Diplo

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Diplo is the stage name of Thomas Wesley Pentz, an American DJ and producer, born in 1978 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He grew up in Miami, where he came into contact with Miami bass. At the University of Central Florida he became a DJ at a local radio station. Later, in Philadelphia, he threw parties with DJ Low Budget under the name Hooked on Hollertronix. The success of those allowed him to build a studio of his own, The Mausoleum, in Philadelphia. In 2004 his first solo album Florida appeared, with a more reflective sound than his club music.

Music and breakthrough

He became known as the producer of the British artist M.I.A., with whom he also had a relationship. In 2008 he made her breakthrough single Paper Planes. That same year he had success himself with Blow Your Head. In 2011 he formed the electronic group Major Lazer with Switch, which also got an animated series for FXX. He worked with Dillon Francis on Que Que with Maluca. Later he released albums such as MMXX in 2020, Diplo in 2022 and d00mscrvll, Vol. 1 in 2025.

Influence

Diplo shows how a DJ and producer could blend styles such as Miami bass and dancehall into pop music.

Listening

Discography

Studio albums

• 2004Florida
• 2020Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 1 - Snake Oil
• 2020MMXX
• 2021Do You Dance?
• 2022Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 1 - Snake Oil
• 2025d00mscrvll, Vol. 1