Thomas Wesley Pentz, known as Diplo, was born November 10, 1978. He is an American DJ and music producer, co-creator of Major Lazer, and a member of LSD (with Labrinth and Sia), Jack Ü (with Skrillex), and Silk City (with Mark Ronson). He founded Mad Decent (2006) and Heaps Decent (2007).
His 2013 EP Revolution hit number 68 on the Billboard 200, with the title track featured in a Hyundai commercial and WWE 2K16. Diplo produced M.I.A.’s Paper Planes (2008), boosting his mainstream success. He has collaborated with Beyoncé, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Usher, Bad Bunny, Shakira, and more. His name comes from his childhood love of dinosaurs.
RELATED: Joe Gatto Net Worth: Laughing All the Way to the Bank
Table of Contents
Diplo Net Worth
Diplo has a net worth of $70 million. In 2016, he purchased a home in Beachwood Canyon for $2.425 million. Located in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, California, the property boasts a contemporary design with large glass walls, offering views of the city, canyons, and ocean.
The 2,500-square-foot home includes a studio, a cedar hot tub, a succulent wall, and a two-car garage. Diplo sold the home in April 2021 for $2.8 million.
Early Life
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz on November 10, 1978, in Tupelo, Mississippi, grew up in Miami, influenced by Miami bass. He attended Hendersonville High School and later University of Central Florida and Temple University, where he gained recognition as a DJ.
In 2003, he co-founded Hollertronix with Low Budget, releasing acclaimed mixtapes like Never Scared. His solo debut album Florida (2004) led to collaborations with M.I.A., Santigold, and Blaqstarr. Diplo later built The Mausoleum, a studio and event space in Philadelphia, hosting artists like Shakira and Christina Aguilera.
Career
Diplo and DJ Low Budget gained recognition in the early 2000s with mixtapes and parties featuring Bun B and M.I.A.. Diplo released his debut album Florida through Big Nada Records, followed by the DVD Banned in Libya, exploring favela funk.
He built The Mausoleum, a studio, gallery, and event space, hosting artists like Shakira and Santigold. His breakthrough came with M.I.A., producing Piracy Funds Terrorism Vol. 1 and the Grammy-nominated Paper Planes. He later founded Mad Decent and collaborated with Bruno Mars and Kid Cudi.
Personal Life
Diplo has three sons: two with Kathryn Lockhart and one with model Jevon King. He dated M.I.A. from 2003 to 2008, and she later accused him of emotional abuse.
A fan of soccer and cricket, Diplo supports the U.S. men’s national team and produced the 2018 World Cup song “Live It Up.” He endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2016 and appeared on the cover of Billboard. In 2019, he live-streamed Joe Jonas’ wedding, later releasing the song “Lonely.” In 2023, he shared his fluid sexuality and attended Burning Man.
Is Diplo LGBTQ?
Diplo has not officially come out as gay or queer, but made headlines in March when he stated he likes blowjobs from men and is “not not gay.”
This sparked a buzz, with articles featuring shirtless Diplo circulating online. Rather than a traditional coming-out statement, his comment was more of a refusal to self-label.
RELATED: Amy Schumer Net Worth: Comedy’s Golden Girl
Conclusion
Diplo’s journey in the music industry is a remarkable story of creativity and success. His contributions as a DJ, producer, and songwriter have not only earned him substantial wealth but also cemented his position as a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of electronic dance music. Diplo’s legacy continues to influence and inspire artists and fans around the globe.
FAQs about Diplo’s Net Worth
- What are some of Diplo’s most significant music projects? Major Lazer, Jack Ü, and his collaborations with various top artists are among his most notable projects.
- How has Diplo influenced the electronic dance music scene? His innovative blending of genres and unique sound has significantly shaped the direction and evolution of electronic dance music.
- What other business ventures has Diplo been involved in? Beyond music, Diplo has been involved in philanthropy through his co-founding of the non-profit organization Heaps Decent.
- What makes Diplo’s performances so highly sought after? His dynamic style and ability to connect with audiences make his performances a captivating experience.
- How has Diplo’s background influenced his music style? His exposure to various music scenes, particularly Miami bass and baile funk, has played a key role in shaping his distinctive musical style.
