This is the first album from the young threesome act who come under the ‘hip-hop and RnB’ genre of music, although they could squeeze into garage and even a little bit of grime if you want to max it as much as possible. Or in other words Pop with a street smart style (as N Dubz themselves put ... Read review
Uncle B - N-Dubz
Dappy, Tulisa and Faze are a trio of young rappers/vocalists from Camden who have been ... more
working hard to build up a solid UK fan base, putting on energetic live shows and diligently touring British secondary schools. Their work ethic has paid dividends, ...
Uncle B - N-Dubz
Dappy, Tulisa and Faze are a trio of young rappers/vocalists from Camden who have been ... more
working hard to build up a solid UK fan base, putting on energetic live shows and diligently touring British secondary schools. Their work ethic has paid dividends, ...
A review by izzoh on Uncle B - N-Dubz May 30th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Catchy, Variety of songs, Great beats, lyrics which make sense .
Disadvantages:
the adlibs might drive you crazy .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This is the first album from the young threesome act who come under the ‘hip-hop and RnB’ genre of music, although they could squeeze into garage and even a little bit of grime if you want to max it as much as possible. Or in other words Pop with a street smart style (as N Dubz themselves put it)
N Dubz consist of three young people from London, two males and one female who have worked hard to make it in the very hard music industry and I would like to point out that no matter what you think of them or their music… if you have heard of them to the point that you have an opinion then they have achieved more then many others trying to represent this kind of music at the moment. The album is a little bit focused on their ‘hard’ life and how they have had to learn from ‘the streets or the slum’ as they put it. But many people don’t realise that some of London’s suburbs are pretty bad and what they talk about it a normal day of life for many young people. But regardless of that the lyrics are not too hard and nothing too heavy on the old emotions.
So, my first thoughts were, should I get the album. I’ve heard a couple of their tracks, quite catchy, heard the name quite a bit and I must say considering the squeaky voices that seem to be associated with N Dubz I find that their music is very catchy and makes me move my head, so I thought, why not, lets get the album. Oh and they have also one a MOBO award for best newcomers and as this album has gone platinum they must have something going for them.
The album was released on 17th November 2008 and has a total of 17 tracks and lasts an average of approx 50 minutes. I must say that I am fond of all the tracks on this album which is unusual for me as there always seems to be a dud one or two. But N Dubz have excelled and I can not fault any of their songs and I never skip tracks because I enjoy them all! (Yes I was surprised too!) So here are my favourite sounds from the album…
* Wouldn’t you * As the seventh song to be released as a single from the album it reached number 65 in the charts BEFORE even being released. This is where they introduce their most popular adlib to the album… ‘Na Na Niiiiiii’. I have no idea what it means but when you hear it, you know your listening to N Dubz. This has a great feel to the song and a great beat which really gets you into the song. The female lyrics are smooth and even though there is a lot going on I think the raps from the guys and the female lyrics fit well together. Based on the idea of having a real relationship but not committing to that person, it is an easy to listen to song and I think structured really well to keep the song flowing and not just looping the chorus again and again.
* Strong Again * This was the third single from the album although it wasn’t fully released as a CD. It got a lot of air play and I believe definitely made N Dubz a music name. With the ‘a-ha-ah’ and ‘na na niiii’ they ass their own twist to a semi-normal track. A great well sung chorus and a catchy tune. Oh and if you listen to the lyrics it’s actually a very uplifting tune.
* I swear * Probably one of my favourite songs on the album. A great beat and fantastic music. N Dubz sound really comes into its own in this track. Their slightly crazy voices work so well on the chorus and I think it’s a great track. I defy you to not nod your head to the beat. A perfect mix of rap and vocals mean you don’t get bored and tells a great story of infidelity.
* Ouch * My first introduction to n dubz was to this song and I love having it turned up as loud as I can. A brilliant soft introduction which adds suspense to the song (and the story if you listen to the words). A steady beat throughout and catchy lyrics won’t let you forget this song.
* Secrets * The slow jam of the pack, something which might surprise you as you get towards the end of the album but it is one of my favourites because the laid back sound really hits the RnB spot and the tempo is perfect for it to be a chillaxing song but enough to keep your head nodding. The tune is actually heart-warming in an odd way if you listen properly.
* Love for My Slums * This track was number one on channel u for several weeks and it is one of the more heavy tracks where hip hop is more apparent in the influence. It varies itself from the other songs because it comes across as slightly more serious and the collaboration with underground rap artist Baker Troble gives it a more professional slightly edgy appeal.
* My Conclusion *
My main concern with this album was that the songs were all going to sound the same and constant rapping which meant nothing. I’m not saying their lyrics are full of life and meaning, but they are well written and actually have a story if you listen properly. I found most of the tracks had their own little special something and after listening to the album over and over again I am still not bored with it! No-one can say they have listened to this album with out having to giggle somewhere. It really is quite an amazing piece of work. I felt there was enough of a mixture between singing, rapping and music in order to keep me entertained and the beats are definitely ones which I can dance too. I am pleasantly surprised and will definitely be buying their next album.
For everyone who has already pre-judged these guys, I suggest giving them a chance. They are definitely not everyone’s cup of tea but they were mine…. With a cherry on top!
Advantages: None Disadvantages: Too many to mention
N-Dubz are a MOBO award-winning trio of London-based musicians. The 2008 release "Uncle B" is the debut album, after a couple of years of street hype. They perform what is said to be a mix of UK Hip Hop and R&B, but is nothing more than "urban Pop" for the youngsters who follow that sort of music. I haven't enjoyed any of their six singles, and wouldn't considerbuying this, however I did buy it for someone elese, and thought I should share my opinion ... ...looking into individaul tracks since it is all of a geneal poor quality, and any of the tracks share similarities in their arrangement. The whole thing has the same basic form where Nappy, thefrontman raps in a very simplistic way, and attempts to depict several views on the poor sitation which they are faced with when appartently being brought up around Camden Town, and then the singer of the giroup, Tulisa struggles her way through the songs by ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Catchy, well put together, fine example of a good British Group Disadvantages: long time coming
Being a massive hip-hop fan and a Sky user, I was one of the lucky folks to witness the rise in popularity on the British-dominated music channel "ChannelU" (370) of the group known as "Ndubz". Unlike the average UK rap artist(s) they aren't irritating or the sort of fast rappers that grate your brain with their annoying voices (Dizzee Rascal?!). Much more refined and refreshingly catchy, Ndubz are not just a tale of success but a pleasure to listen ... ...some of their more famous tracks and makes them instantly recognisable, but not to the level where it might get annoying.
This, their debut album, contains all the songs we know and love from ChannelU days, like "I Swear", "Ouch", "Better not waste my Time" and the more recent "Papa can you hear me?" which are now lucky enough to be gracing the slightly more popular MTV Base.
The album is very good, in my humble opinion, on those songs alone. Everything ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
Value for Money
helpful
26.11.2008
Quick review of Uncle B - N-Dubz Review ofUncle B - N-Dubzby
mutemusicman
N-Dubz is a very cool band, the main singer is cousins with the girl, which makes them one big family!
My favourite song on his new album
Uncle B - I believe referring to his dad, from the cousins POV.
is 'Papa can you hear me'
I strongly recommend listetening to that, if you like that
then you will like 'I swear' and 'Defeat you'!
Which are equally good songs, one of them feauturing Chipmunk!
All by N-Dubz of course!
I would say buy this album and download the music onto your phone MP3 player, etc.
Because the songs have such steady beat-z that they can create a beat and a pulse!
Just by listening to them!
If you like N-Dubz listen to Eminem!
Hope you enjoy their new album and I would recommend buying it and other albms!
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Great songs, both old and new, great vocals Disadvantages: I dont really like the album cover.
I absolutely love this album! I was listening to N Dubz long before their album was even mentioned, so as you can imagine i was extremely excited when the album came out and rushed out to buy it. The album has lived up to all my expectations and more. Its got some of their original tracks such as "I swear" and "Better Not waste my time" as well as their new and unreleased tracks such as "papa" and "secrets". The vocals from Tulisia, Dappy and Fayze, ... ...can listen to them over and over again. I would definitely recommend buying this album, its got some excellent songs and i expect we'll be hearing a lot more from N dubz in the future! . Great for teenagers who love r'n'b, hip hip, grime. Even if you dont like this sort of music, give it a chance, you could be pleasantly surprised :) ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Refreshing combination of singing and rapping, and very good value for money. Disadvantages: It took very long to compile, so how long will it take to make their second?
The Camden based MOBO award winning trio have finally released their first studio album entitled 'Uncle B'. The Album even features their first UK smash hit 'I Swear' that had been the main cause of their success. 'Uncle B' (dedicated to Dappy's father and former N-Dubz manager) combines Rap, singing and unique singing from dappy that creates a music smash. The production of the music and even the album cover is ever so professional, as to why i ... ...old songs on the album such as 'ouch' and 'i swear' is the main reason as to why i have knocked of a star. There is nothing i can say against them because i have liked them since secondary school, as to why i have given it a good rating and not a five as it is not the best album that they could have produced. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Label / Distributor: Universal Music TV / Universal Music
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Format: Performer
EAN: 602517903821
Catalogue Number: 1790382
Additional notes
Album Notes: The debut album from Camden Town based hip-hop group N-Dubz brings together their first six single releases alongside impressive new material that is exclusive to this CD. On 'Uncle B', Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer present a fresh take on the genre, with the MOBO award-winning act adding garage and RnB to the mix.
Titles on disc 1
1.: Intro
2.: Wouldn't You
3.: Strong Again
4.: Don't Get Nine
5.: I Swear
6.: OUCH
7.: NDUBZ Vs. NAA
8.: Public Transport (skit)
9.: Love For My Slum
10.: Better Not Waste My Time
11.: Work Work
12.: Feva Las Vegas
13.: Defeat You
14.: Sex
15.: Secrets
16.: Papa Can Hear Me
17.: Outro
18.: Better Not RMX (bassline/bonus track)
19.: Swear (house remix/bonus track)
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Listed on Ciao since : 20/10/2008
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