The Various Talents of DJ Diplo
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.
Since working with M.I.A. at the beginning of his career, Pentz has partnered up with several other big names in the music industry. He's worked with Santigold, Missy Elliot and Lil' Jon, as well as with Radiohead, Beck and Britney Spears for remix work. Pentz got together with Dave Taylor, also known as Switch, in 2009 and released the album "Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers do."
The amazing part of Diplo's story is his ability to stay cutting edge, and gain fans of young people around the world, while still being able to build on his marketability. Many before him have alienated their fans in trying to become more marketable to larger audiences. This ability to build without alienating is truly a special talent he has perfected. Only he knows what he is planning to do next, but the world should brace for it!
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.
Since working with M.I.A. at the beginning of his career, Pentz has partnered up with several other big names in the music industry. He's worked with Santigold, Missy Elliot and Lil' Jon, as well as with Radiohead, Beck and Britney Spears for remix work. Pentz got together with Dave Taylor, also known as Switch, in 2009 and released the album "Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers do."
The amazing part of Diplo's story is his ability to stay cutting edge, and gain fans of young people around the world, while still being able to build on his marketability. Many before him have alienated their fans in trying to become more marketable to larger audiences. This ability to build without alienating is truly a special talent he has perfected. Only he knows what he is planning to do next, but the world should brace for it!
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