2015), the composition and lyrics were credited to G-Dragon, T.O.P, and Teddy, blending their collaborative styles into a trap-influenced track. These credits reflect G-Dragon's dominant role in crafting the duo's narrative-driven hip-hop elements, often drawing from personal experiences and YG's signature production aesthetics. Recording sessions for GD & TOP took place at YG Studios in Seoul, typically scheduled during breaks from Big Bang's group activities to accommodate the members' commitments. The process emphasized a mix of live instrumentation, such as subtle guitar and bass elements, with electronic synths and beats to create their hybrid hip-hop sound. A distinctive aspect of their production was the focus on vocal harmonies, leveraging G-Dragon's high-pitched, melodic rap delivery against T.O.P's deep, baritone tones.[40]Discography
Albums
GD & TOP released their debut and only studio album, titled GD & TOP, on December 24, 2010, under YG Entertainment.[41] The project marked the first official collaboration between BigBang members G-Dragon and T.O.P as a duo, blending hip-hop, pop, and R&B elements with contributions from producers like Teddy and Kush.[11] It was promoted through performances on shows like Music Bank and the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards, where the lead single "High High" premiered.[42] The album consists of 11 tracks, featuring joint duo songs alongside individual showcases for each member, such as G-Dragon's "Say What?" and T.O.P's "Turn It Up." Key tracks include the upbeat lead single "High High," the playful "Oh Mom" featuring Masta Wu, and the energetic "Knock Out." The full track listing is as follows:| No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Intro" | GD & TOP | |
| 2 | "High High" | GD & TOP | |
| 3 | "Oh Yeah" (feat. Park Bom) | GD & TOP | |
| 4 | "Don't Leave" (집에 가지마; Jibe Gajima) | GD & TOP | |
| 5 | "Baby Good Night" | GD & TOP | |
| 6 | "What the F***" (feat. Teddy) | GD & TOP | |
| 7 | "Ride" (feat. Masta Wu) | GD & TOP | |
| 8 | "Knock Out" (뻑 가요; Ppeok Gayo) | GD & TOP | |
| 9 | "Oh Mom" (feat. Masta Wu) | GD & TOP | |
| 10 | "Say What?" (어쩌란 말이냐?; Eojjeoran Malinya?) | G-Dragon | |
| 11 | "Turn It Up" | T.O.P |
