Double the Diplo

No other DJ has snowballed from block parties to sold out stadiums quite like Diplo. Recognized by all from the electronic and hip-hop community, Diplo’s associated acts list goes on forever from Tiesto to Snoop Dogg. The mastermind behind Major Lazer and Mad Decent (both just “casual” side projects”) hosted a block party in Philly with up-and-coming hip-hop producer Spaceghostpurrp. Diplo is quite arguably the most versatile DJ on the contemporary music scene, he, Wesley Pentz, has transformed the understanding of the term “genre”. His philosophy is that no matter what the classification of music is, from heavy metal to polka, there is a way to make it sound good. Whether its reggae, drum and bass, chillout, or bootyshake that sends chills down your back, Diplo has the sound for you.

The thing about his production is that even if you have never heard the name, you’ve heard his music. His music has a tendency to “not belong,” in a standout and beautiful way however. Specifically I’m thinking of his first big production Paper Planes with MIA that earned Pentz a grammy nomination. More recently Too Close by Alex Clare drew my attention instantly; what starts as a cheesy pop song turns decepticon with a breath taking, heart stopping influx of bass. His nontraditional bpms, unique sounds, and exotic samples are what define Diplo’s cutting edge style. Who else shifts from the wild-style of Express Yourself down to soulful Get Free.

On a personal note Diplo is one of the humblest DJ’s in the game. The music speaks for itself, and anyone who catches wind of Major Lazer has already told ten friends before the song is over. So sit back and enjoy the cornucopia of styles heading towards your face.

-Article guest written by Ivan Bobashev.