Career Timeline of Diplo: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Diplo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Thomas Wesley Pentz, professionally known as Diplo, is a prominent American DJ and music producer. He's a key figure in several successful music projects, including Major Lazer, LSD (with Labrinth and Sia), Jack Ü (with Skrillex), and Silk City (with Mark Ronson). Diplo founded the record label Mad Decent in 2006 and the non-profit organization Heaps Decent in 2007. His 2013 EP, Revolution, reached number 68 on the Billboard 200 and its title track gained further recognition through a Hyundai commercial and inclusion in the WWE 2K16 soundtrack.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Attended University of Central Florida

In 1997, Diplo began attending the University of Central Florida (UCF) and became a DJ at WPRK.

2003: Hooked on Hollertronix Parties

In 2003, Diplo and Low Budget started throwing "Hooked on Hollertronix" parties in Philadelphia, gaining acclaim for their mixtapes.

2004: Meeting M.I.A.

In 2004, M.I.A. approached Diplo after hearing one of his songs at the Fabric Club in London, leading to a collaboration.

2005: Continued Collaboration with M.I.A.

Diplo continued to work with M.I.A. in 2005, meeting London DJ Switch through her.

2005: Arular Tour

In 2005, Diplo was the tour DJ on M.I.A.'s Arular Tour.

2005: Mad Decent Foundation

Since its foundation in 2005 Diplo's Mad Decent label has released music by various artists.

2006: Founded Mad Decent

In 2006, Diplo founded the record company Mad Decent.

2008: Production of Paper Planes

In 2008, Diplo produced M.I.A.'s breakout single "Paper Planes," gaining mainstream exposure.

September 2009: China Show with Steve Aoki

In September 2009, Diplo traveled to China to play with Steve Aoki at a show organized by Split Works.

2010: Lazers Never Die EP

In 2010, Major Lazer released an EP, Lazers Never Die.

2011: Formation of Major Lazer

In 2011, Diplo and Switch formed Major Lazer, an electronic musical group, and its cartoon series.

2011: Switch leaves Major Lazer

In 2011, Switch left Major Lazer and was replaced by DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire.

November 2012: Free the Universe Delay

In November 2012, the release of Major Lazer's second album, Free the Universe, was delayed.

February 2013: Free the Universe Delay

In February 2013, the release of Major Lazer's second album, Free the Universe, was delayed.

September 15, 2013: Jack Ü Debut Performance

On September 15, 2013, Jack Ü, composed of Skrillex and Diplo, debuted at the Mad Decent Block Party in San Diego.

2013: Revolution EP Debut

In 2013, Diplo's extended play (EP), Revolution, debuted at number 68 on the US Billboard 200.

2013: Track "Revolution" used in Bernie Sanders' ad

In 2013, Diplo's track "Revolution" was used to soundtrack Bernie Sanders' political ad, "It's A Revolution".

October 4, 2014: "Take Ü There" Release

On October 4, 2014, "Take Ü There" featuring Kiesza was released as the lead single on the duo's debut album.

2014: Created mix for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Diplo created a mix for the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his support for soccer and the U.S. men's national team.

December 31, 2014: Jack Ü at Madison Square Garden

On December 31, 2014, Jack Ü sold out Madison Square Garden for a major performance.

February 8, 2015: Peace Is the Mission Album Details

On February 8, 2015, Diplo revealed details of the third Major Lazer album, Peace Is the Mission.

February 27, 2015: Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü Release

On February 27, 2015, Skrillex and Diplo released Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü.

March 29, 2015: Jack Ü at Ultra Music Festival

On March 29, 2015, Jack Ü closed the main stage at Ultra Music Festival in Miami.

June 1, 2015: Powerful Release

On June 1, 2015, the second single, "Powerful", featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley, was released simultaneously with the album.

October 16, 2015: Be Right There Release

On October 16, 2015, Diplo released "Be Right There" with Sleepy Tom, which charted in multiple countries.

February 2016: Performed in Islamabad, Pakistan

In February 2016, Diplo performed in Islamabad, Pakistan, alongside other artists, making him one of the first mainstream Western artists to perform there.

April 23, 2016: Lemonade Album Release

On April 23, 2016, Beyoncé released her album, Lemonade, which featured Diplo producing two tracks.

July 14, 2016: Blame Release

On July 14, 2016, Diplo collaborated with Zeds Dead on the release "Blame", featuring Elliphant.

July 22, 2016: Cold Water Release

On July 22, 2016, Major Lazer released "Cold Water" with Justin Bieber and MØ.

November 29, 2016: My Number Release

On November 29, 2016, Major Lazer and Bad Royale released "My Number", sampling Toots and the Maytals.

2016: Performed with Major Lazer and Jack Ü on numerous live TV and award shows

Throughout 2016, Diplo performed with Major Lazer and Jack Ü on numerous live TV and award shows, including The Tonight Show and the 2016 Grammy Awards.

January 2017: Released music video titled "Waist Time"

In January 2017, Diplo and Autoerotique released a music video titled "Waist Time", which was filmed in a warehouse in London.

January 2, 2018: Silk City Announcement

On January 2, 2018, Diplo announced Silk City with Mark Ronson.

May 23, 2018: Only Can Get Better Release

On May 23, 2018, Silk City released "Only Can Get Better" featuring Daniel Merriweather.

July 20, 2018: Feel About You Release

On July 20, 2018, Silk City released "Feel About You" featuring Mapei.

September 5, 2018: Electricity Release

On September 5, 2018, Silk City released "Electricity" featuring Dua Lipa.

2018: Produced 2018 World Cup official song

In 2018, Diplo produced the official song "Live It Up" for the FIFA World Cup.

2018: Returned with Major Lazer for Islamabad's first Mad Decent Block Party

In 2018, Diplo returned with Major Lazer for Islamabad's first Mad Decent Block Party, alongside various other artists.

April 12, 2019: LSD Album Release

On April 12, 2019, LSD (Labrinth, Sia & Diplo) released their debut album Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Present... LSD.

2019: Released "So Long" under Thomas Wesley moniker

In 2019, Diplo, under the moniker Thomas Wesley, released the song "So Long" featuring country singer Cam, signaling a planned series of collaborations with country artists.