The popular DJ, producer, author, record label owner and songwriter Diplo has managed to balance cutting edge with lasting power that very few in the music world have ever been able to accomplish. Who is this man? Here is a quick look.
Born Thomas Pentz, he calls Philadelphia home, where he runs the popular club Hollertronix. He also runs his own record label Mad Decent and the non-profit organization Heaps Decent. While not too unusual for artists to start their own label, Heaps Decent, which aims to find and nuture the creativity of underprivileged artists, shows the caring side of the music mastermind. The business mind of his is only matched by his nack at music.
The gigs and parties were successful and the two eventually releases two separate mix tapes. One of the tapes - Never Scared-was listed as one of New York Times' top 10 albums of the year. As he rose to fame, Diplo worked closely with M.I.A.-a British artist who helped him gain exposure early in his career.
He also has found time to organize block parties in four cities to showcase local talent in the host city.The most recent excursion Diplo has taken is into the realm of book writing. His debut book, titled "128 Beats Per Minute". The book chronicles his travels around the over a seven year span. His entrance into the world of authoring books can only help launch him into a higher realm. One has to think that if his book is half as successful as his musical career, then he will do just fine.
Diplo went from an unknown DJ playing small gigs in Philadelphia to somewhat of a worldwide music sensation. And he's not done yet. 2012 is already proving to be a big year for him. He's releasing a book in April titled 128 Beats Per Minute: Diplo's Visual Guide to Music, Culture, and Everything in Between. The book is said to chronicle his travels across the globe as well as list songs that have inspired him along the way. In addition, Diplo has concerts scheduled throughout the year in places like Sweden, New York, Miami, and California.
Born Thomas Pentz, he calls Philadelphia home, where he runs the popular club Hollertronix. He also runs his own record label Mad Decent and the non-profit organization Heaps Decent. While not too unusual for artists to start their own label, Heaps Decent, which aims to find and nuture the creativity of underprivileged artists, shows the caring side of the music mastermind. The business mind of his is only matched by his nack at music.
The gigs and parties were successful and the two eventually releases two separate mix tapes. One of the tapes - Never Scared-was listed as one of New York Times' top 10 albums of the year. As he rose to fame, Diplo worked closely with M.I.A.-a British artist who helped him gain exposure early in his career.
He also has found time to organize block parties in four cities to showcase local talent in the host city.The most recent excursion Diplo has taken is into the realm of book writing. His debut book, titled "128 Beats Per Minute". The book chronicles his travels around the over a seven year span. His entrance into the world of authoring books can only help launch him into a higher realm. One has to think that if his book is half as successful as his musical career, then he will do just fine.
Diplo went from an unknown DJ playing small gigs in Philadelphia to somewhat of a worldwide music sensation. And he's not done yet. 2012 is already proving to be a big year for him. He's releasing a book in April titled 128 Beats Per Minute: Diplo's Visual Guide to Music, Culture, and Everything in Between. The book is said to chronicle his travels across the globe as well as list songs that have inspired him along the way. In addition, Diplo has concerts scheduled throughout the year in places like Sweden, New York, Miami, and California.
