N-Dubz, role models with attitude, insist they can set a good example

THEY have been involved in controversy since bursting onto the music scene three years ago.

But rap trio N-Dubz have been chosen to mentor a group of 30 disadvantaged youngsters as part of a charity project by the Somerset House Trust. The Camden band insist they are good role models for the group of aspiring teenage musicians.

Last weekend N-Dubz members Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa were involved in a foul-mouthed spat with rival rapper Lethal Bizzle at a charity football match at Charlton's football ground.

Last month Dappy was asked to leave Alton Towers theme park for allegedly smoking cannabis and was seen on CCTV snorting mephedrone, for which he apologised. Dappy and Fazer, 22, were also caught firing toy paintball guns at passers-by and fans from their tour bus in Newcastle. But Fazer defended their role with the Somerset House Trust and youth charity Bigga Fish, insisting: "We all make mistakes." He told the Standard: "We came into the industry not expecting to be role models - it was sort of thrown onto us. We understand we have a responsibility to act a certain way.

"But we're human beings. We're young. We make mistakes. We're still growing up. Dappy is 21 and Tulisa has just turned 20. We've just come out of our teenage years. Still, I feel like we're able to deal with things in the best way we can. The media don't seem to understand our state of minds - that where we're from has made us who we are."

The group are headlining a Summer Series gig at Somerset House on July 11. The group of young people sters they are mentoring will also perform live during the show.

Fazer added: "We have given them advice on how to make it in music and it's a great chance for them to come together as artists and perform at a great venue."