Dappy hit back after claims of N-Dubz being dropped by their American label, Def Jam records.

According to the Sun, Def Jam broke the news to the group this week after a huge clash of personalities with new bosses. But Dappy set the record straight, claiming the band were only dropped because they refused to be moulded into a pop act.

Dappy said: "They might say they've dropped us but we were never going to co-operate with them when they decided to change what we are.

"If we had co-operated we would still be signed. But I stuck my finger up at them when they wanted us to make another 'Being N-Dubz' TV show. Tulisa thought we should do it because we could make some money out of it, but I said no.

"They should've stuck with the band they came to see at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.

"For them to say they dropped us makes me angry because we just didn't want to change who we are or what we do. We're not just a silly bunch of pop tarts."

A label spokesman said: "N-Dubz have left the Def Jam imprint in the USA due to creative differences over musical direction.

"This was 100 per cent the band's decision and they remain signed to Universal worldwide."

Watch N-Dubz perform 'Playing With Fire' live at BBC 1Xtra: