Rhys Angelo Emile Herbert, known professionally as Digga D, has been charged with “being concerned in the supply of cannabis and fraudulent evasion of the prohibition of the importation” after a police raid on his Lincoln home was broadcast live on Instagram. In a now-deleted video, the 23-year-old artist could be heard shouting at his property in Bracebridge Heath during the two-hour raid, which utilised multiple police vehicles, dogs, and drones. Herbert confirmed his identity in court, but gave no indication of a plea. He has been remanded in custody, with a plea and trial preparation hearing due to take place on March 25 at Lincoln Crown Court.
Digga D released his mixtape Back to Square One in August 2021 and played a headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall later that year. He is due to appear at this summer’s Wireless Festival and Reading & Leeds Festival. In a four star review of his 2022 record Noughty By Nature, NME wrote: “Once upon a time, Digga D’s career was riddled with ifs and buts, yet he keeps growing musically, challenging what drill music can be. On ‘Noughty By Nature’, he confirms he’s a genre juggernaut, but in wearing his heart a little more on his sleeve, he’s also evolving right in front of us.”
The raid on Herbert’s home took place on February 21 while he was broadcasting on Instagram Live. The police investigation related to allegations of drug supply and importation. No further information about the charges or reasons behind the police action have been released.
It is not the first time Herbert has faced criminal charges. In 2020, the artist was cleared of the murder of a 15-year-old, but convicted of violent disorder. He spent several months in prison before being released on licence and has spoken openly in interviews about his experiences of violence and criminality in the UK. Despite accusations of promoting gang culture and violence through his music, Herbert has consistently maintained that his lyrics reflect his own life and attitudes, rather than glamorizing crime
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