Diplo

Diplo was born on November 10, 1978, in Mississippi. He is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. Diplo is mostly famous for such hits as “C’mon (Catch’em By Surprise)”, “Earthquake”, and “Be Right There”. He holds several awards, including 2 Grammies.

Diplo (real name Thomas Wesley Pentz) is one of the most famous and acclaimed DJs in the U.S.A. He is one of the founders of the recording label Mad Decent. Diplo was the one who managed to bring Latin American rhythms and African beats from the slums to the elite American night clubs. It’s hard to say, which style Diplo prefers. He even created his own music style baile funk. His second home is Jamaica, where he writes music and goes to various parties. Diplo doesn’t just work on his own career, he helps other musicians make their dreams about music come true.

Diplo spent most of his childhood in Miami, where his father owned a store. His dad’s hobby was planetology. He was interested in crocodiles, discourses, manatees, etc. Diplo studied at the University of Florida but then enrolled at the Temple University in Philadelphia. While studying, the young man worked as a DJ, social worker, and teacher. He taught kids literature and math. In the interviews, Diplo often said that a teacher’s job was very tough. In Philadelphia, Thomas decided to use a pseudonym Diplo, which is short for Diplodocus – one of the largest dinosaurs known to man.

In 2004, Diplo released his debut album Florida. It was recorded twice. The first time it was released on CD, the second time on DVD.

In 2009, together with a DJ and producer Switch, Diplo formed a project called Major Lazer. Even though Switch left the project in 2011, it keeps going strong with Diplo, Jillionaire, and Wlashy Fire.

In 2013, Diplo was nominated for his first Grammy as Non-Classical Producer of the Year.

In 2016, Diplo won two Grammies for Best Dance Recording and Best Dance/Electronic Album.

Diplo has a weekly radio show on BBC Radio 1 called Diplo & Friends. He continues to record new music and performs live.