N-Dubz

N-Dubz

N-Dubz is an urban music group from London. Their biggest hit to date is 'Number 1', a collaboration with Tinchy Stryder. The song reached number one in the UK singles charts in April 2009. The line-up of the band consists of Dappy (Dino Contostavlos), Tula (Tulisa Contostavlos) and Fazer (Richard Rawson).

N-Dubz: Formation

All three members of N-Dubz attended Quintin Kynaston School in St. John's Wood, London. Dappy and Tula are cousins. The three members of N-Dubz were originally managed by Dino's father, Byron Contostavlos. Byron was formerly a member of the 1970s rock group Mungo Jerry.

The members of N-Dubz all appeared on Channel 4's Dubplate Drama, as the Lickle Rinsers Crew. They released 'Bad Man Riddim' and 'Life Is Getting Sicker By The Day', which both became hits on pirate radio.

Before changing their name to N-Dubz, they were briefly known as NW1. NW1 made a music video for 'Everyday of My Life', which was played on Channel U. N-Dubz's first single proper was 'You Better Not Waste My Time'.

N-Dubz: Breakthrough and Success

In 2006, N-Dubz released 'I Swear', which brought about their first taste of mainstream popularity. The following year, they released 'Feva Las Vegas'. This was their first single to reach the UK Singles charts, reaching number 57.

In 2007, N-Dubz won the Best Newcomer Award at the MOBOs. Shortly afterwards, they signed a deal with Polydor Records, who re-released 'You Better Not Waste My Time'. The newly-released version of the single reached number 26 on the UK singles chart.

Later that year, Dappy teamed up with Baker Troble to release 'Love For My Slums'. The track was a huge hit on Channel U.

In November 2007, Dappy appeared as a guest on BBC2's comedy music quiz, Never Mind The Buzzcocks. The host of the quiz, Simon Amstell, wore one of Dappy's trademark floppy-eared hats. The following year, Dappy was invited back on the show.

The month of May, 2008, saw the N-Dubz track 'Ouch' gaining more than 4 million viewers on YouTube. N-Dubz left their deal with Polydor Records. They switched allegiance to All Around the World Records. Other releases on the label include Ice Cube's You Can Do It album.

N-Dubz's debut album was entitled Uncle B. Released in November 2008, the album featured all of the band's previous releases, including 'Papa Can You Hear Me?'

In April 2009, N-Dubz released their first number one record: a collaboration with Tinchy Stryder, entitled 'Number 1'.

During the swine flu scare of 2009, Tulisa collapsed onstage, prompting fears that she may have contracted the virus. Eventually, she tested negative for the illness.