On April 3, TOP officially made its return with its first studio album ANOTHER DIMENSION (Top Spot). The release quickly attracted a lot of attention across all social media platforms. Beyond his distinct personal musical style, the spotlight is also on the way he openly references his former band BIG BANG and past disputes, especially those related to Seungri.
The album contains 11 tracks which reflect TOP’s unique artistic identityled by the title songs Studio54 AND Desperate. Other tracks like Self-crucifixion, A small and dirty shop window, Another dimension, for God’s sake!!!!!!!!!!AND Stendhal syndrome further build a dark and unpredictable soundscape. While OVAYA (A small and dirty shop window) gained attention for directly mentioning BIGBANG, another track attracted even more controversy for supposedly mentioning Seungri.
The center of the debate is Studio54, which quickly became a hot topic thanks to its sharp and emotionally charged lyrics. In the track, TOP repeatedly says the line: “Dirty sun, dirty sun, they just ruined my soul.”
This immediately sparked widespread speculation among fans and media. Many believe that the phrase is a direct reference to Seungri and the infamous Scorching sun scandal. The phrase “dirty sun” is interpreted by some as an allusion to the nightclub network linked to the controversy, which has severely damaged Seungri’s reputation and, by extension, BIGBANG’s image.
Burning Sun
" data-medium-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2024/05/09190203/burning-sun-room-22520242211.webp" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2024/05/09190203/burning-sun-room-22520242211.webp" alt="scorching sun" class="wp-image-658103"/>The scandal, which involved allegations such as prostitution brokering, illegal gambling, embezzlement and foreign exchange violations, remains one of the darkest chapters associated with the group’s former youngest member.
However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation. Some listeners argue that TOP is not directly attacking Seungri. Instead, they emphasize the title Studio54 refers to an infamous real-life nightclub, suggesting that the song may be a broader artistic expression rather than a pointed diss. For these fans, the track seems more like a melancholy reflection on the rapper’s past and lost youth.
Throughout the album, TOP does not hesitate to express its deep connection with BIG BANG. In Studio54, he openly admits that he has completely dedicated his twenties to the group, stating through his lyrics that it is something undeniable, while also acknowledging the scars left behind for both himself and the fans.
Also, songs like OVAYA (A small and dirty shop window) further underline his persistent affection. It directly references BIGBANG and reflects on their once glorious era, hinting at a past that was brilliant but has now come to an end, as the five members have gone their separate ways.
Amid the heated discussions, current BIGBANG members Taeyang, G-Dragon and Daesung showed public support for TOP by sharing and promoting his new music on social media. Their silent support highlights the enduring respect and brotherhood between the group’s core members.
As for whether TOP’s lyrics are actually aimed at Seungri, the answer remains unclear. However, one thing is evident: his deep attachment to his past with BIGBANG continues to resonate strongly in every verse of his music.
Sources: kenh14
