N-Dubz

N-Dubz formed as a rap trio in London, England, claiming a MOBO Award for Best U.K. Newcomer in 2007 ahead of inking a deal with the dance imprint All Around the World Records and issuing their first full-length album, Uncle B, in 2008. The lineup consists of Dino "Dappy" Contostavlos, Tula "Tulisa" Contostavlos, and Richard "Fazer" Rawson; the group operates out of the Camden Town section of London, where the three originally crossed paths as schoolmates. Initially operating under the name "Lickle Rinsers Crew," they kicked off their recording output with underground cuts such as "Bad Man Riddim" and "Life Is Getting Sicker by the Day," both aimed at pirate radio airplay. Once they adopted the N-Dubz moniker, modest chart traction arrived via the independently issued singles "You Better Not Waste My Time" (2006), "I Swear" (2006), and "Feva Las Vegas" (2007) on LRC Records. Those early releases secured N-Dubz the 2007 MOBO Award for Best U.K. Newcomer and prompted a brief recording contract with Polydor Records. At that juncture the only Polydor single, a reissued "You Better Not Waste My Time," became their first Top 50 entry and climbed to number 26 on the U.K. singles chart. Late in 2008, following a stretch away from public view, N-Dubz signed with All Around the World; the lead single "Ouch" and the album Uncle B both scored strong commercial results, reaching number 22 and number 11 on the respective U.K. charts. Follow-up singles "Papa Can You Hear Me?" and "Strong Again" also performed well, earning the trio MOBO Awards for Best U.K. Act and Best Album. Their second album, Against All Odds, surfaced in 2009 under production from Richard Rawson and Dappy, peaking at number six on the British charts while incorporating guest spots from Wiley, Tinchy Stryder, and Mr. Hudson. The Mr. Hudson collaboration "Playing with Fire" delivered the group's fourth MOBO Award, this time for Best Song. Third album Love.Live.Life arrived in late 2010 and yielded two British Top Ten hits, "We Dance On" and "Best Behaviour." After their 2011 tour concluded, the act entered an extended hiatus; Tulisa took a judging seat on The X Factor while Dappy launched a solo career, yet N-Dubz continued to signal plans for a reunion.