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The Drake and Kendrick Lamar Saga: AI Blurring Lines of Authenticity in Rap Battles

April 15, 2024

In an era where artificial intelligence can convincingly mimic human artists, the lines between real and synthetic music blur. Recently, a supposed diss track titled “Push Ups” by Drake aimed at....

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The Rise of Punjabi Music in Canada: A Cultural Renaissance

April 5, 2024

In the heart of Canada's diverse music scene, Punjabi music is making significant strides, marking a new chapter in the country's cultural tapestry. This shift is not just a testament to the...

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Portugal. The Man: Through Songwriting Triumphs and Trials

April 5, 2024

At the heart of Portugal. The Man is a songwriting process deeply influenced by their experiences, emotions, and the landscapes of their Alaskan upbringing. John Gourley, the band's frontman...

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Stephanie Poetri: Navigating the Stars and Soundscapes

April 3, 2024

Indonesian-born artist Stephanie Poetri is not just a musician; she's a sonic storyteller whose narratives unfold against the backdrop of a world obsessed with digital connectivity and astrological...

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Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

April 1, 2024

In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced...

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The National: A Journey Through Melancholy and the Art of Songwriting

March 31, 2024

Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense....

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NIKI: A Profile on Self-Discovery and International Acclaim

March 29, 2024

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary music scene, transforming from a self-made YouTube artist into a history-making star...

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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

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With T.O.P.'s Departure from YG due to mental health struggles, is this the End of Big Bang?

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Photo: Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

After a long 4 year’s K-pop group Big Bang makes a comeback to the music scene with the song “Still Life.” This song has become another banger from the group reminding fans of the music they once heard from them years back. The song emphasises where the band and the fans are at in their lives right now and as the lyrics say “Goodbye now to my beloved young days” it shows they have grown since the last time they were in the public. It’s a little reflective of their past and as a slight reminder of where things are going from now on. 

The music video is a little different from music videos of their past as their are no group shots at all and each scene is each member showcasing their different styles individually. It was beautifully shot and a great way to start their careers backup so the fans can get to know who they are now.

Photo: BIGBANG - '봄여름가을겨울 (Still Life)' M/V

Big Bang has been well known for writing their own music, specifically T.O.P and G-Dragon being credited for this new song. There were some very deep lyrics giving us insight into the personal feelings of the members. 

 

After much anticipation for the group’s return we were sad to hear that this was going to be T.O.P’s only participation for a long time as he’s decided to end his contract with YG Entertainment. T.O.P has decided to pursue more opportunities individually as an artist and other projects he may come across. It has been stated that he may participate with the group some time in the future but has no current plans to be involved.

 

With T.O.P’s departure from the group we can’t help but think he may be struggling with mental health issues. He’s stated in the past that he’s experienced a lot of depression in his life since he was a young boy. He always thought he was much more sensitive than the other kids and in an interview says “I was born to be sad.” Just a few years ago he experienced some legal issues that worsened his depression and he opened up about almost ending his life during that time. 

 

As we all know the music industry can be a hard place to grow, no matter the amazing experiences it may bring it is a dark place where many artists face battles we may never know. Artists are human like the rest of us and go through depression and hard times but with their every move being watched. It must be incredibly difficult for musicians to push through these moments when the whole world is judging you, so T.O.P needing to take a step back for himself is a very commendable move that we hope fans take into consideration while the group moves on without him. We wish T.O.P success in any project he sets out for himself without Big Bang and maybe see him with the group again, later on in the future.

 

There is much speculation that Big Bang is at the end of their careers after the news of T.O.P ending his contract. There are comparisons to situations with other groups, for example Zayn leaving One Direction leading to the group’s end or Camila Cabello with Fifth Harmony. On the upside we’ve seen group’s succeed after a member leaves like Latin Group CNCO when Joel Pimentel left the group they both went separate ways in good terms and are thriving alongside each other. In the end every group is different and has the potential of success no matter what and with the support of loyal fans Big Bang will grow and be better than ever.