Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known as Diplo, is a prominent figure in the music industry. He's renowned for co-creating Major Lazer, an electronic dancehall music project, and being part of groups like LSD (with Sia and Labrinth), Jack Ü (with Skrillex), and Silk City (with Mark Ronson). Beyond performing, he founded Mad Decent, a record company, and Heaps Decent, a non-profit. His 2013 EP, Revolution, charted on Billboard, and its title track appeared in a Hyundai commercial and the WWE 2K16 soundtrack.
November 10, 1978: Birth of Thomas Wesley Pentz
On November 10, 1978, Thomas Wesley Pentz, known professionally as Diplo, was born. He would later become a renowned American DJ and music producer.
1997: Diplo Attends University of Central Florida
In 1997, Diplo began his studies at the University of Central Florida, where he started DJing at the local radio station WPRK.
2003: "Hooked on Hollertronix" Parties and Mixtape Success
Diplo and DJ Low Budget started throwing parties under the name "Hooked on Hollertronix" in 2003. Their success led to acclaimed mixtapes, with "Never Scared" making The New York Times' top ten albums of 2003.
2003: Diplo Dated M.I.A.
In 2003, Diplo began dating the rapper M.I.A. Their relationship, which lasted until 2008, was later described by M.I.A. as tumultuous and involving emotional abuse from Diplo.
2004: Diplo Meets M.I.A.
Diplo and M.I.A. first crossed paths in 2004 at Fabric Club in London, bonding over their shared musical tastes and aspirations.
2005: "Piracy Funds Terrorism Vol. 1" Release and Tour DJ
Diplo collaborated with M.I.A. on the mixtape "Piracy Funds Terrorism Vol. 1" in 2005, which received critical acclaim. He also served as the tour DJ for M.I.A.'s Arular Tour that year.
2005: Mad Decent Label Founded
Diplo established his label, Mad Decent, in 2005, which served as a platform for showcasing diverse global sounds he encountered during his travels.
2006: Mad Decent Founded
In 2006, Diplo founded the record company Mad Decent, which would go on to release music by a diverse range of artists.
2008: Production of M.I.A's "Paper Planes"
Diplo produced British musician M.I.A.'s breakout single "Paper Planes" in 2008, a track that gained him significant mainstream recognition.
2008: Diplo and M.I.A. End Relationship
In 2008, Diplo's relationship with rapper M.I.A. came to an end. M.I.A. later revealed that their five-year relationship involved emotional abuse from him.
September 2009: Diplo Performs in China
Diplo traveled to China to perform with Steve Aoki at a show organized by Split Works in September 2009.
April 2010: Diplo Featured in Rolling Stone
Diplo was recognized as one of the "40 Reasons to be Excited About Music" in the April 2010 issue of Rolling Stone.
2010: "Lazers Never Die" EP Release
Major Lazer followed up their debut album with the EP "Lazers Never Die" in 2010.
2011: Switch Leaves Major Lazer, Replaced by Jillionaire and Walshy Fire
Producer Switch departed from Major Lazer in 2011, with DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire joining the group as replacements.
2011: Formation of Major Lazer and TV Series
Diplo and producer Switch formed the electronic music group Major Lazer in 2011, accompanied by a namesake cartoon series on FXX, which aired for a single season.
November 2012: "Free the Universe" Initially Scheduled for Release
Major Lazer's second album, "Free the Universe," was originally slated for release in November 2012 but faced delays.
February 2013: "Free the Universe" Release Further Delayed
The release of Major Lazer's "Free the Universe" was pushed back again to February 2013.
September 15, 2013: Debut Performance of Jack Ü
The dynamic duo, Jack Ü, consisting of Skrillex and Diplo, made their grand debut on September 15, 2013, at the Mad Decent Block Party in San Diego. The event, a brainchild of Diplo's record label, Mad Decent, served as a platform to showcase a diverse roster of artists, with Jack Ü being a surprise addition to the lineup.
2013: Revolution EP Release
Diplo's EP, "Revolution," debuted at number 68 on the US Billboard 200 in 2013. The title track was later used in a Hyundai commercial and featured on the WWE 2K16 soundtrack.
2013: Diplo Releases "Revolution" Track
In 2013, Diplo released the track "Revolution", which would later be used in Bernie Sanders' campaign ad in 2016.
October 4, 2014: Release of "Take Ü There"
Jack Ü released "Take Ü There" featuring Kiesza on October 4, 2014, as the lead single for their upcoming debut album. The track made waves in the UK Dance Chart, peaking at number sixteen and signaling the start of their collaborative success.
2014: Diplo Creates Mix for 2014 FIFA World Cup
In 2014, Diplo created a special mix for the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his support for soccer and the U.S. men's national team.
December 31, 2014: Sold-Out Show at Madison Square Garden
On December 31, 2014, Jack Ü marked a significant milestone with a sold-out performance at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Supported by acts like Rudimental, Yellow Claw, and A$AP Ferg, the event solidified the duo's rising prominence in the music scene.
February 8, 2015: Diplo Reveals Details of Third Major Lazer Album
During the Grammy Awards ceremony on February 8, 2015, Diplo shared information about the upcoming third Major Lazer album, revealing collaborations with artists such as Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding, and Pusha T.
February 27, 2015: Release of Debut Album
February 27, 2015, marked the release of Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü, a collaborative album released under their respective labels, Owsla and Mad Decent. The album boasted an impressive lineup of features, including 2 Chainz, Kiesza, Justin Bieber, AlunaGeorge, and Missy Elliott, showcasing the duo's diverse musical palette.
March 29, 2015: Closing Performance at Ultra Music Festival
Jack Ü took center stage on March 29, 2015, as they closed out the main stage at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. This performance, following the success of their debut album and hit single, solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene.
June 1, 2015: "Peace Is the Mission" and "Powerful" Release
Major Lazer's album "Peace Is the Mission," featuring the single "Powerful" with Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley, was released on June 1, 2015.
October 2, 2015: Debut of "Lazer Sound" on Apple Music's Beats 1
Diplo, alongside the Major Lazer crew, launched "Lazer Sound" on October 2, 2015, a radio show on Apple Music's Beats 1. The show provided a platform for the group to connect with fans, share exclusive content, and showcase new music.
October 16, 2015: "Be Right There" Release
Diplo, in collaboration with producer Sleepy Tom, released the single "Be Right There" on October 16, 2015. The track charted in multiple countries and garnered over 100 million streams on Spotify.
November 11, 2015: "Lean On" Becomes Spotify's Most Streamed Song
On November 11, 2015, Major Lazer's "Lean On" reached a historical milestone by becoming the most streamed song on Spotify with a staggering 800 million streams. This achievement was further amplified by the song's music video garnering billions of views on YouTube, solidifying its global impact and earning it double platinum status.
2015: M.I.A's Claims About Diplo
In 2015, M.I.A. alleged in a Rolling Stone interview that Diplo resented her growing fame in 2005 and attempted to hinder her success.
January 27, 2016: Diplo Invests in Phoenix Rising FC
On January 27, 2016, Diplo purchased a minority share of Phoenix Rising FC, a soccer team in the USL Championship.
February 2016: Performance in Islamabad, Pakistan
In a groundbreaking move, Diplo became one of the first mainstream Western artists to perform in Islamabad, Pakistan, in February 2016. Sharing the stage with local artists like Adil Omar, Talal Qureshi, SNKM, and Elliphant, Diplo's performance transcended geographical boundaries and highlighted the universal language of music.
February 24, 2016: Diplo Endorses Bernie Sanders
On February 24, 2016, Diplo publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination. Sanders' campaign ad "It's A Revolution" featured Diplo's 2013 track "Revolution".
April 23, 2016: Beyoncé's "Lemonade" Release
Beyoncé's critically acclaimed album "Lemonade," featuring two tracks produced by Diplo ("All Night" and the single "Hold Up"), was released on April 23, 2016.
June 8, 2016: "Lemonade" Certified Platinum
On June 8, 2016, Beyoncé's album "Lemonade" achieved platinum certification.
June 9, 2016: Diplo on Billboard Cover
On June 9, 2016, Diplo was featured on the cover of Billboard, an American entertainment media magazine.
July 14, 2016: "Blame" Release with Zeds Dead
Diplo's collaboration with Canadian DJ duo Zeds Dead, the track "Blame" featuring Swedish singer Elliphant, was officially released on July 14, 2016, via Zeds Dead's SoundCloud.
July 22, 2016: Release of "Cold Water"
On July 22, 2016, Major Lazer dropped the single "Cold Water," a collaboration featuring Justin Bieber and MØ. The track quickly gained international traction, topping charts in various countries and amassing over 200 million Spotify streams.
November 29, 2016: Release of "My Number"
Major Lazer, in collaboration with Bad Royale, released "My Number" on November 29, 2016. The track sampled "54-46 That's My Number" by Toots and the Maytals and even featured newly recorded vocals from Toots Hibbert himself, incorporating Major Lazer into the classic song while preserving its original melody.
2016: Major Lazer and Jack Ü Performances
Throughout 2016, Diplo graced numerous live TV and award show stages with both Major Lazer and Jack Ü. Their performances on platforms like The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and award ceremonies like the iHeart Radio Music Festival and Grammy Awards showcased their global appeal and solidified their status as in-demand performers.
2016: Grammy Wins for Jack Ü
In 2016, Jack Ü celebrated two Grammy Award wins, one for Best Dance Album for their debut album, "Skrillex and Diplo present Jack Ü," and another for Best Dance Recording for their hit single, "Where Are Ü Now," featuring Justin Bieber. This marked a significant achievement for the duo and Bieber, who received his first Grammy for the collaboration.
2016: Grammy Nominations and Bollywood Debut
Diplo received two Grammy nominations in 2016 for Album of the Year, recognizing his contributions to Beyoncé's "Lemonade" and Justin Bieber's "Purpose." This recognition highlighted his versatility as a producer across genres. Adding another feather to his cap, Diplo also made his Bollywood debut with the song "Phurrr" in Imtiaz Ali's film "Jab Harry Met Sejal," starring Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma.
January 2017: Release of "Waist Time" Music Video
Diplo teamed up with Toronto-based house group Autoerotique to release the music video for their track "Waist Time" in January 2017. Filmed in a London warehouse, the video's aesthetic and vibe complemented the song's energy.
January 2, 2018: Announcement of Silk City
On January 2, 2018, Diplo announced a new collaborative project with British DJ and singer Mark Ronson, dubbed Silk City. This announcement sparked anticipation for a fresh sound that would blend their unique musical styles.
May 23, 2018: Release of "Only Can Get Better"
Silk City released their debut single, "Only Can Get Better," on May 23, 2018, featuring the vocal talents of Daniel Merriweather. This release marked the first taste of what the duo had been working on and set the stage for their forthcoming releases.
July 20, 2018: Release of "Feel About You"
Silk City's second single, "Feel About You," featuring Mapei, dropped on July 20, 2018, further showcasing their collaborative chemistry and ability to craft infectious dance tracks.
September 5, 2018: Release of "Electricity"
September 5, 2018, saw the release of Silk City's fourth single, "Electricity," a collaboration with pop sensation Dua Lipa. The song was accompanied by a visually captivating music video, further amplifying its impact and reaching a wider audience.
2018: Diplo Produces 2018 World Cup Official Song
In 2018, Diplo produced the official song for the FIFA World Cup titled "Live It Up".
2018: Return to Islamabad for Mad Decent Block Party
Diplo returned to Islamabad in 2018 for the city's inaugural Mad Decent Block Party. The event showcased a diverse lineup of local and international artists, including Adil Omar, SNKM, Talal Qureshi, Valentino Khan, Chrome Sparks, and Lyari Underground, further solidifying Diplo's commitment to supporting and promoting music scenes worldwide.
March 2019: Rape Allegation Against Diplo
In March 2019, an anonymous woman alleged that Diplo raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room after privately chatting with him on Twitter for five years. Medical records showed she tested positive for chlamydia, with Diplo being her only sexual partner at the time.
April 12, 2019: Release of LSD's Debut Album
April 12, 2019, marked the release of "Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Present... LSD," the debut album of the supergroup LSD, composed of Diplo, Sia, and Labrinth. This highly anticipated album followed the success of their previously released singles, including "Thunderclouds," which gained significant exposure through a Samsung Galaxy Note9 commercial.
May 1, 2019: Diplo Live-Streams Joe Jonas' Wedding
On May 1, 2019, Diplo live-streamed Joe Jonas' Las Vegas wedding to Sophie Turner on Instagram, not realizing it was a serious ceremony. The incident led to criticism from the couple, prompting Diplo to respond on social media. Five months later, Diplo and the Jonas Brothers released a song titled "Lonely" to make amends.
2019: Release of "So Long" as Thomas Wesley
In 2019, Diplo explored new artistic territory by releasing the single "So Long" under the moniker Thomas Wesley. The song featured American country singer Cam and hinted at Diplo's foray into the country music scene.
July 9, 2020: Diplo Joins Virtual Fundraiser for Joe Biden
On July 9, 2020, Diplo participated in the "Get Up, Stand Up!" virtual fundraiser with Senator Kamala Harris and other artists in support of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign.
October 2020: Anonymous Woman Files Suit Against Diplo
In October 2020, an anonymous woman filed a lawsuit against Diplo, accusing him of rape and giving her an STD. She claimed that he recorded sexually explicit videos of her without consent.
2020: Release of "Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil"
Continuing his venture into country music, Diplo released "Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil" in 2020. The album featured collaborations with country artists, including the song "Heartless" with Morgan Wallen, showcasing Diplo's ability to seamlessly blend genres and experiment with different sounds.
2021: Diplo Departs BBC Radio 1
In 2021, Diplo made a significant move by stepping down from his long-standing role at BBC Radio 1, where he hosted the popular "Diplo and Friends" show. This decision marked a shift in his career focus and allowed him to explore other opportunities within the music industry.
March 14, 2023: Diplo Discusses Sexuality with Emily Ratajkowski
On March 14, 2023, Diplo shared his thoughts on his sexuality in an interview with Emily Ratajkowski, stating, "I don't want to define that I'm gay but I think the best answer that I have is I'm not, not gay".
August 2023: Diplo at Burning Man 2023
In August 2023, Diplo attended the 35th Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada, where he performed from a hot air balloon. After a rainstorm turned the festival grounds into a mud pit, he escaped on foot and hitchhiked out with comedian Chris Rock.