Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Diplo
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
$70 million, 2026 est.
American
November 10, 1978
Tupelo, Mississippi, US
48 Years Old
Scorpio
Who Is Diplo?
Diplo is an American DJ and record producer celebrated for blending adventurous global club rhythms into mainstream pop music. His energetic work across dancehall, EDM, and hip-hop established him as a defining sonic innovator.
He rose to international prominence after co-producing M.I.A.’s hit single “Paper Planes.” The song earned a Grammy nomination and launched his global career; he is known for his signature wide-brim cowboy hats.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Wesley Pentz spent his early childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, before moving to Miami. His parents, Thomas and Barbara Jean, encouraged his curiosity, while local Miami bass radio stations inspired his lifelong passion for rhythm.
He later pursued higher education at Temple University in Philadelphia. While earning his degree, he launched underground club nights and adopted the stage name Diplo from his favorite dinosaur, the Diplodocus.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has marked the musician’s personal life over two decades. He dated British artist M.I.A. during the mid-2000s and later maintained relationships with Kathryn Lockhart and model Jevon King.
Diplo shares sons Lockett and Lazer with Lockhart and a third son, Pace, with King. The producer co-parents his three boys while maintaining a busy global touring schedule and is not publicly linked to a partner.
Career Highlights
Diplo spearheaded global electronic music as a co-founder of the dancehall-fusion group Major Lazer. The project scored massive international hits including “Lean On” and “Cold Water,” generating billions of streams and transforming festival setlists worldwide.
He launched the influential record label Mad Decent to showcase underground electronic acts. He later expanded his empire by founding house imprint Higher Ground and forming successful supergroups such as Jack Ü, Silk City, and LSD.
To date, he has collected three Grammy Awards out of multiple career nominations. His cross-genre productions for pop superstars have cemented Pentz as a defining figure in contemporary dance culture.
Signature Quote
“I am just trying to push the boundaries of music and keep people guessing about what comes next.”
