Diplo (born Thomas Wesley Pentz Jr. on November 10, 1978) is an American DJ, songwriter, and record producer. He is the co-creator and lead member of the electronic dancehall music project Major Lazer, a member of the supergroup LSD with Sia and Labrinth, a member of electronic duo Jack Ü with producer and DJ Skrillex, and a member of Silk City with Mark Ronson. He founded and manages record company Mad Decent, as well as co-founding the non-profit organization Heaps Decent.
Thomas Wesley Pentz Sr. and Karen Evelyn (née Jacobs)
Siblings
Two brothers and one sister
Partner/Spouse
Kathryn Lockhart (m. 2017)
Children
Two sons
Education & Early Life
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Schooling
Florida State University, Temple University
Early Life
Grew up in Miami, Florida
Early Influences
Miami bass music, Jamaican dancehall music, hip hop music
Career
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Debut
2004, with the release of the mixtape Florida
Significant Works
“Paper Planes” (with M.I.A.), “Where Are U Now” (with Justin Bieber and Skrillex), “Lean On” (with Major Lazer and MØ), “Electricity” (with Silk City and Dua Lipa)
Awards & Nominations
Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording (2015, 2016, 2020), American Music Award for Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist (2016, 2017)
Filmography/Discography
Major Lazer (2009), Revolution (2013), Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley (2016), LSD (2018)
Voice Work
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
Music Videos
“Paper Planes” (2008), “Where Are U Now” (2015), “Lean On” (2015), “Electricity” (2018)
Tours & Live Shows
Major Lazer Mad Decent Block Party (2010-present), Diplo & Friends (2013-present)
Collaborations
M.I.A., Skrillex, Justin Bieber, Major Lazer, Silk City, Mark Ronson, Sia, Labrinth, Bad Bunny, Charli XCX, and many others
Documentaries
How Diplo Saved the World (2015)
Net Worth & Assets
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Net Worth
$100 million (estimated)
Properties
Multiple properties in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City
Business Ventures
Mad Decent record label, Heaps Decent non-profit organization
Investments
Various technology startups
Trivia & Miscellaneous
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Hobbies & Interests
Music, travel, photography
Controversies
Accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women in 2021
Philanthropy & Activism
Supports various charitable causes, including those related to education, music education, and environmental protection
Public Image
Known for his eclectic taste in music and his work ethic
Personal Challenges
Has been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health
Notable Interviews
Has appeared on numerous talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Graham Norton Show
Publications & Books
Has written a book about his life and career, titled Diplo: The Sound of America
Personal Anecdotes
Once got into a fight with Justin Bieber after Bieber’s pet monkey bit Diplo’s friend
Quotes
“I’m not trying to be the biggest DJ in the world. I’m just trying to make the best music I can.”
Social Media & Online Presence
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Instagram Handle
@diplo
Twitter Handle
@diplo
Facebook Handle
@diplo
Youtube Channel
Diplo
TikTok ID
@diplo
Legacy & Influence
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Cultural References
Diplo has been referenced in numerous songs and movies, including “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. and “Where Are U Now” by Justin Bieber
Achievements Outside Primary Profession
Diplo has also been involved in fashion and film, and has collaborated with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel
Mentorship
Diplo has mentored and collaborated with many young artists, including Charli XCX and Bad Bunny
Legacy
Diplo is considered one of the most influential electronic dance music artists of all time. He has helped to popularize the genre and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music.
