News

A documentary has been released about Digga D.

Produced for BBC iPlayer, a new documentary following 20-year-old drill MC Digga D, who was released from prison this year, is now available to watch online.

Digga D, real name Rhys Herbert, was arrested in 2019 for violent disorder, and spent 15 months in jail before his release in May. The documentary, titled Defending Digga D, follows the MC after his release, when he is sent to a approved accomodation in Norwich — 100 miles from his hometown of London.

As part of his probation terms, Digga D was served with a criminal behaviour order that controls his creative output. It means he is not allowed to release any music, or videos, without telling the police. If the music breaches the terms of his CBO – for example ‘inciting or encouraging violence’, he can be recalled for arrest. The documentary tells the story of how the rapper manages his music under the strict terms, alongside the team around him, including his lawyer Cecilia.

Watch Defending Digga D here.

Earlier this year, Digga D released a statement telling fans that police had stopped him speaking about Black Lives Matter.

In a few short years, UK drill has changed significantly. After a small number of producers that pioneered the sound left indelible marks on its production, a new wave are now putting their own stamp on things, drawing influence from increasingly unexpected sources. Afrobeats, grime, bashment, R&B, ’80s pop — it’s all been ripe for sampling and little seems off limit. In this creative gold rush, there’s never been a better time to be a fan. For a DJ Mag feature last year, James Keith spoke to some of UK drill’s most influential producers to discuss how its sound is changing, and an exciting future for the sub-genre.