T.O.P returns with 1st studio solo album in 13 years, says he focused on music for a decade

▲ Singer-actor T.O.P is seen in this photo provided by Topspot Pictures. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- T.O.P, a former member of BigBang, will release his first full-length solo album "Another Dimension" at 6 p.m. Friday, his agency T.O.P Spot Pictures said.

It marks his first solo release in 13 years since the single "DOOM DADA" in 2013.

The album contains 11 tracks, including double title songs "Desperado" and "Completely Crazy! (Studio54)," as well as "ZERO-COKE" and "After the Play Ends."

"Desperado" candidly and directly expresses moments of love, while "Completely Crazy! (Studio54)" blends house music with 1980s hip-hop sensibilities.

T.O.P took part in overall album production. The project also involved Grammy Award-winning engineer Ilko, American painter Ed Ruscha, and art director Chae Kyung-sun of the Netflix series "Squid Game."

In a previously released interview with GQ Hong Kong, T.O.P said he had focused almost exclusively on music over the past decade.

"I poured everything into creation, and it was a very constructive and productive period," he said.

Regarding the new album, he said, "I used a narrative approach and complex sound structures that I had never attempted before. I believe listeners will experience a wide range of emotions."

T.O.P debuted in 2006 as a member of BigBang and gained widespread popularity as both a singer and actor. However, he suspended activities after being convicted in 2017 for marijuana use.

He resumed his career by appearing as rapper Thanos in Season 2 of the Netflix series "Squid Game," released in December 2024.

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