N-Dubz singer Dappy Contostavlos explains how he couldn’t have written a song like ‘No Regrets’ for his band N-Dubz.

The 24-year-old rapper is the first out of his successful hip-hop group to release a solo record, which Dappy describes as a huge departure for him musically and lyrically, and allows him to breathe as an artist.

He told Femalefirst.co.uk: “I couldn’t exactly write that song for N-Dubz, cos it didn’t go with the b***dy image. Now I’m with myself I can breathe, I can show people that yes I am one of the best [artists] in our country. I definitely believe that.”

Dappy’s solo material is more reflective than his previous hit songs, which he admits is partly due to him growing more ‘mature’ and becoming a dad for the second time, to Milo, last year.

He added: “I’m actually seeing the meaning of true life. What there is, other than being a neurotic young man.”

Despite showing his softer side on his solo songs, Dappy is keen to assert his confidence and that he is stronger then ever before.

He continued: “You have to come extra-hard, extra-powerful. No-one can’t say to me that I didn’t do a good job. You’ve gotta know and be confident in your product.

“The motive is never give up on something. You can’t go a day without thinking about power to the people, barrier-breaking music.”

Dappy first solo single ‘No Regrets’ will enter the UK charts tomorrow, but will he get that all important number 1 postion he has been wishing for?