N-Dubz
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | Dappy, Tulisa, Fazer |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
N-Dubz is a hip-hop trio originating from Camden Town, London, composed of cousins Dappy and Tulisa, alongside their friend Fazer. After securing the MOBO Award for Best Newcomer in 2007, they briefly aligned with Polydor Records before transitioning to All Around the World. Their first album, Uncle B (2008), achieved double platinum status and produced four singles that entered the UK top 40.
In 2009, N-Dubz earned the MOBO Award for Best UK Act and released their sophomore album, Against All Odds, which climbed to number six on the UK charts and was certified platinum. This album included their debut top-10 hit, "I Need You". That same year, they attained their first UK number one as featured artists on Tinchy Stryder's track "Number 1". Their third studio effort, Love.Live.Life (2010), reached number seven and became their third consecutive platinum-certified album, featuring top-10 singles such as "We Dance On" and "Best Behaviour".
After an eleven-year break focusing on individual projects, N-Dubz reunited in May 2022, releasing the single “Charmer” and embarking on a sold-out arena tour across the UK later that year.
2000–2007: Formation and Polydor Records
All members of N-Dubz hail from Camden Town, located in north-west London; Fazer has Afro-Caribbean roots, whereas Dappy and Tulisa descend from Irish and Greek-Cypriot backgrounds. The trio met around age 13 at Haverstock School and formed the group under the guidance of Dappy's father, Byron Contostavlos, formerly of Mungo Jerry, who passed away in 2007. Their upbringing involved exposure to violence, financial struggles, and gang-related environments.
Initially known as "Lickle Rinsers Crew," they released tracks such as "Bad Man Riddim" and "Life is Getting Sicker by the Day." After undergoing several name changes due to copyright conflicts and existing acts, they ultimately adopted "N-Dubz," a nod to their NW1 postcode and slang for the letter "W." Early music videos received airplay on Channel U, while independently released singles like "You Better Not Waste My Time" and "I Swear" garnered initial mainstream recognition. Their 2007 single "Feva Las Vegas" reached No. 57 on UK charts.
Following their MOBO Award win for Best Newcomer, N-Dubz signed with Polydor Records, reissuing "You Better Not Waste My Time", which peaked at No. 26 on the UK singles chart. In 2007, Dappy collaborated with Baker Trouble on "Love for my Slum," a track that gained underground acclaim despite media backlash over its provocative video. Additionally, Dappy appeared multiple times on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, boosting his public visibility.
2008–2009: All Around the World Records and Uncle B
In May 2008, they released the single "Ouch", accompanied by a video that amassed over four million views on YouTube within its first month. On 6 August 2008, N-Dubz parted ways with Polydor Records and signed with All Around the World Records, a label primarily known for dance music but also recognized for hip-hop releases like Ice Cube's "You Can Do It". "Ouch" was confirmed as their initial single under this new label, scheduled for release in September 2008. Their debut album, Uncle B, launched on 17 November 2008, featuring songs such as "You Better Not Waste My Time", "I Swear", "Feva Las Vegas", "Love for My Slums", "Ouch", "Defeat You", and "Papa Can You Hear Me?".
The track "Strong Again" was promoted as the third single from Uncle B on 16 February 2009 with an accompanying video; however, its physical CD release was canceled for undisclosed reasons. The song remained on the UK Singles Chart for five weeks, peaking at number 24. Group member Dappy also featured on Tinchy Stryder's 2009 chart-topping single "Number 1", which included cameo appearances by all N-Dubz members.
Following their album's success, N-Dubz launched their inaugural headlining Uncle B Tour. Originally planned for sixteen dates, it was extended by five additional shows due to high demand. Supported by Stevie Hoang and Tinchy Stryder, tickets sold out swiftly. During one concert, Tulisa collapsed onstage amid swine flu concerns; she was hospitalized but later tested negative and rejoined performances including Radio 1's Big Weekend in May 2009.
The final single from Uncle B, "Wouldn't You", was digitally released on 25 May 2009 and reached number 64 on UK charts.
2009–2010: Against All Odds
Tulisa and Dappy returned to their characters in the concluding third series of Channel 4's Dubplate Drama, which centered on Laurissa's (portrayed by Tulisa) battle with cocaine dependency and her interactions with her music manager. The storyline ended with Laurissa conquering her addiction and embarking on a fresh start alongside her child.
N-Dubz collaborated with artists such as Tinchy Stryder and Pixie Lott on the charity single "I Got Soul" for War Child, released under the collective The Young Soul Rebels to support children impacted by conflict. Tulisa expressed gratitude for being part of the project, emphasizing the significance of its mission.
On 17 November 2009, the group kicked off a UK Christmas Party Tour, showcasing songs from their albums Uncle B and Against All Odds. This tour coincided with the launch of their sophomore album, Against All Odds, which was released on 16 November 2009.
The album’s lead single, "I Need You," debuted on 9 November 2009 and climbed to No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart. Upon release, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 6 and attained platinum certification within two months. The follow-up single, "Playing with Fire," featuring Mr Hudson, initially charted at No. 15 based solely on album downloads before peaking at No. 14 after its formal release.
The third single, "Say It's Over," premiered on Channel AKA on 5 March 2010 and was officially released on 25 April, reaching No. 27 through pre-release album downloads alone. N-Dubz announced a spring tour for Against All Odds in 2010—their third tour within two years—running from 31 March to 20 April and featuring support from Skepta, Talay Riley, and Ultra.
On 1 April 2010, N-Dubz published their debut book titled N-Dubz – Against All Odds: From Street Life to Chart Life, intended to challenge negative media portrayals by sharing their authentic narrative. The book also granted access to an exclusive N-Dubz online platform.
2010–2011: Love.Live.Life, Greatest Hits and disbandment
The group produced a six-part documentary series called Being... N-Dubz, which premiered on 4Music on 21 June 2010 and was renewed for a second season in 2011. Following industry speculation, Island Records signed N-Dubz. Their third studio album, Love.Live.Life, was released across the UK on 29 November 2010.
From this album, five singles were launched. The first, "We Dance On", featured on the soundtrack for the film StreetDance in May 2010. On 1 September 2010, N-Dubz announced "Best Behaviour" as the lead single from the album, which was released on 17 October. Its music video debuted simultaneously on Channel AKA and Clubland TV on 8 September and was uploaded to YouTube by AATW Records that same day.
The remaining three singles were "Girls", "So Alive", and "Morning Star". The album Love.Live.Life marked N-Dubz’ third release to achieve platinum status.
In August 2011, N-Dubz parted ways with Island Records, citing differences in creative direction. With Tulisa joining as a judge on series 8 of The X Factor and Dappy launching his solo track "No Regrets", their performance on 18 September 2011 was regarded as "their final show for the foreseeable future."
By November, Tulisa confirmed that the group would take a two-year break while she and Dappy focused on solo endeavors. A Greatest Hits compilation was issued on 28 November 2011. In an interview during 2012, Tulisa revealed plans for a reunion slated for 2013 following their individual projects. She reiterated this intention during The X Factor broadcast on 6 October 2012. On 13 April 2017, Fazer affirmed that a reunion was imminent but noted that current personal projects took precedence and timing remained crucial.
2022–present: Reunion and Timeless
On 16 May 2022, following an 11-year break, N-Dubz confirmed their comeback with the release of the single "Charmer" and announced the Back to the Future Tour, a UK arena tour scheduled for November 2022. Tickets for the tour sold out within minutes. According to the i, the group dedicated six months to producing a new album, collaborating with artists such as Chip, Wiley, and Gary Barlow.
In April 2023, N-Dubz unveiled "February," the lead single from their forthcoming album, while also revealing plans for a summer tour across open-air venues and parks throughout the UK and Ireland.
On 8 June 2023, the band announced their fourth studio album, titled Timeless, alongside the release of the second single "Habibti". The full album was officially launched on 4 August 2023.
Controversies
On 31 January 2009, police removed Dappy and Fazer from a British Airways flight traveling from Edinburgh to London after reports that they had threatened other passengers. Cabin staff alerted law enforcement, who detained them once the plane landed.
Later in 2009, Tulisa became involved in a public dispute with Elly Jackson of La Roux after Jackson criticized female hip hop artists' appearances; Tulisa responded with strong language.
During the same period, accusations surfaced regarding N-Dubz's DJ Maze following an incident at a Butlins holiday camp performance. As a result, he was replaced by BBC Radio 1Xtra's Twin B for their Christmas Party Tour.
In January 2010, after a listener criticized Dappy on The Chris Moyles Show, he sent threatening messages to her. The band's management issued an apology and offered complimentary concert tickets; however, Dappy himself did not apologize. Subsequently, he was removed from a government campaign promoting cyber safety.
A conflict emerged in March 2010 with Lethal Bizzle, who asserted he had written and produced N-Dubz's hit "I Need You". Tulisa publicly rejected these claims, and N-Dubz released video evidence indicating their version preceded his submission.
Discography
- Uncle B (2008)
- Against All Odds (2009)
- Love.Live.Life (2010)
- Timeless (2023)
Headlining
- Uncle B Tour
- N-Dubz Christmas Party
- The Against All Odds Tour
- Love.Live.Life Tour
- Reformation
- Summer UK Tour
Supporting act
Bibliography
- 2010: Against All Odds – From Street Life to Chart Life
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | MOBO Awards | Best UK Newcomer | Template:Won |
| 2008 | Urban Music Awards | Best Group | Template:Nom |
| Best Music Video ("Ouch") | Template:Nom | ||
| 2009 | O2 Silver Clef Awards | The Digital Award | Template:Won |
| MOBO Awards | Best UK Act | Template:Won | |
| Best Album (Uncle B) | Template:Won | ||
| 2010 | BRIT Awards | British Single ("Number 1") | Template:Nom |
| MOBO Awards | Best Song ("Playing with Fire") | Template:Won | |
| 2023 | O2 Silver Clef Awards | Best Group | Template:Won |