RD (group)
| Company type | Girl group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings |
Number of employees | 3 |
| Parent | Polydor Records (former) |
RD, originally known as Ruff Diamondz, was a London-based British girl band comprising members Julie "Chronz" Norton, Martika Lecointe-Akore, and Troy Hudson.
The trio came together in 2009 after being introduced by their manager via Myspace. Prior to their debut live show, they underwent a six-month preparation period focusing on fitness, dance routines, vocal training, and image development. In September 2010, they unveiled a mixtape entitled The Intro of RD aka Ruff Diamondz, followed by the release of their first single "Do It Like Me" in November 2010 under Polydor Records. During October 2010, The Guardian spotlighted them as the "New Band of the Week." That same year, they supported JLS on their UK arena tour and also joined N-Dubz for the MOBO Awards tour.
In 2011, due to copyright complications, the group shortened their name to RD. Their sophomore single, "Got Me Burnin'", which was co-written by Katy B and produced by Geeneus from Rinse FM, was launched in October 2011. It gained rotation on BBC Radio 1 and earned favorable critiques from outlets such as the Daily Star, Mixmag, MuuMuse, Popjustice, and The Singles Jukebox. Despite this success, Polydor Records ended their contract that same month, and with Hudson's exit, the group announced their disbandment in November 2011.
Following the split, Martika Lecointe-Akore embarked on a solo venture under the name Martika LA and released the track "Give Me Your Love" in 2012.
Discography
- The Intro of RD aka Ruff Diamondz (2010)
- "Do It Like Me" (2010)
- "Got Me Burnin'" (2011)