Coming up in Brooklyn, New York, by way of Opa-Locka, Florida, emcee / producer Lord Digga, née Reginald Ellis, ultimately traded in his football shoulder pads for a book of rhymes right around the age of fifteen while still a student at Sheepshead Bay High in Breukelen.
Lord [Lyricist Obsessed with Rhyming Daily] Digga [Distant Illustrations Going Global Afterlife], the older brother of fellow rapper Sha Stimuli, would soon become an integral member of Hip Hop collective Masta Ace Incorporated.
In addition, and as one half of production duo The Bluez Brothers, Man Digga later went on to craft stand-out tracks for Cella Dwellas and the late greats; The Notorious B.I.G. and Ol Dirty Bastard, among others.
First things first, last year (August 11th to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It means a lot. This is the first genre of music that (I) actually saw from its inception till now. And, the fact that me and some of my closest friends have contributed to getting the culture to this point.
To quote the aforementioned Biggie, “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Not in my wildest imagination. Especially when someone back in the ‘90’s said that HIP HOP was just a Fad.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
One of my fondest memories was the first time preforming in front of 40K in the parking lot of a NFL Stadium. It was in San Diego, like 1995. Definitely a stand out moment; that crowd was crazy to me.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
Well, I’m looking to get booked for some shows. Open for some tours. I’m definitely planning more studio sessions, record new material and finish up the Jack Tatum EP. Until then, literally get to those bags at Amazon; I have a 16 year old begging for shit all the time. Music money doesn’t always pay the bills for independent artists at all.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
If you listen to my music and not just hear it, it’s hidden gems for all. It’s a different vibe all together; I let the tracks guide my words. Whether I’m doing Bud joints or I’m ego-tripping hard, the bars have meaning. What I think that fans should get from listening to my songs (is) that I am (a) true Craftsman, and I still take this art form seriously.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Well, I would love to collab with Devin the Dude. I think our love for the Bud culture, we would make a fire song; real smoker shit.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
If I could play at any venue, it probably would be the one in Vegas. Wherever they do the LOVERS & FRIENDS show at. It’s a lot of new fans you can connect with, and play some slots.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
No, I’m not happy with the culture and its current state…Not one bit!!
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Well, creativity is the key to my longevity. Got to stay creative, can’t lose that.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Well outside of music, eventually I want to open a small Restaurant and serve some delectable eats with some sweet diabetic Kool-Aid.
What’s an average day like for you?
An average day for me is either dropping off packages for Amazon or DoorDashing, Ubering until I get tired of burning my gas all-day.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Well, interacting with fans in this new era is different. Meeting them personally is cool when they’ve really came to see you and rock. But then there’s the social media side, where they try to get too interactive, like they really know you. So I kinda weave through the bullshit and treat them how they treat me. Sometimes fans be doing to much.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part of this line of work, besides making new slaps, is Traveling overseas and rocking packed shows because they still hold the culture at a high standard. The U.S. has become spoiled. My least favorite part is doing shows and promoters wanna low ball.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My advice to anyone wanting to follow in my footsteps, my answer to that, is don’t. I got lucky. I made a lot of wrong moves early, not knowing enough of the shady side. But my advice now that I know…Get people that you trust around you and believe in what you’re doing. And, get your music right before anything.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, hopefully one of my songs gets played like Afroman’s joint. My baby son graduates high school and I can put him to work in the restaurant; that’s a plan. Hopefully, I don’t smoke too much and forget this.
Btw, do you still keep up with Ace, Eyceurokk, Paula Perry and / or Leschea [Masta Ace Incorporated]?
Without Repeating any names…No…No…No and No.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, I think you covered a lot.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
I just want to say I appreciate all the fans of Digga Da Highsman, a.k.a. Lord Digga, and follow me on the Gram @ DaHighestmanalive And DiggaDaHighsman.
