Digga D has opened up about why he has no interest in returning to the lifestyle he previously lived, hitting back at people who continue to ask for the version of him associated with street and violent music.

The rapper addressed the subject during a video shared on TikTok, where he explained that people who tell him to "go back to the old Digga" do not understand what his former life actually involved. Rather than being frustrated by those comments, Digga D said he has reached a point where he simply does not believe those making the requests could understand what he has experienced.

He reflected on the number of people he has lost and the consequences of the environment he previously found himself in, revealing that two of his friends died within the space of a year. He also spoke about another person he considered a friend becoming involved in wrongdoing, while another was sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

"Over in the space of a year, I lost two brethrens."

The rapper went on to describe how those experiences have affected him psychologically, explaining that the fear associated with his past has not simply disappeared because he has moved away from that lifestyle.

"Bro, every time I hear sirens, I just think, I'm not even doing nothing, but every time I hear a siren or a dog bark, my heart races," he said.

Digga D, whose real name is Rhys Angelo Emile Herbert, also spoke candidly about his own experiences with the criminal justice system, saying he had been jailed seven times and had experienced violence himself.

"I've been jailed seven times, bro. Twenty-six. It's mad."

He recalled being stabbed close to his eye and described witnessing someone sitting beside him being imprisoned, before explaining that what he had discussed was only part of what he had experienced.

The rapper also described waking suddenly while sweating heavily, highlighting the lasting psychological impact that his experiences have had on him. He questioned whether people encouraging him to return to that world understand what it can do to someone's mental health.

"You don't actually understand, bro, what this sh*t does to your mental health," he said.

Digga D has previously spoken publicly about the difficult circumstances surrounding his rise through the UK drill scene. He became known as a member of the drill collective 1011, later renamed CGM, with his music and the group's activities attracting significant attention from police.

In 2017, Digga D and other members of 1011 were arrested and subsequently received a Criminal Behaviour Order. The restrictions placed significant limitations on the rapper, including rules around who he could associate with and where he could go, as well as conditions affecting his music. The order was particularly notable because it restricted his ability to release music without police involvement. He was required to notify police when uploading songs or videos, while certain lyrical references and material considered to encourage violence were prohibited.

The rapper was also repeatedly imprisoned during his teenage years and early adulthood. His legal troubles became closely intertwined with his music career, with his experiences of prison, restrictions and life around street violence informing much of the public image he later became known for.

In March 2020, he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order following a machete fight involving rival groups in west London. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. His legal troubles did not end there. In February 2024, police raided his home while he was livestreaming on Instagram, with the rapper subsequently arrested and later charged in connection with the importation and supply of cannabis.

Digga D pleaded guilty to charges relating to importing and supplying cannabis and, following a Newton hearing, was sentenced in January 2025 to three years and 11 months in prison for supplying 45kg of cannabis. A judge found that he had possessed 50.65kg and sold at least 45kg for profit.

He was released from prison in October 2025 after serving part of his sentence, and has since returned his attention to music and his public life. His return has also seen him continue to present a side of himself that is less focused on the image and subject matter associated with his earlier career.

That change was at the heart of his latest message, as he made it clear that he does not want his platform to be centred around violence or criminality.

"I don't come on here to try and get away from certain things. Because the internet's not cool, innit?"

He said, before directly addressing those asking him to return to his old persona.

He rejected the idea that people who have never experienced what he has gone through should be encouraging him to revisit it, telling them they "wouldn't last a day" in the circumstances he described. He then made his position even clearer, telling viewers that if they wanted to hear "some gang shit, some violent shit", they should listen to somebody else.

Instead, Digga D said he is now trying to use his platform differently, explaining that he is focused on living his life and enjoying experiences that he previously may not have been able to.

"But... I'm on here. Pushing positivity."

The rapper spoke about wanting to laugh, relax and travel, although he also acknowledged the restrictions and difficulties that can still affect his ability to do so.

"Live. Laugh. Love."

His comments have prompted a wave of support from people who believe his decision to distance himself from his former lifestyle represents personal growth. One person commented:

"Mental health is rife amongst the mandem. PTSD is a serious thing. Nobody on road can escape it. Not everyone copes. Big him up for being real!"

Another wrote:

"Digga D is done being apart of the problem. He's done fuelling the machine that brainwashes young Black Men to get involved with the streets. Takes strength and accountability to make change!"

A third person added:

"Anyone calling you back to that life is an enemy."

Digga D has built a significant career from the experiences that once defined his music, becoming one of the recognised names in UK drill. His mixtapes have achieved major chart success, including Noughty By Nature reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart, while his music has continued to evolve as his circumstances have changed.

While his past remains an important part of his story, his latest comments suggest he is increasingly determined not to allow it to dictate who he is now.

For Digga D, the message appears to be simple, he has already lived through the consequences of that lifestyle and does not want to recreate them for entertainment.

"Let me chill, bro. Let Mr. Barry be Mr. Bloodclaat Barry,"

He said towards the end of the video, making it clear that he wants the freedom to enjoy life away from the expectations attached to his old image.