Labrinth

He grew up in Hackney, east London, but Labrinth real name Timothy McKenzie isn't about to tell a sad backstory worthy of an X Factor contestant.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

When Tinie Tempah's massive No 1 hit, Pass Out, which Labrinth produced, co-wrote and featured on, was released in 2009, he was suddenly at the centre of a massive bidding war between labels.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

Then an aspiring rapper, Labrinth only turned to producing to make beats for his lyrics.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

Apparently, the silence is all down to Labrinth's procrastination.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

Labrinth and Marc worked with Tinie Tempah – who Labrinth knew through his brother, a session musician – and made Pass Out.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

Pass Out made Tinie Tempah a household name and Labrinth admits to jealousy.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

His dad walked out on the family shortly after Labrinth was born.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

It was his mother who introduced Labrinth to his manager, Marc Williams, when he was 15.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

He was Cowell's first non-reality show signing in six years, but Labrinth says it was a considered decision.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011

If I wanted recognition, I should have made it a Labrinth record.

Labrinth is SyCo's latest signing but he doesn't need a popstar bootcamp 2011