Diplo

Diplo 2005

Diplo at Soundlab Buffalo 2009 1

Diplo at Pukkelpop 2012

Diplo and Walshy Fire of Major Lazer @ Flow 2015

Diplo en Utopía Festival 2016 2

Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) is an American DJ, record producer, and songwriter, known for his contributions to the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Born on November 10, 1978, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Diplo has become a prominent figure in the music industry, influencing various genres such as electronic, trap, and moombahton.

Early Life

Diplo was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and grew up in Miami, Florida. He developed an interest in music at a young age, influenced by the diverse cultural sounds of Miami. Diplo attended the University of Central Florida and then transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia, where he began to gain recognition as a DJ.

Career

Diplo's career began to take off in the early 2000s when he started throwing parties and DJing in Philadelphia. His unique sound, which blended elements of electronic music with hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall, quickly gained popularity. In 2004, he released his debut album, Florida, which drew attention from the music community and helped establish his career as a producer and DJ.

In 2005, Diplo co-founded the record label Mad Decent, which became a platform for him to showcase new music and artists from around the world. Mad Decent has been instrumental in promoting various music genres, including electronic, dancehall, and moombahton.

Diplo is also known for his collaborative projects, including Major Lazer, a group he formed with DJ Switch in 2009. Major Lazer is known for its fusion of Caribbean music with electronic beats, producing hits like "Lean On" and "Cold Water."

Aside from Major Lazer, Diplo has worked with a wide range of artists across different genres. He has produced tracks for artists such as Beyoncé, M.I.A., and Justin Bieber, showcasing his versatility as a producer.

Influence and Style

Diplo's influence on the music industry extends beyond his production work. He is known for his ability to blend different musical styles, creating a unique sound that has contributed to the evolution of electronic dance music. His work has also helped popularize genres such as trap and moombahton, influencing the direction of contemporary music.

Personal Life

Diplo has been relatively private about his personal life, but he is known to have two sons with his ex-partner, Kathryn Lockhart. He is also an advocate for various social causes and has used his platform to support music education programs in underprivileged communities.

Discography

• Florida (2004)
• Decent Work for Decent Pay (2009)
• Random White Dude Be Everywhere (2014)

Awards and Nominations

Diplo has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including Grammy Awards for his work with Justin Bieber, Skrillex, and other artists. His ability to innovate and push the boundaries of music has made him a respected figure in the industry.