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DiploDJ, producer
Date of Birth: 10.11.1978
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Thomas Wesley Pentz Jr.: A Musical Prodigy
- Hollertronix and the Rise of Electro
- Collaboration with M.I.A. and Major Lazer
- Global Success with Jack Ü
- Formation of LSD and Recent Projects
- Personal Life
- Other Interests
Thomas Wesley Pentz Jr.: A Musical Prodigy
Early Life and InspirationThomas Wesley Pentz Jr., better known as Diplo, was born on November 10, 1978, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to an English mother and a German father. Immersed in the sounds of hip-hop, house, and Miami bass from his parents' eclectic music collection, Diplo's musical preferences took shape early on.
Growing up in Miami, Florida, Diplo's father instilled in him a passion for paleontology, which later influenced his stage name: "Diplo" is short for "Diplodocus." While attending the University of Central Florida and Temple University, he discovered his calling as a DJ, collaborating with DJ Low Budget on the "Hooked on Hollertronix" sets, which would later gain widespread acclaim.
Hollertronix and the Rise of Electro
Diplo's and DJ Low Budget's collaborative hollertronix mixtapes, including "Never Scared," made waves in the music industry, earning praise from publications like The New York Times. Diplo's solo debut album, "Florida" (2004), solidified his status as a rising star and enabled him to pursue music full-time.
With funds from his performances, Diplo founded the PhilaMOCA (Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art), a multi-purpose space that served as a creative hub for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Shakira, M.I.A., Santigold, and Spank Rock.
Collaboration with M.I.A. and Major Lazer
A pivotal moment in Diplo's career came when he met M.I.A., a British musician of Tamil descent. Their collaboration resulted in the critically acclaimed album "Piracy Funds Terrorism" (2004), which M.I.A. introduced Diplo to DJ Switch.
Together with Switch, Diplo formed Major Lazer in 2008. The project gained immense popularity for its energetic live performances featuring breakdancers and hip-hop artists. Switch eventually departed, leading to the addition of Jillionaire and Walshy Fire in 2011.
Global Success with Jack Ü
Diplo teamed up with Skrillex in 2013 to create the electronic music duo Jack Ü. Their debut album, "Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü" (2015), earned the duo two Grammy Awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Dance Recording for "Where Are Ü Now?" with Justin Bieber.
Formation of LSD and Recent Projects
In 2018, Diplo joined forces with Sia and Labrinth to form the supergroup LSD. Their single "Thunderclouds" became the theme song for Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 advertisement.
Diplo's recent projects include producing the official song for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, "Live It Up," featuring Nicky Jam, Will Smith, and Era Istrefi. He also continues to release music with Major Lazer, with their fourth album, "Music Is the Weapon," released in 2019.
Personal Life
Diplo has been in the spotlight not only for his music but also for his high-profile relationships. He dated M.I.A. from 2003 to 2008, and later had two children, Lockett and Lazer, with Catherine Lockhart, whom he dated from 2009 to 2014.
Diplo briefly dated Katy Perry in 2014 and was later spotted with Kate Hudson and model Nadia Loren. He has a daughter, Genevieve Mary Pentz, with Loren.
Other Interests
Beyond music, Diplo is an avid soccer fan and supports Arsenal F.C. and the United States national team. He also has a passion for basketball and often shares updates about his favorite team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
