Fazer (rapper)

Last updated

Fazer
NDubzBBC.jpg
Fazer (left) performing as part of N-Dubz in 2009
Background information
Birth nameRichard Rawson [1]
Born (1987-02-05) 5 February 1987 (age 36)
London, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • disc jockey
  • actor
Instrument(s)
Years active2000—present
Labels
  • Polydor (2007–08)
  • AATW (2008–2014)
  • Island (2009-2012)
  • Sky's the Limit (2013–present)
  • Xploded (2022–present)
Website iamfazer.com

Richard Rawson (born 5 February 1987), better known by his stage name Fazer, is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and DJ. He is popularly known as a member of hip hop trio N-Dubz, with whom he released three studio albums and won four MOBO Awards.

Contents

Early life

Fazer is the son of an English father and Jamaican mother, and was brought up in Camden Town, London. Fazer first met Dappy when they started attending the same karate class, becoming best friends at school. They attended Haverstock School, [2] with third member Tulisa Contostavlos (Dappy's cousin) attending the school for a while as well. It was at school that the trio became close friends and formed N-Dubz.

Career

Fazer is a member of hip hop trio N-Dubz, from the age of 11. N-Dubz is known as one of the first breakthrough acts for UK Urban Music. They released three platinum-selling studio albums and won five MOBO awards. N-Dubz released their first album, Uncle B, in 2008, followed by Against All Odds in 2009, and Love.Live.Life in 2010. In 2011 the band announced a hiatus to focus on solo projects, after a hugely successful UK Arena Tour and a compilation album Greatest Hits. The group have said on many occasions that they will reunite. In May 2022 the group officially reformed announcing a UK arena tour.

On 3 March 2012, Fazer was featured on BBC One where he performed his version of Englishman in New York originally by Sting and he also performed a tribute to Whitney Houston with Skepta. About two weeks later, Fazer remixed "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye.[ citation needed ] Fazer shot a video for his debut single "Killer" on 29 May 2012, released on 26 August 2012.

In 2013, Fazer and his production partner, Peter Ibsen, both announced the opening of their production company, Sky's the Limit Entertainment. Fazer released a track "6-Foot 8 (Freestyle)" under the new company's name. The pair produced songs for Fazer himself and other artists such as Tulisa, Rihanna, Rita Ora and Jessie J.

On 12 July 2013, Fazer headlined the Yahoo! stage at the Yahoo! Wireless Festival, and performed songs such as "Killer", "Fireflies", "Planetary", and an N-Dubz medley. On 10 August 2013, Fazer performed at the BBC Urban Classics Prom alongside Wretch 32. He performed "Fireflies" and "Movie". On 5 February 2014, he announced that he would now be releasing music under his real name Richard Rawson. In July 2014, Rawson released his single "Fireflies" which features vocals by Tom Parker of The Wanted. On the track, Fazer raps about his journey so far in music. The song is about hope and achieving dreams. On 24 March 2017, Fazer released a song "I Woke Up".

Personal life

Rawson had a crush on Tulisa in school, until he realised that she was Dappy's cousin. The pair were in a relationship from mid-2010 until February 2012, when they broke up during a holiday together, after they fell apart. [3]

In January 2013, it was announced he was dating model Ashley Emma, and that she was six months pregnant. On 20 February 2013 their daughter Ava Rose Rawson was born. [4]

On 19 February 2023, Rawson revealed on his Instagram, that his partner had given birth to twins.

Discography

Singles

SingleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
UK
[ citation needed ]
"Killer"201217Non-album singles
"6foot8 freestyle"2013
"Fireflies" (featuring Tom Parker)2014
"I Woke Up"2017
"Bad in Real Life"2018
"UFO"2019
"Give It Away"
"You Wanna Ride"2020
"Money Right"
"Tears"2022
"—" denotes single that did not chart or was not released

Production and writing credits

Tulisa - The Female Boss

  • 02. "Young"
  • 04. "Damn"
  • 06. "Live Your Life"
  • 07. "Visa"

Jessie J - Alive

  • 16. "Magnetic"

Tulisa - Non-album Single

  • 01. "Living Without You"

BTS - Wings

  • 10. "Lost"

Music videos

List of music in which Fazer appears in (not including N-Dubz videos)
TitleYearDirector(s)ArtistRef.
"No Regrets"2011 Benny Boom Dappy [5]
"Killer"2012Jack FreshFazer [6]
"I'm Coming (Tarzan 2)"2012Morgan Keyz Dappy [7]
"6foot8 (Freestyle)"2013Richard RawsonFazer
"Tarzan 2.5"2013Morgan Keyz Dappy [8]
"Pound Cake Freestyle"2013Morgan KeyzFazer [9]
"Fireflies (ft. Tom Parker)"2014Richard RawsonRichard Rawson [10]
"Proud"2015Pierre JermaineYoung Spray ft. Wretch 32 and Chip [11]
"At It Again (Tarzan 2.75)"2015VertexDappy ft. Tulisa [12]
"I Woke Up"2017Aaron Smalls (360 Capture House)Fazer [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playing with Fire (N-Dubz song)</span> 2010 single by N-Dubz

"Playing with Fire" is a song by English hip-hop trio N-Dubz featuring English musician Mr Hudson. The song is the second single taken from N-Dubz' second album, Against All Odds. It is a rap song with lyrics about a girl realising that her boyfriend is cheating on her and trying to get him to confess. It shows both the man and the woman's point of view. It shows their communications with each other when the woman confronts the man.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Alive (Skepta and N-Dubz song)</span> 2011 single by Skepta vs. N-Dubz

"So Alive" is a song by British MC Skepta and British trio, N-Dubz. It was released as an official single on 6 February 2011. It is the fourth single released Skepta's third album Doin' It Again and N-Dubz's third album Love.Live.Life. The single peaked at #99 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N-Dubz</span> Hip hop group from Camden Town, UK

N-Dubz are an English hip-hop trio from Camden Town, London, England, consisting of cousins Dappy and Tulisa, and Fazer. After winning a MOBO Award for Best Newcomer in 2007, N-Dubz briefly signed with Polydor Records before joining All Around the World. Released the following year, the trio's debut album Uncle B was certified double platinum and gave rise to four UK top-40 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ouch (song)</span> 2008 single by N-Dubz

"Ouch" is a song performed, written and produced by the English hip hop group N-Dubz. It was released as the group's fourth overall single, first single with the record label All Around the World and the first official single for their debut Platinum-selling album, Uncle B.

<i>Uncle B</i> 2008 studio album by N-Dubz

Uncle B is the debut studio album released by British hip hop group N-Dubz. The album is dedicated to former N-Dubz manager and father of Dappy, Byron Contostavlos, who died shortly before the band were signed to their second record label All Around the World. It entered the official UK Albums Chart at number 11. On 6 January 2009 it was announced on the official All Around the World website that the album had gone platinum. Seven singles have been released from the album, with the first three being released by LRC, and the last four being released by All Around the World. The album was not released until in 2008, despite recording starting in 2006. This was due to the group changing record label from LRC to All Around the World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Better Not Waste My Time</span> 2006 single by N-Dubz

"You Better Not Waste My Time" also known as "Better Not Waste My Time" is the debut single by British MOBO-award winning hip hop group N-Dubz. It was released on 19 August 2006 as a digital download only single, whilst the group was still self-funded. It was then later re-released on 22 October 2007, this time with a physical release and under the group's new record label at the time – Polydor Records. The single was later featured on N-Dubz's Platinum-selling debut album Uncle B which was released in November 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Swear (N-Dubz song)</span> 2006 single by N-Dubz

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strong Again</span> 2009 single by N-Dubz

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wouldn't You</span> 2009 single by N-Dubz

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dappy</span> British rapper and singer (born 1987)

Costadinos Contostavlos, better known by his stage name Dappy, is a British rapper and singer. He is the lead singer of the Camden-based hip hop and grime trio N-Dubz, with his cousin Tulisa and Fazer. He was known for his lack of dress sense and his love for what he describes as "eye-catching headwear". His trademark was wearing a selection of woolly chullos, turning up one or both of the ear-flaps of the hat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Number 1 (Tinchy Stryder song)</span> 2009 single by Tinchy Stryder

"Number 1" is a song by Ghanaian-British rapper Tinchy Stryder featuring vocals from Dappy of N-Dubz and co-written by Dappy, James Lavelle and Fraser T. Smith, who produced the track, for Stryder's second studio album, Catch 22. The song was released as a single on 20 April 2009 from Stryder's studio album Catch 22 and a remix was later included on N-Dubz's second studio album, Against All Odds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tulisa</span> British singer (born 1988)

Tula Paulinea "Tulisa" Contostavlos is an English singer, songwriter, television personality, and actress. As a part of the R&B/hip hop group N-Dubz with her cousin Dappy and friend Fazer, they gained two platinum-certified albums, two gold-certified albums, five MOBO awards, a Brit Award nomination, thirteen top 40 singles, six silver-certified singles, and three Urban Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Need You (N-Dubz song)</span> 2009 single by N-Dubz

"I Need You" is a song performed, written and produced by English hip hop trio N-Dubz. The song was written by all the group members: Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa. Dappy and Fazer have been noted as the track's producers. Released through All Around The World on 9 November 2009, "I Need You" acted as the group's eighth official single as well as the lead single from their Platinum-certified second album, Against All Odds.

<i>Against All Odds</i> (N-Dubz album) 2009 studio album by N-Dubz

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say It's Over</span> 2010 single by N-Dubz

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<i>Being... N-Dubz</i> British TV series or programme

Being... N-Dubz is a documentary series detailing the life and times of English hip-hop group N-Dubz. The series was sponsored by Adidas Originals, and broadcast on 4Music and Channel 4 from 21 June 2010 to 18 May 2011. Two seasons of the show were broadcast. The second series focuses on the group as they travel to America to meet with top American producers. The second series premiered on Channel 4 on 13 April 2011. The series was narrated by Loose Women panelist Lynda Bellingham. The first series of the show was released on DVD on 24 September 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best Behaviour (N-Dubz song)</span> 2010 single by N-Dubz

"Best Behaviour" is a song by British hip hop group N-Dubz. The song was produced by Dino Contostavlos, Richard Rawson and Mr Hudson and co-written by Tula Contostavlos, Dappy, Fazer, and Mr Hudson. It was released on 17 October 2010 as the second single from N-Dubz's third studio album, Love.Live.Life. Musically, the song is a R&B ballad with prominent British hip hop characteristics. The initial writing consisted of the group being inspired to pen a song for their launch in the United States in addition to Dappy's feelings for his girlfriend, Kaye Vassell. It was inspired by the group's touring lifestyle and their enthusiastic fans. Lyrically, it is about trading one-night stands with people in favour of real love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girls (N-Dubz song)</span> 2010 single by N-Dubz

"Girls" is a song by British hip hop group N-Dubz. It is the third overall single taken from their third studio album, Love.Live.Life. The single was released as a digital download on 12 December 2010. The song was produced by Jim Jonsin and written by Tulisa, Dappy and Fazer, Jim Jonsin, Danny Morris, and Zachary Steiner Anderson. The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart on 5 December 2010, peaking at #23, based entirely on downloads from the album.

The discography of Dappy, a British singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor, consists of two studio album, and four singles. He is best known for being the lead singer of the Camden-based hip hop trio N-Dubz, with his cousin Tulisa and Fazer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sight of You</span> 2012 single by Tulisa

"Sight of You" is the third single released from British singer-songwriter and former N-Dubz member Tulisa's debut studio album, The Female Boss. The single was released on 2 December 2012, a day before the release of the album. The single was released alongside another brand new track, "Live Your Life", was written by former N-Dubz colleague Richard "Fazer" Rawson.

References

  1. Harmsworth, Andrei (16 May 2012). "Fazer: Tulisa and I may get back together at some stage in the future". Metro . Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  2. ROAR Global – Press Archive [ permanent dead link ]. Shalitglobal.com (17 January 2010). Retrieved on 1 December 2010.
  3. "Tulisa opens up about Fazer split - UTV Entertainment". U.tv. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  4. "Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  5. "Dappy - No Regrets (Official Video)". YouTube. 5 August 2011. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  6. "Fazer - Killer". YouTube. 4 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  7. "SB.TV - Dappy - Tarzan 2 (I'm Coming) [Music Video". YouTube. 7 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  8. "Dappy - Tarzan 2.5 (Versace Remix) [Music Video]: SBTV". YouTube. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2012.[ dead YouTube link ]
  9. "Fazer | Pound Cake Freestyle [Music Video]: SBTV". YouTube. 14 November 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  10. "Richard Rawson feat. Tom Parker - Fireflies (Official Video)". YouTube. 13 June 2014. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  11. "YouTube". M.youtube.com. 16 April 2015. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  12. "Dappy ft Tulisa | At It (Tarzan 2.75) [Music Video]: SBTV - YouTube". M.youtube.com. 26 December 2015. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  13. "Fazer - I Woke Up (Music Video) | @ImRichardRawson - YouTube". M.youtube.com. 24 March 2017. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2020.