Though Topp Dogg has debuted for less than a year, the hip-hop boy band has been bringing fresh new ideas and surprises to the K-pop world with every release. After the fantasy concept of their "Arario" special album
, the group turns to classical with the third mini-album"AmadeuS"
, which is inspired by the same-titled 1984 movie about the rivalry between Mozart and Antonio Salieri.
The famous story of "Amadeus" takes on a whole new look and sound when transplanted into the world of K-pop. The genius of Mozart and the jealousy of Salieri are reflected in the contrasting tone and structure of Topp Dogg's new album as well as the division of the members into two teams – Team Mozart (B-Joo, Nakta, Jenissi, Sando, Seogoong, Ho Joon) and Team Salieri (Hansol, A-Tom, Yano, P-Goon, Gohn, Xero). The "Amadeus" concept applies to not only the music but also the costumes and choreography.
Mozart's "Symphony No. 25 in G Minor" leads into the album's title song "TOPDOG", offering a powerful and creative fusion of classical and hip-hop. The song's music video also features a special effects-laden conducting showdown between B-Joo and Hansol, who portray Mozart and Salieri.
Behind the scenes, "AmadeuS" boasts the participation of Yunsu, Monitor Punch and DEEZ
, who won for Best R&B and Soul Song at the 2011 Korean Music Awards. The head of Stardom Entertainment, hip-hop legend Cho PD
also showed his support for Topp Dogg by writing lyrics for the album.
Mozart's "Symphony No. 25 in G Minor" leads into the album's title song "TOPDOG", offering a powerful and creative fusion of classical and hip-hop. The song's music video also features a special effects-laden conducting showdown between B-Joo and Hansol, who portray Mozart and Salieri.
Behind the scenes, "AmadeuS" boasts the participation of Yunsu, Monitor Punch and DEEZ
, who won for Best R&B and Soul Song at the 2011 Korean Music Awards. The head of Stardom Entertainment, hip-hop legend Cho PD
also showed his support for Topp Dogg by writing lyrics for the album.
*Q: ANY INTERESTING EPISODES WHILE WORKING ON THE ALBUM?*
*B-Joo*: For me, the most enjoyable part of album preparation was planning the album concept. The concept of Amadeus. It's an earlier story than the world presented in the last special album "Arario"...^^ There are many scenes of Hansol and me acting as rivals, and we both practiced a lot to act out the scenes perfectly.
*Hansol*: We've watched the movie "Amadeus" over 50 times. To be Mozart and Salieri, we learned and practiced a lot, and of course, I've tried my best to portray Salieri.
*B-Joo*: When we recorded the MV, Hansol was so absorbed in the role, it was hard for the rest of the members to even talk to him... kekekeke
*Hansol*: Yes^^ I must have been quite into the role, so I can say it was really enjoyable work.
*Q: WHAT OTHER ARTISTS AND IDOLS DO YOU WANT TO COLLABORATE WITH?*
*Jenissi*: I haven't thought about collaborating with other artists yet. Since we have many members, we're preparing to work in units. For example, Lion [unit] can manage almost everything including composing, writing lyrics, singing and rap. If opportunity allows, I think we can produce great results.
*P-Goon*: Topp Dogg G, which recently promoted in China, is one of our new units.
*Q: IF YOU CAN HAVE A WHOLE DAY TO YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?*
*Jenissi*: I'd like to rest in an open space. We keep practicing, recording and doing broadcasting and promotional activities, so I really want some rest when we have time.
*A-Tom*: I want to go shopping. I love shopping and trying on clothes and shoes to relieve stress.
*Xero*: I'd like to go home and spend time with my parents and family. I'm always thinking of them because I've realized that family is really important since I've been away from them.
