[New York Times] The Playlist: BigBang Prepares for a Split and 2 Chainz Steals the Spotlight

T.O.P., the most domineering and melancholic figure in the outlandishly popular K-pop act BigBang, is scheduled to begin his compulsory service in the South Korean military soon, making him the first group member to do so. In advance of the split, BigBang has released three new songs, completing the “Made” album announced last year. Of the three, “FXXK IT” — written in part by T.O.P. and G-Dragon — is the best, a slow thumper with strong singing by Daesung, tart rapping by T.O.P., all captured in a characteristically wacky, neon-bright video. At the end, the guys end up in a big boy-pile, with T.O.P. at the bottom — he looks like he’s ready to go.

JON CARAMANICA