Deborah Chan
Thomas Wesley Pentz, known professionally as Diplo, is an American DJ, songwriter, and music producer. Diplo has worked with a wide range of artists, including M.I.A., Beyoncé, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna. He is a co-creator and lead member of Major Lazer, a member of the supergroup LSD with Labrinth and Sia, and a member of the electronic duo Jack Ü with Skrillex. Diplo has also founded successful record labels and recording studios, including The Mausoleum in Philadelphia, which has hosted and recorded artists such as Shakira, M.I.A., and Santigold. One of Diplo's most notable songs is Where Are Ü Now, a collaboration with Justin Bieber, which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Diplo's eclectic taste and genre-bending productions have made him a sought-after artist and producer in the music industry.
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What You'll Learn
Diplo's work with other artists
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ and music producer. He has worked with several artists over the years, both as a solo artist and as a member of various groups. He is a co-creator and lead member of the electronic dancehall music project Major Lazer. He is also a member of the supergroup LSD, which includes Labrinth and Sia. Diplo is also a part of the electronic duo Jack Ü with producer and DJ Skrillex. Additionally, he is a member of Silk City, alongside Mark Ronson.
Diplo has also collaborated with various artists as a songwriter and producer. He has worked with M.I.A., producing her breakout single "Paper Planes" in 2008, which gave him initial mainstream exposure. He has also co-written songs for other artists, such as "Passenger" by Britney Spears, which was co-written with Sia and Katy Perry, and "Unapologetic Bitch" by Madonna, which he co-wrote with Toby Gad, Mozella, Shelco Garcia, and Teen Wolf. Diplo has also written songs for Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne, among others.
In addition to his work as a songwriter and producer, Diplo has collaborated with many artists through his record label, Mad Decent, which he founded in 2006. He has also worked with artists through "The Mausoleum," a studio, record label office, and event space that he built in Philadelphia. Artists such as Christina Aguilera, Shakira, M.I.A., Santigold, and many others have recorded at "The Mausoleum." Diplo has also showcased various artists through the Mad Decent Block Party, a nationwide tour that he curates.
Diplo's collaborations have resulted in massive chart success and critical acclaim. His collaborations with Jack Ü, including the single "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber, peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Diplo has also achieved success with his group Major Lazer, with songs like "Cold Water" and "Lean On," which became the most-streamed song in the world at one point.
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Diplo's solo work
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ, music producer, and songwriter. He has worked with a wide range of artists in various genres, showcasing his versatility and impact in the music industry.
In addition to his solo albums, Diplo has produced several extended plays (EPs) and mixtapes. His 2013 EP, Revolution, debuted at number 68 on the US Billboard 200 and gained further exposure through its inclusion in a commercial and a video game soundtrack. Diplo has also explored different genres through his mixtapes, such as Favela on Blast and Favela Strikes Back, which introduced Brazilian dance music to American audiences.
Beyond his solo endeavours, Diplo is also known for his collaborations with various artists and groups. He is a co-creator and lead member of Major Lazer, an electronic dancehall music project that has released multiple albums and singles, including the hit song "Lean On" with DJ Snake and MØ. Diplo is also a member of the supergroup LSD with Labrinth and Sia, and the electronic duo Jack Ü with Skrillex. He has worked with prominent artists such as M.I.A., producing her breakout single "Paper Planes," and has written songs for Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Madonna, further showcasing his diverse musical range.
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Diplo's work as a producer
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ and music producer. He is known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of various groups, including Major Lazer, LSD, Jack Ü, and Silk City. Diplo's production style is influenced by homegrown rap and the Miami bass sound that characterised his youth in the city. He also incorporates eclectic influences from his travels, such as the favela music scene in Brazil and the energy of the Indian territories he visited.
One of Diplo's notable productions is his collaboration with British musician M.I.A. on the track "Paper Planes," which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Diplo's association with M.I.A. led to further opportunities, including collaborations with artists like Shakira, Robyn, Kid Cudi, and Snoop Dogg. He has also worked with various other artists, such as Maluca, Kid Sister, Die Antwoord, and Alex Clare, showcasing his versatility as a producer.
In addition to his work with established artists, Diplo has a talent for spotting new talent. He founded the record company Mad Decent in 2006, which has released music by artists like Santigold, Baauer, and Lil' Jon. Diplo's own label has also served as a platform for his productions, with many of his biggest radio successes released under the brand Diplo. This dual role as a producer and label owner has contributed to his success in the music industry.
Diplo has also ventured into side projects, such as his work with Mark Ronson in Silk City, and his collaborations with other producers like Skrillex in Jack Ü. These collaborations have resulted in chart successes, such as the single "Where Are Ü Now" featuring Justin Bieber, which peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. Diplo's ability to adapt to different projects and his extensive touring have contributed to his reputation as a sought-after producer and songwriter.
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Diplo's work in TV and film
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ and music producer with several film and TV credits to his name. He is best known for his work in music, either solo or as part of groups like Major Lazer, Jack Ü, LSD, and Silk City.
In 2017, Diplo ventured into TV with the comedy mockumentary series *What Would Diplo Do?* starring James Van Der Beek as a fictionalised version of the DJ. The show depicts the life of an international electronic DJ superstar who is self-obsessed and an unaware diva. Diplo served as an executive producer on the series and also took part in writing the scenario.
Diplo has also expressed a strong interest in film. He studied film at Temple University and told GQ that he would "love to take a year off to do strictly film work." He made his directorial debut with the documentary "Favela on Blast," which was released on DVD in 2010. The documentary explores the world of music in Brazil's favelas.
In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, Diplo has also contributed to film and TV soundtracks. His 2013 extended play (EP) "Revolution" was featured in a commercial for Hyundai and on the WWE 2K16 soundtrack. He has also produced songs for other artists that have been featured in films, such as M.I.A.'s 2008 breakout single "Paper Planes" and Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)," which sampled Major Lazer's 2009 song "Pon de Floor." Diplo was also nominated for two Grammys in 2016 for Album of the Year as the producer of Beyoncé's album *Lemonade* and Justin Bieber's album *Purpose*.
Furthermore, Diplo has been in talks with 20th Century Fox to develop a new script centred around three teens who want to get into his Electronic Music Festival, described as "8 Mile meets Project X." He also sang a song called "Phurrr" in the Bollywood film *Jab Harry Met Sejal*.
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Diplo's early life and career
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ, record producer, and songwriter. He was born on November 10, 1978, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and is of German and English descent. His alias, short for Diplodocus, is derived from his childhood fascination with dinosaurs. Diplo graduated from Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and began attending the University of Central Florida in 1997. During his time at UCF, he became a DJ at the local radio station WPRK, which was based at Rollins College. He then moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University, where he first gained recognition as a DJ.
At the age of 20, Diplo moved to India with barely any money. He bought a used Enfield Motorcycle and travelled across the Indian territories of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Gujarat. During this time, he collected records and listened to local people playing the sitar and tabla. After returning to the US, he met fellow DJ Low Budget, and the two began throwing parties under the "Hooked on Hollertronix" moniker in 2003. These parties eventually provided Diplo with the success and funds needed to build "The Mausoleum" in Philadelphia—a video studio, recording studio, record label office, gallery, and event space.
In 2004, Diplo was DJing at the Fabric Club in London when M.I.A. approached him, having heard one of his songs. Diplo was playing her songs "Galang" and "Fire Fire" as she walked into the club. The two began a relationship and worked together, with Diplo producing her 2008 breakout single "Paper Planes," which gave him initial mainstream exposure. Diplo also co-wrote songs for other artists, including Britney Spears' "Passenger" and "Unapologetic Bitch" by Madonna.
In 2006, Diplo founded the record label Mad Decent, which has been crucial in promoting various artists and introducing new music styles to mainstream audiences. He also co-founded the non-profit organization Heaps Decent, which supports emerging artists and marginalized communities through music workshops and projects. Diplo has since become a household name in electronic dance music, collaborating with numerous mainstream musical acts and winning multiple Grammy Awards.
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Frequently asked questions
'What Would Diplo Do' is a mockumentary TV series about Diplo, a superstar DJ.
The series is written by and stars James Van Der Beek, who is best known for his role in Dawson's Creek.
Diplo's real name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, also known as Wes Pentz.
Diplo is an American DJ and music producer.
"Electricity", a collaboration between Diplo, Silk City, Dua Lipa, and Mark Ronson, is a good option for a wedding song.
