Stray Kids' maknae (youngest member) is all grown up and wreaking havoc on the timeline with the release of his very own anthem. After what seems like an eternity, I.N, in collaboration with Bang Chan and Changbin, finally released the finished version of "막내온탑," or "Maknae on Top." But for Stays, it was well worth the wait because the song dropped with an inspired visual full of SKZ easter eggs, Spaghetti Western aesthetics, baby (bread) photos, and fabulous coats.
The song was first teased in a behind-the-scenes video with 3RACHA in late 2019, and Changbin explained that it was a "gift to I.N" from leader and composer Bang Chan. I.N further explained the Latin-trap track's origins in the video's YouTube description. "I was listening to Channie-hyung making tracks, and he said that we should work on a song together," he wrote, according to a translation from @shmesm2. "This is how we ended up making this."
The 19-year-old singer also participated in writing the song alongside Changbin and Bang Chan — though, he did add that there was a delay because "Changbinnie-hyung was late writing his lyrics" — and he even contributed to its composition. The "SKZ-PLAYER" series is an opportunity for the members of Stray Kids to experiment creatively and express themselves through self-composed music that might not fit the overall vibe of the group.
"Maknae on Top" is a colorful addition to the mix. The song is delightfully braggadocious with I.N confidently proclaiming himself as "the real big shot in SKZ," hitting his hyungs with "straight facts" and attitude. And in the video, his hyungs fall directly in line, even going so far as to shine his shoes, delicately hold his photocards, and duel for his respect and affection.
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Changbin's rap verse is also a real highlight for its endearing visual callbacks — a collage of baby Jeongin photos! — and sentimental lyrics. "Man, he really grew up," he raps, according to lyrics from @cheekieskz. "Don't you remember the Busan kid in his school gym shorts from when we were kids?" (Yes, we do.)
It's refreshing to hear I.N assert himself musically, as the teen is still finding his artistic identity. "I made this song hoping to show diverse sides to myself," I.N continued in his YouTube note. And "Maknae on Top" is just one facet of his prismatic personality. He's Yang Jeongin — Stays' Baby Bread, Stray Kids' Maknae on Top, and so much more that he hasn't even realized yet. TBH, we're excited to see what else the Busan boy has in store for us.
For now, we'll just be watching "Maknae on Top" on repeat and channeling I.N's boss baby energy. Hey, we're just following his orders: "Lastly, I hope all of the maknaes listening to this will gain strength."
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