☆ DOGG'S OUT.
A TOPP DOGG PRIMER!
annyeong? toppdogg! uri molla?
T OH DOUBLE P! D OH DOUBLE G!
TOPP DOGG are a thirteen member group that debuted in 2013 under Stardom Entertainment - the label that famously screwed over Block B. They call themselves the "Hip-Hop Super Junior" because, well, they're a hip hop group who debuted with the same amount of members as Super Junior. They've also divided the thirteen members into four, what they call, kingdoms: Dragon, Knight, Wizard and Lion. They've said they do plan to focus on sub-unit activities in the future, but they've also said that these units will not be limited to members of the same specific kingdom. The fanclub name is ToppKlass.
(a/n: Getting into Topp Dogg is a big project. So, I am here to help. I first got into this group to prove to myself that I could learn all the members of a thirteen member group - and then I became incredibly fond of them and here we are now. I love every incredibly over the top thing they do. They really are a group of good boys doing what they love, so hopefully you'll enjoy this and eventually enjoy them as well! Feel free to point out any inaccuracies or shortcomings on this post and I will make changes as neccesary. Finally, I update this post regularly as Topp Dogg do more things to keep it current and relevant; this post was last officially updated November 3rd, 2014.)
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KINGDOMS.
WIZARDS: B-Joo, Hojoon, Hansol and Xero.
The members that focus on "performance" and are "capable of diverse genres" like wizard magic. Dancers/faces of the group, mostly.
LIONS: Jenissi, Yano, Gohn.
Called the lions because, like lions, they are "strong and dependable but also carefree". They project the image of being brave and strong but are easygoing on the inside. Formerly included Seogoong.
KNIGHTS: Nakta, Kidoh, A-Tom.
Apparently they're the members with an "upright image" and are also the most "human-like". So, in short, the weirdos.
DRAGONS: P-Goon, Sangdo.
This one doesn't really have a clear definition. They say it's because they're "dark-skinned" and have an "exotic" look (tch). Sangdo has stated, though, that he nearly ended up in Knight as a result of their management not being sure which Kingdom to put him in. They most likely created Dragon just for P-Goon and Sangdo as a result of this.
Since these 'Kingdoms' are kind of sort-of subgroups of Topp Dogg, I think this is a good a place as any to mention Topp Dogg's other subgroups. They have both Topp Dogg G and Underdogg, neither of which has debuted yet. Both subgroups feature completely new members and no one is really sure what the purpose of these subgroups are - just that they exist. Which members will be in which group is also a little hazy but it's pretty safe to say Andy, former MR.MR member Jiwon and Hyeontae will feature in one and/or both. The three mentioned previously have been included in official photos and videos and have been to events with Topp Dogg, so it's pretty fair to assume they're going to be in something in the future.
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MEMBERS
JENISSI.
Kim Taeyang. August 2nd, 1991. Rapper.
He's sexy, cool, perfect J-Jevohanissi - or just oldest hyung Jenissi. A lot of Topp Dogg's rappers were actively realeasing stuff on soundcloud predebut, but Jenissi has the most extensive library of predebut tracks. Topp Dogg rappers all write their own lyrics, which means Jenissi wrote this trash for himself, smh. Jenissi is basically the cranky old man of the group, the fact that he's fairly short just adds to that hilarious image. His members have called him bossy and a clean freak but they've also said the only work Jenissi does around the dorms is pick up his clothes and put them in the washing machine. After that it's up to his dongsaengs to do everything else. Here have some selcas. Apparently, he's most awkward with Xero but they said they will work hard to become closer. Then, for his birthday, Jenissi was given the mission to go on date with Xero. They've been really cute together ever since. He's also known for being relatively close with Nakta. He's also really hot. In the off-putting, ugly, Kim Woobin kind of way. In September 2014, Jenissi released his mixtape entitled Go To Church, making him the second of three members to have a solo project this year.
P-GOON.
Park Sehyuk. October 18th, 1991. Leader, Vocalist, Dancer.
Our leader P-Goon! He's got sort of a reputation for being reserved and quiet. His members make fun of him a lot (though it's all in good fun) and call him scary. The words "cruel" and "cold hearted" get thrown around a lot but those are just his members being mean. He hates doing aegyo and could barely make it through doing gwiyomi in an interview, surprisingly manages to be incredibly cute on his own, though. He's definitely had the most hairstyle changes out of the members during promotions - some worked out better than others. His body is also the best in Topp Dogg. Anyone need to do laundry? Overall he's good leader and kind of a giant cute peanut with tacky eyebrow slits.
GOHN.
Kim Dongsung. August 1st, 1992. Main Vocalist.
Gohn is Topp Dogg's big brother. Which basically means he sticks up for all his dongsaengs to the older hyungs when he needs to. He cares a lot about his members and is indeed the giant teddy bear he looks like he would be. In additional to being one of the best vocals Topp Dogg has, Gohn both writes and produces music, the best example of this being Cigarette. He's easily has the most recognizable and distinct face. A lot of people really love him, and it's not hard to tell why. Especially when you look at the cutest photo ever.
HOJOON.
Jo Hojun. October 31st, 1992. Vocalist, Dancer.
The younger Topp Dogg have taken to affectionally calling Hojoon "Four-eyed hyung" because he wears dumb glasses a lot. The fandom call him 'Hojoon Potter' for it. He hasn't worn the glasses a lot lately, but I have a feeling he'll never get rid of the nickname. While the group doesn't have an official visual, Hojoon might as well be it. He even acts the part. Ultimately, he'd be one of those weird visuals that doesn't talk much. Just observes. Once upon he had green hair and so I am spiritually connected to him. Most likely to branch off into modeling, probably.
KIDOH.
Jin Hyosang. December 16th, 1992. Rapper, Producer.
Kidoh started off his idol career auditioning for BigHit and being a member of Bangtan Boys for awhile. Apparently, he left the company on good terms in 2012 but still remains in contact with the remaining members. He's in a hip hop group with Rap Monster and is especially close with Jin. Like, really close. He mentioned Jin in his thank you's for the Dogg's Out album and when asked by a fan who he missed the most he answered with Jin. He was involved in producing a lot of Topp Dogg's songs, including their debut track Follow Me. He, like Seogoong, is a good mood maker and talks a fair bit in interviews. He seems to be the member Stardom want to be the most popular. In September, Kidoh had his official solo debut, the one he missed out on Amadeus promos preparing for. The album is called 1st EP Album and the debut MV was called Taxi On The Phone.
SANGDO.
Yoo Sangdo. March 2nd, 1993. Vocalist.
Sangdo comes off as huge and intimidating but he's actually kind of moosh moosh. He was styled really poorly during debut but things have been working out better for him lately. He's got a really nice voice and is also really cute and generally just an angel. He sponsors a child and he's close with fellow Dragon, P-Goon. And also he's not afraid to make a fool of himself: exhibit a) one time his members voted him the most handsome without makeup and then made him imitate a saxophone so.
NAKTA.
Shin Yoonchul. April 24th, 1993. Vocalist.
If you're looking for the dumd 4D fool, meet Nakta. Nakta spent some time on VIXX's MyDol, where he was ultimately eliminated, before debuting with Topp Dogg. His stage name means "camel" and he says he picked it because has a "camel face". A funny thing happens when Nakta does interviews in that the host will ask him in disbelief if his name is Nakta because he looks like a camel and he always go, "Well. Yes". Because of his stage name his members like to tease him and sometimes they even make him imitate a camel. Bjoo rode him once. He has a very precious stuffed animal that if you throw it on the ground, will make him angry with you. He loves Sulli and when asked who he would like to act with in a future M/V his response was "Euheuheuheu.....Sulli....". He's the tallest member and can be spotted easily, frequently towering over the other members. Occasionally, he helps them out too. He's funny and good-looking and I low-key love him. Jennakta forever.
HANSOL.
Kim Hansol. June 15th, 1993. Vocalist, Dancer.
Hansol hobbies include dancing, taking selcas (sometimes with his mom) and aggressively aegyo-ing. No, seriously. He loves all his members a lot. He likes and is pretty good at drawing and before debuting with Topp Dogg was a dancer for EvoL, who are also a label mate. He's still close with them. Once Hansol asked for a Mimi doll and was gifted one by some fans, which he then proceeded to chop the hair off of so it would look like IU. Apparently it doesn't look like IU at all. He's the shortest member of Topp Dogg and can frequently be seen hanging off BJoo at all times. He's said before BJoo is his best friend. Here's a gifset of him dancing Ga In choreo. In recent comebacks we've all realized he looks too good while looking possessed to not be some sort of Prince of Darkness.
B-JOO.
Kim Byungjoo. January 8th, 1994. Vocalist, Dancer.
I would personally consider Bjoo the fakest of fake maknae's but apparently he's Topp Dogg's mom. He's cute and loves circle lenses. He is one half of Xero & Bjoo TV! and has often fallen (literally) for the other members pranks. Luckily, he has Hansol to baby him. The two were recently chosen by the other members as the two closest in the group and then Bjoo turned bright red so I'm pretty sure they're in love. As do most other members, who encourage him to do things like dance Sunmi's Full Moon and pick him as the female lead to Jenissi, Seogoong, Gohn and Yano's male lead in the Topp Dogg version of Boys Over Flowers. What happened after that is A Lot. He, along with Hansol, is close friends with Say of EVOL, because they're all 93line (BJoo was born in 94 but because it was early 94 he's technically 93line). This moment is the moment I knew I was a Bjoo stan.
XERO.
Shin Jiho. February 3rd, 1994. Vocalist, Dancer.
Meet the other half of Xero and Bjoo TV, his stage name chosen to probably reflect how many lines he gets in Topp Dogg songs. He makes up for it by dancing, though. And yelling all his lines. Here he demonstrates the proper selca taking technique. He's considered one of them more popular members (probably something to do with him being cute) and somehow managed to not visibly pee himself while taking a photo with G-Dragon.
A-TOM.
Kim Sanggyun. May 23rd, 1995. Rapper.
Yes, his hair has always been that bad. No, I don't know if it'll ever get better. Sometimes it looks like ramen and sometimes he's got horns, which doesn't improve anything, honestly. He recently graduated the high school he attended in Gwanju and gets pretty extensive rap parts in most Topp Dogg songs. He's secretly maknae line material and really playful. The rest of his members are pretty loveable towards him.
YANO.
Seo Sangwon. September 27rd, 1995. Rapper.
Yano, the real maknae, recently graduated high school as well. He was in the same class as both VIXX's Hyuk and BTOB's Sungjae. Yano likes to do impersonations, especially of Stardom Entertainments producer, Cho PD. One time him and Bjoo also imitated Jenissi rapping. Jenissi also says that Yano smells, I don't have trouble believing him. Kind of a giant infant adult baby. He's my personal favourite rapper Topp Dogg, he's so squishy but he goes so hard. You can't help but feel a motherly love for him. HISTORY MAKER! In June, Yano has released a mixtape called Yanoabout Me: FICTION. He's come along from a tiny kid who was using the stage name 'Snoopy Swaggy' before his debut this year.
☆☆☆FORMER MEMBERS.
SEOGOONG.
Park Hyunho. May 1st, 1992. Main Vocalist.
If you're looking for cute skinship, Seogoong's your man. He's really adorable, voted by his members as the prettiest with makeup. Poor baby also had a stye and wore glasses during some promotions. He's definitely a very likeable member and seems the one who has managed to be close with most if not all of his group mates. Especially Xero and Hojoon. He's probably really strong, as he's usually throwing P-Goon around as finishers in most Topp Dogg choreo. Overall, he's a) a really great mood maker in interviews and on shows b) kind of sunshine irl and c) is one of my favourite members. I love him and his face a lot. In 2014 he fell ill and was absent from Annie promotions and Stardom later announced he had been removed from Topp Dogg and placed into the subgroup, Under Dogg. Everyone was more or less pissed about this.
☆☆☆MUSIC.
Topp Dogg debuted with the song Say It, which is also known under the name Tell Me and it's english title Follow Me. This song is over the top, as most Topp Dogg tracks are, but I like it. The music video not so much. The editing makes it hard to keep track of people in the MV but here's a Who's Who post if you feel like giving it a try. This song, though, is definitely going to get stuck in your head. You'll catch yourself going "Malohae malo! Malohae malo!" and "I wanna get wanna get wanna get wanna get high" for days. I also really like this dance - I've linked the practice for it they filmed down below.
Their second comeback was with the song Cigarette which is more of a ballad, kind of straying from the idea that Topp Dogg are a hip hop group. I just think it was a chance for vocal line to get some wailing in and that's fine. I find it kind of snoozy but I knew some people who really enjoy it. The M/V is kind of painful because of the acting though. They were babies though, so I think we can forgive them.
Next was Open The Door, which, if I had to choose, is probably my favourite Topp Dogg single. I don't know how I feel about the M/V, it's sort of messy but the non-choreo bits are fun and mostly well-done. I don't hate it. What I do hate it Jenissi telling me he's "sexy, cool, perfect, J-Jehovha-nissi". I've included the choreo version below as well.
After that they promoted Arario, which I really enjoyed. They incorporated traditional Korean instruments in the song and it works really well. It's also catchy as hell. I've included the choreo video once again and I also think this is my fave of their dances. Even with the fans, masks and carrying Jenissi around and inflating his ego. Like I said, Topp Dogg are over the top. It's hard not to be when you're a group of 13 dudes.
Topp Dogg's next comeback was with Top Dog, off of the AmadeuS mini. Kidoh's is not present for these promotions as he was "working on his solo debut" according to Stardom Ent. The concept is literally the movie Amadeus, with Bjoo as Mozart and Hansol as Salieri, respectively. They've also decided that this means that the group need to be split up into even more subgroups. On Team Mozart is Bjoo, Nakta, Jenissi, Sangdo, Seogoong and Hojoon and on Team Salieri is Hansol, A-Tom, Jenissi, Yano, P-Goon, Gohn and Xero. Choreo version below as well!
Next Topp Dogg release Peakaboo, which was less of an MV and more just rapper line playing around on what is probably a sound stage. They released to promote the deluxe edition of AmadeuS. Honestly, it's not a bad song, no matter how laughable the MV is. It's obvious it was just kind of thrown together to have something to pair with the deluxe edition, but whatever. Oh, and Kidoh's back, by the way.
Most recently, we got a fourth comeback with Annie, sort of a present for Topp Dogg's 1st anniversary. This is arguably the most over top thing Topp Dogg has ever done - they drew inspiration, they said, from 90's boybands, Janet Jackson and Vanilla Ice - but it's also easily the most fun and loveable. I shamelessly love this song, this comeback, the choreo, the backwards clothes, all of it. As someone already endeared to the group it just succeeded in making me even more fond. Unfortunately, Seogoong is currently ill and is thus not participating in the promotions for Annie.
☆☆☆MISC.
First off, let me tell you about White Lion. White Lion is basically an anonymous person, close to Topp Dogg and it's members, with a twitter account who likes to post more - I guess, candid photos of the group. We don't know who it is and they have teased us with revealing it (a lot of people have guessed it's a manger) but so far nothing yet.
By following White Lion you will be treated to photos of the members sleepy cutely, Seogoong riding a tiny motorcycle, Topp Dogg out to dinner, and White Lion dishing out discipline. The members occasionally post selcas there outside of the official twitter, and sometimes White Lion will tease things or drop hints. Overall, just a fun thing to follow if you're into Topp Dogg.
Next, the following are a few videos I'd recommend to anyone looking to get into Topp Dogg:
They've done some covers! Here's Taeyang's Eyes, Nose, Lips, SoYou and JunggiGo's Some, Maroon 5's Maps. I, personally, think they're all really good. If you're looking for proof that Topp Dogg not only has talented rappers but vocalists as well - here it is.
Here is an easy interview to start with, it's not too long and good for introductions.
Show K-Pop, Episode 1. This is the first video I watched while trying to get into Topp Dogg and I think it's a good introductory video. This is from they're newly debuted days so they sort of cover everything you want to know as a new fan in the first episode. It also goes BTS of the Cigarette M/V. There is also an Episode 2. You get to see their dorms and some other cute moments happen.
Here is their episode of After School Club. It's cute and fun, I watched the whole thing and enjoyed it despite Eric Nam's presence so.
Secret Box interview, which only features seven members out of thirteen but has a lot of cute moments and funny bits. This is once of my fave appearances of theirs.
Recently, Kidoh and Jenissi were involved in a game of challenges with Yongguk & Zelo from B.A.P and Suga and Rap Monster from Bangtan Boys. It's awkward and also hilarious. Yongguk had to tell Kidoh he was handsome while Kidoh had to give Zelo a back hug (Kidoh calls him Zelo sunbaenim and it's cute). Meanwhile, Suga was tasked with winking and doing a "love shoot" at Jenissi while Jenissi had to give Yongguk a massage.
They went to (X)TV while promoting Arario and this is probably my favourite interview. It's really funny really cute. It's got that moment with Bjoo being the female lead in the Boy Over Flowers remake and him getting all red. We also find out from Seogoong Kidoh's rich and it's kind of what made me fall in love with them.
Topp Dogg also have done 'fanchant videos' for each of all their singles, so fans will know the fanchants for performances, music shows, etc. More often than not, they'r really cute. Here is the one for Say It, Open The Door, Arario, TopDog and Annie. You'll catch a lot of cute moments between members in these that will have you watching them over and over.
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PLS TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN. ♡
annyeong? toppdogg! uri molla?
T OH DOUBLE P! D OH DOUBLE G!
TOPP DOGG are a thirteen member group that debuted in 2013 under Stardom Entertainment - the label that famously screwed over Block B. They call themselves the "Hip-Hop Super Junior" because, well, they're a hip hop group who debuted with the same amount of members as Super Junior. They've also divided the thirteen members into four, what they call, kingdoms: Dragon, Knight, Wizard and Lion. They've said they do plan to focus on sub-unit activities in the future, but they've also said that these units will not be limited to members of the same specific kingdom. The fanclub name is ToppKlass.
(a/n: Getting into Topp Dogg is a big project. So, I am here to help. I first got into this group to prove to myself that I could learn all the members of a thirteen member group - and then I became incredibly fond of them and here we are now. I love every incredibly over the top thing they do. They really are a group of good boys doing what they love, so hopefully you'll enjoy this and eventually enjoy them as well! Feel free to point out any inaccuracies or shortcomings on this post and I will make changes as neccesary. Finally, I update this post regularly as Topp Dogg do more things to keep it current and relevant; this post was last officially updated November 3rd, 2014.)
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KINGDOMS.
WIZARDS: B-Joo, Hojoon, Hansol and Xero.
The members that focus on "performance" and are "capable of diverse genres" like wizard magic. Dancers/faces of the group, mostly.
LIONS: Jenissi, Yano, Gohn.
Called the lions because, like lions, they are "strong and dependable but also carefree". They project the image of being brave and strong but are easygoing on the inside. Formerly included Seogoong.
KNIGHTS: Nakta, Kidoh, A-Tom.
Apparently they're the members with an "upright image" and are also the most "human-like". So, in short, the weirdos.
DRAGONS: P-Goon, Sangdo.
This one doesn't really have a clear definition. They say it's because they're "dark-skinned" and have an "exotic" look (tch). Sangdo has stated, though, that he nearly ended up in Knight as a result of their management not being sure which Kingdom to put him in. They most likely created Dragon just for P-Goon and Sangdo as a result of this.
Since these 'Kingdoms' are kind of sort-of subgroups of Topp Dogg, I think this is a good a place as any to mention Topp Dogg's other subgroups. They have both Topp Dogg G and Underdogg, neither of which has debuted yet. Both subgroups feature completely new members and no one is really sure what the purpose of these subgroups are - just that they exist. Which members will be in which group is also a little hazy but it's pretty safe to say Andy, former MR.MR member Jiwon and Hyeontae will feature in one and/or both. The three mentioned previously have been included in official photos and videos and have been to events with Topp Dogg, so it's pretty fair to assume they're going to be in something in the future.
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MEMBERS
Click to view JENISSI.
Kim Taeyang. August 2nd, 1991. Rapper.
He's sexy, cool, perfect J-Jevohanissi - or just oldest hyung Jenissi. A lot of Topp Dogg's rappers were actively realeasing stuff on soundcloud predebut, but Jenissi has the most extensive library of predebut tracks. Topp Dogg rappers all write their own lyrics, which means Jenissi wrote this trash for himself, smh. Jenissi is basically the cranky old man of the group, the fact that he's fairly short just adds to that hilarious image. His members have called him bossy and a clean freak but they've also said the only work Jenissi does around the dorms is pick up his clothes and put them in the washing machine. After that it's up to his dongsaengs to do everything else. Here have some selcas. Apparently, he's most awkward with Xero but they said they will work hard to become closer. Then, for his birthday, Jenissi was given the mission to go on date with Xero. They've been really cute together ever since. He's also known for being relatively close with Nakta. He's also really hot. In the off-putting, ugly, Kim Woobin kind of way. In September 2014, Jenissi released his mixtape entitled Go To Church, making him the second of three members to have a solo project this year.
P-GOON.
Park Sehyuk. October 18th, 1991. Leader, Vocalist, Dancer.
Our leader P-Goon! He's got sort of a reputation for being reserved and quiet. His members make fun of him a lot (though it's all in good fun) and call him scary. The words "cruel" and "cold hearted" get thrown around a lot but those are just his members being mean. He hates doing aegyo and could barely make it through doing gwiyomi in an interview, surprisingly manages to be incredibly cute on his own, though. He's definitely had the most hairstyle changes out of the members during promotions - some worked out better than others. His body is also the best in Topp Dogg. Anyone need to do laundry? Overall he's good leader and kind of a giant cute peanut with tacky eyebrow slits.
GOHN.
Kim Dongsung. August 1st, 1992. Main Vocalist.
Gohn is Topp Dogg's big brother. Which basically means he sticks up for all his dongsaengs to the older hyungs when he needs to. He cares a lot about his members and is indeed the giant teddy bear he looks like he would be. In additional to being one of the best vocals Topp Dogg has, Gohn both writes and produces music, the best example of this being Cigarette. He's easily has the most recognizable and distinct face. A lot of people really love him, and it's not hard to tell why. Especially when you look at the cutest photo ever.
HOJOON.
Jo Hojun. October 31st, 1992. Vocalist, Dancer.
The younger Topp Dogg have taken to affectionally calling Hojoon "Four-eyed hyung" because he wears dumb glasses a lot. The fandom call him 'Hojoon Potter' for it. He hasn't worn the glasses a lot lately, but I have a feeling he'll never get rid of the nickname. While the group doesn't have an official visual, Hojoon might as well be it. He even acts the part. Ultimately, he'd be one of those weird visuals that doesn't talk much. Just observes. Once upon he had green hair and so I am spiritually connected to him. Most likely to branch off into modeling, probably.
KIDOH.
Jin Hyosang. December 16th, 1992. Rapper, Producer.
Kidoh started off his idol career auditioning for BigHit and being a member of Bangtan Boys for awhile. Apparently, he left the company on good terms in 2012 but still remains in contact with the remaining members. He's in a hip hop group with Rap Monster and is especially close with Jin. Like, really close. He mentioned Jin in his thank you's for the Dogg's Out album and when asked by a fan who he missed the most he answered with Jin. He was involved in producing a lot of Topp Dogg's songs, including their debut track Follow Me. He, like Seogoong, is a good mood maker and talks a fair bit in interviews. He seems to be the member Stardom want to be the most popular. In September, Kidoh had his official solo debut, the one he missed out on Amadeus promos preparing for. The album is called 1st EP Album and the debut MV was called Taxi On The Phone.
SANGDO.
Yoo Sangdo. March 2nd, 1993. Vocalist.
Sangdo comes off as huge and intimidating but he's actually kind of moosh moosh. He was styled really poorly during debut but things have been working out better for him lately. He's got a really nice voice and is also really cute and generally just an angel. He sponsors a child and he's close with fellow Dragon, P-Goon. And also he's not afraid to make a fool of himself: exhibit a) one time his members voted him the most handsome without makeup and then made him imitate a saxophone so.
NAKTA.
Shin Yoonchul. April 24th, 1993. Vocalist.
If you're looking for the dumd 4D fool, meet Nakta. Nakta spent some time on VIXX's MyDol, where he was ultimately eliminated, before debuting with Topp Dogg. His stage name means "camel" and he says he picked it because has a "camel face". A funny thing happens when Nakta does interviews in that the host will ask him in disbelief if his name is Nakta because he looks like a camel and he always go, "Well. Yes". Because of his stage name his members like to tease him and sometimes they even make him imitate a camel. Bjoo rode him once. He has a very precious stuffed animal that if you throw it on the ground, will make him angry with you. He loves Sulli and when asked who he would like to act with in a future M/V his response was "Euheuheuheu.....Sulli....". He's the tallest member and can be spotted easily, frequently towering over the other members. Occasionally, he helps them out too. He's funny and good-looking and I low-key love him. Jennakta forever.
HANSOL.
Kim Hansol. June 15th, 1993. Vocalist, Dancer.
Hansol hobbies include dancing, taking selcas (sometimes with his mom) and aggressively aegyo-ing. No, seriously. He loves all his members a lot. He likes and is pretty good at drawing and before debuting with Topp Dogg was a dancer for EvoL, who are also a label mate. He's still close with them. Once Hansol asked for a Mimi doll and was gifted one by some fans, which he then proceeded to chop the hair off of so it would look like IU. Apparently it doesn't look like IU at all. He's the shortest member of Topp Dogg and can frequently be seen hanging off BJoo at all times. He's said before BJoo is his best friend. Here's a gifset of him dancing Ga In choreo. In recent comebacks we've all realized he looks too good while looking possessed to not be some sort of Prince of Darkness.
B-JOO.
Kim Byungjoo. January 8th, 1994. Vocalist, Dancer.
I would personally consider Bjoo the fakest of fake maknae's but apparently he's Topp Dogg's mom. He's cute and loves circle lenses. He is one half of Xero & Bjoo TV! and has often fallen (literally) for the other members pranks. Luckily, he has Hansol to baby him. The two were recently chosen by the other members as the two closest in the group and then Bjoo turned bright red so I'm pretty sure they're in love. As do most other members, who encourage him to do things like dance Sunmi's Full Moon and pick him as the female lead to Jenissi, Seogoong, Gohn and Yano's male lead in the Topp Dogg version of Boys Over Flowers. What happened after that is A Lot. He, along with Hansol, is close friends with Say of EVOL, because they're all 93line (BJoo was born in 94 but because it was early 94 he's technically 93line). This moment is the moment I knew I was a Bjoo stan.
XERO.
Shin Jiho. February 3rd, 1994. Vocalist, Dancer.
Meet the other half of Xero and Bjoo TV, his stage name chosen to probably reflect how many lines he gets in Topp Dogg songs. He makes up for it by dancing, though. And yelling all his lines. Here he demonstrates the proper selca taking technique. He's considered one of them more popular members (probably something to do with him being cute) and somehow managed to not visibly pee himself while taking a photo with G-Dragon.
A-TOM.
Kim Sanggyun. May 23rd, 1995. Rapper.
Yes, his hair has always been that bad. No, I don't know if it'll ever get better. Sometimes it looks like ramen and sometimes he's got horns, which doesn't improve anything, honestly. He recently graduated the high school he attended in Gwanju and gets pretty extensive rap parts in most Topp Dogg songs. He's secretly maknae line material and really playful. The rest of his members are pretty loveable towards him.
YANO.
Seo Sangwon. September 27rd, 1995. Rapper.
Yano, the real maknae, recently graduated high school as well. He was in the same class as both VIXX's Hyuk and BTOB's Sungjae. Yano likes to do impersonations, especially of Stardom Entertainments producer, Cho PD. One time him and Bjoo also imitated Jenissi rapping. Jenissi also says that Yano smells, I don't have trouble believing him. Kind of a giant infant adult baby. He's my personal favourite rapper Topp Dogg, he's so squishy but he goes so hard. You can't help but feel a motherly love for him. HISTORY MAKER! In June, Yano has released a mixtape called Yanoabout Me: FICTION. He's come along from a tiny kid who was using the stage name 'Snoopy Swaggy' before his debut this year.
☆☆☆FORMER MEMBERS.
SEOGOONG.
Park Hyunho. May 1st, 1992. Main Vocalist.
If you're looking for cute skinship, Seogoong's your man. He's really adorable, voted by his members as the prettiest with makeup. Poor baby also had a stye and wore glasses during some promotions. He's definitely a very likeable member and seems the one who has managed to be close with most if not all of his group mates. Especially Xero and Hojoon. He's probably really strong, as he's usually throwing P-Goon around as finishers in most Topp Dogg choreo. Overall, he's a) a really great mood maker in interviews and on shows b) kind of sunshine irl and c) is one of my favourite members. I love him and his face a lot. In 2014 he fell ill and was absent from Annie promotions and Stardom later announced he had been removed from Topp Dogg and placed into the subgroup, Under Dogg. Everyone was more or less pissed about this.
☆☆☆MUSIC.
Topp Dogg debuted with the song Say It, which is also known under the name Tell Me and it's english title Follow Me. This song is over the top, as most Topp Dogg tracks are, but I like it. The music video not so much. The editing makes it hard to keep track of people in the MV but here's a Who's Who post if you feel like giving it a try. This song, though, is definitely going to get stuck in your head. You'll catch yourself going "Malohae malo! Malohae malo!" and "I wanna get wanna get wanna get wanna get high" for days. I also really like this dance - I've linked the practice for it they filmed down below.
Their second comeback was with the song Cigarette which is more of a ballad, kind of straying from the idea that Topp Dogg are a hip hop group. I just think it was a chance for vocal line to get some wailing in and that's fine. I find it kind of snoozy but I knew some people who really enjoy it. The M/V is kind of painful because of the acting though. They were babies though, so I think we can forgive them.
Next was Open The Door, which, if I had to choose, is probably my favourite Topp Dogg single. I don't know how I feel about the M/V, it's sort of messy but the non-choreo bits are fun and mostly well-done. I don't hate it. What I do hate it Jenissi telling me he's "sexy, cool, perfect, J-Jehovha-nissi". I've included the choreo version below as well.
After that they promoted Arario, which I really enjoyed. They incorporated traditional Korean instruments in the song and it works really well. It's also catchy as hell. I've included the choreo video once again and I also think this is my fave of their dances. Even with the fans, masks and carrying Jenissi around and inflating his ego. Like I said, Topp Dogg are over the top. It's hard not to be when you're a group of 13 dudes.
Topp Dogg's next comeback was with Top Dog, off of the AmadeuS mini. Kidoh's is not present for these promotions as he was "working on his solo debut" according to Stardom Ent. The concept is literally the movie Amadeus, with Bjoo as Mozart and Hansol as Salieri, respectively. They've also decided that this means that the group need to be split up into even more subgroups. On Team Mozart is Bjoo, Nakta, Jenissi, Sangdo, Seogoong and Hojoon and on Team Salieri is Hansol, A-Tom, Jenissi, Yano, P-Goon, Gohn and Xero. Choreo version below as well!
Next Topp Dogg release Peakaboo, which was less of an MV and more just rapper line playing around on what is probably a sound stage. They released to promote the deluxe edition of AmadeuS. Honestly, it's not a bad song, no matter how laughable the MV is. It's obvious it was just kind of thrown together to have something to pair with the deluxe edition, but whatever. Oh, and Kidoh's back, by the way.
Most recently, we got a fourth comeback with Annie, sort of a present for Topp Dogg's 1st anniversary. This is arguably the most over top thing Topp Dogg has ever done - they drew inspiration, they said, from 90's boybands, Janet Jackson and Vanilla Ice - but it's also easily the most fun and loveable. I shamelessly love this song, this comeback, the choreo, the backwards clothes, all of it. As someone already endeared to the group it just succeeded in making me even more fond. Unfortunately, Seogoong is currently ill and is thus not participating in the promotions for Annie.
☆☆☆MISC.
First off, let me tell you about White Lion. White Lion is basically an anonymous person, close to Topp Dogg and it's members, with a twitter account who likes to post more - I guess, candid photos of the group. We don't know who it is and they have teased us with revealing it (a lot of people have guessed it's a manger) but so far nothing yet.
By following White Lion you will be treated to photos of the members sleepy cutely, Seogoong riding a tiny motorcycle, Topp Dogg out to dinner, and White Lion dishing out discipline. The members occasionally post selcas there outside of the official twitter, and sometimes White Lion will tease things or drop hints. Overall, just a fun thing to follow if you're into Topp Dogg.
Next, the following are a few videos I'd recommend to anyone looking to get into Topp Dogg:
They've done some covers! Here's Taeyang's Eyes, Nose, Lips, SoYou and JunggiGo's Some, Maroon 5's Maps. I, personally, think they're all really good. If you're looking for proof that Topp Dogg not only has talented rappers but vocalists as well - here it is.
Here is an easy interview to start with, it's not too long and good for introductions.
Show K-Pop, Episode 1. This is the first video I watched while trying to get into Topp Dogg and I think it's a good introductory video. This is from they're newly debuted days so they sort of cover everything you want to know as a new fan in the first episode. It also goes BTS of the Cigarette M/V. There is also an Episode 2. You get to see their dorms and some other cute moments happen.
Here is their episode of After School Club. It's cute and fun, I watched the whole thing and enjoyed it despite Eric Nam's presence so.
Secret Box interview, which only features seven members out of thirteen but has a lot of cute moments and funny bits. This is once of my fave appearances of theirs.
Recently, Kidoh and Jenissi were involved in a game of challenges with Yongguk & Zelo from B.A.P and Suga and Rap Monster from Bangtan Boys. It's awkward and also hilarious. Yongguk had to tell Kidoh he was handsome while Kidoh had to give Zelo a back hug (Kidoh calls him Zelo sunbaenim and it's cute). Meanwhile, Suga was tasked with winking and doing a "love shoot" at Jenissi while Jenissi had to give Yongguk a massage.
They went to (X)TV while promoting Arario and this is probably my favourite interview. It's really funny really cute. It's got that moment with Bjoo being the female lead in the Boy Over Flowers remake and him getting all red. We also find out from Seogoong Kidoh's rich and it's kind of what made me fall in love with them.
Topp Dogg also have done 'fanchant videos' for each of all their singles, so fans will know the fanchants for performances, music shows, etc. More often than not, they'r really cute. Here is the one for Say It, Open The Door, Arario, TopDog and Annie. You'll catch a lot of cute moments between members in these that will have you watching them over and over.
☆☆☆
PLS TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN. ♡