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Dappy from N-Dubz faces backlash after defending use of N-word

'We took that word and made it our own'

Alexandra Sims
Tuesday 29 December 2015 08:09 EST
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Dappy
Dappy (Getty)

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The former N-Dubz member, Dappy, has faced extensive backlash after he defended the use of the N-word on social media.

Writing on Twitter the musician said: “If the word N*gga means black to you then your Racist [sic]. We took that word and made it our own to piss off the racists!”

Since the Tweet was posted, just hours ago, it has received a slew of responses, many criticising the rapper for his use of the words “we” and “our”.

Twitter user, Du’aine A Samuels responded: “No you’re not black! No matter how hard you try! Just like no matter how hard I try, I’m not Greek-Cypriot,” referring to the singer’s heritage.

User Oli Days said: “Stop claiming you are something you are not”, while another said, “you don’t speak for any of US”.

Others compared the rapper to Rachel Dolezal, the former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) in Washington, who resigned from the post following allegations she had lied about her racial identity.

In reply to one user who questioned his inclusive language, the rapper wrote: “Yes we!! Yes us!! I dnt hav blck friends [sic], I have black family, so if a racist see's my kids as a n*gga [sic], then so am I!!! No?”

Despite much criticism some Twitter users supported the rapper’s comments.

One user said: “I'm black an I'm not offended [Dappy] grew up with black ppl[sic]!”

Dappy, who also goes by the name Costadinos Contostavlos, is from Camden Town, north London and is of Greek-Cypriot decent.

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