Diplo is far more than just a world-famous DJ. He’s a Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and trendsetter whose influence spans across EDM, hip-hop, pop, dancehall, and Latin music. Known for his ability to fuse genres and pioneer new sounds, Diplo has shaped modern music through collaborations with top artists like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Sia, M.I.A., and Bad Bunny.
But beyond the beats, Diplo (born Thomas Wesley Pentz) has cultivated an empire of influence—from his extensive music catalog and brand ventures to his personal life, including his role as a father and his views on relationships. In this unique, helpful, and reliable profile, we delve into Diplo’s net worth, age, personal life, and song highlights.
Quick Bio Table
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Thomas Wesley Pentz |
Stage Name | Diplo |
Date of Birth | November 10, 1978 |
Age | 46 years old (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Tupelo, Mississippi, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | DJ, Music Producer, Songwriter, Record Executive |
Education | University of Central Florida; Temple University |
Net Worth | Estimated $55 million (as of 2025) |
Relationship Status | Single (not married; has had high-profile partners) |
Children | Three (Lockett, Lazer, Pace) |
Known For | Major Lazer, LSD, Silk City, Mad Decent label |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, YouTube |
Early Life and Background
Born on November 10, 1978, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Thomas Wesley Pentz—known globally as Diplo—was raised in a modest, working-class family. His upbringing was split between Mississippi and later Miami, where he developed an early fascination with hip-hop, bass music, and Miami bass culture.
Diplo’s parents, while not musicians themselves, supported his curiosity for sound and rhythm. From a young age, he was experimenting with tapes, learning about local scenes, and developing a taste for genre fusion—something that would define his career decades later.
His love of DJ culture began in earnest during his college years, where he also started producing music and throwing underground parties, laying the foundation for his global influence.
Education
Diplo attended the University of Central Florida before transferring to Temple University in Philadelphia. It was during his time in Philadelphia that he began building a name for himself in the local DJ scene, playing at house parties and clubs, and experimenting with mashups and mixtapes.
At Temple, he studied film and music, which exposed him to a broader world of creative expression. It was also during this time that he met DJ Low Budget, forming the duo Hollertronix, known for genre-blending DJ sets that mixed crunk, electro, dancehall, and old-school hip-hop.
Diplo’s academic background in music and film, while non-traditional, played a crucial role in how he crafts visuals and sound experiences today.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Diplo is 46 years old. Despite approaching his late 40s, he continues to tour globally, maintain a high-energy lifestyle, and explore new sonic landscapes with youthful creativity.
Diplo stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) with an athletic build, often seen in casual streetwear, designer apparel, or Western-style fashion (especially in his country music alter ego projects like “Thomas Wesley”).
His signature look—platinum-blonde hair, edgy fashion, and cool demeanor—reflects his artistic versatlity and adaptability across music cultures.
His Father
Diplo’s father, Thomas Pentz Sr., worked in construction and manual labor industries. Although not a public figure, his work ethic greatly influenced Diplo’s drive and entrepreneurial mindset. Diplo has spoken about his humble beginnings and how his father taught him resilience, which helped him during the early, financially unstable phases of his career.
His Mother
His mother, Barbara Jean, was a social worker and deeply involved in community programs. Diplo has credited her with instilling in him a sense of global responsibility and empathy, which shows in his frequent international collaborations and support for cultural music scenes.
Barbara encouraged creative freedom and curiosity—traits that have helped Diplo not only explore different genres but also approach each new sound with cultural sensitivity and respect.
Children
Diplo is a father of three children, and although he tends to keep his family life relatively private, here’s what’s publicly known:
- Lockett Pentz – Born in 2010 with ex-partner Kathryn Lockhart.
- Lazer Pentz – Born in 2014, also with Kathryn Lockhart.
- Pace – Born in 2020 with Jevon King, a Trinidadian model and former Miss Universe contestant.
Diplo has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing parenthood with a demanding international career. During the pandemic, he expressed gratitude for spending more time with his kids and has shared heartfelt posts on social media.
He frequently emphasizes how fatherhood has grounded him and shifted his priorities—even as he maintains his position at the forefront of the music industry.
Who Is Diplo?
Diplo is a Grammy-winning DJ, record producer, and music executive who has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern pop and electronic music. He is known for his genre-defying collaborations and relentless pursuit of musical evolution.
Key Roles and Projects:
- Founder of Mad Decent Records: A label that helped launch artists like Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, and Baauer (Harlem Shake).
- Co-creator of Major Lazer: A dancehall-inspired electronic group that achieved global fame with hits like “Lean On” and “Cold Water.”
- Part of Silk City (with Mark Ronson): Known for “Electricity” featuring Dua Lipa.
- Member of LSD (with Sia and Labrinth): Produced hits like “Thunderclouds.”
- Solo Artist: Released his self-titled album Diplo in 2022 and multiple EPs, blending house, country, reggaeton, and trap music.
Diplo has produced chart-toppers for artists including:
- Beyoncé (“Hold Up”)
- Justin Bieber
- Usher
- M.I.A. (“Paper Planes”)
- Bad Bunny
- Madonna
- Sia
- Ellie Goulding
His reach and impact are unparalleled, making him one of the most influential producers of the 21st century.
Top Songs and Collaborations
Diplo’s discography is massive and cross-genre. Some of his most iconic songs and productions include:
With Major Lazer:
- “Lean On” (with DJ Snake & MØ)
- “Cold Water” (ft. Justin Bieber)
- “Light It Up”
- “Know No Better”
With Silk City:
- “Electricity” (with Dua Lipa) – Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording
With LSD:
- “Thunderclouds”
- “Genius”
Solo & Features:
- “Revolution” (ft. Faustix & Imanos)
- “On My Mind” (with Sidepiece)
- “Do Si Do” – From his country project Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley
As Producer:
- “Paper Planes” – M.I.A.
- “Climax” – Usher
- “Hold Up” – Beyoncé
- “Elastic Heart” – Sia
His ability to seamlessly shift from dancehall to trap to house to country makes Diplo a rare figure who can operate both in the underground and the mainstream without losing credibility.
Current Life
As of 2025, Diplo continues to juggle multiple roles as a:
- Touring DJ: Performing across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., including major festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Lollapalooza.
- Label Executive: Expanding the roster of Mad Decent with rising global talents.
- Father: Balancing time between family, studio sessions, and international gigs.
- Innovator: Leading genre-fluid experiments through new music, including ambient, Afrobeat, and experimental electronica.
He lives primarily in Los Angeles, where he maintains several properties, including a home studio. Known for being outspoken, Diplo often shares his thoughts on music, fame, and fatherhood via social media, offering glimpses into his evolving perspective.
Net Worth
As of 2025, estimated net worth is $55 million.
Revenue Sources:
- Live Performances and DJ Sets: One of the highest-paid DJs globally; fees range from $150,000 to $300,000 per gig.
- Music Production: Royalties from chart-topping singles and albums.
- Record Label (Mad Decent): Monetizes music distribution and licensing deals.
- Brand Partnerships: Has collaborated with brands like Bacardi, Adidas, and Major Lazer-themed merchandise.
- Streaming Revenue: Billions of streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Investments:
Diplo has also invested in tech startups, wellness products, and real estate, diversifying his portfolio beyond music.
Conclusion
Diplo is a boundary-breaking artist, an innovative producer, and a committed father. With a career spanning over two decades and a net worth of over $50 million, he has successfully navigated the often volatile worlds of music and celebrity culture.
FAQ
Q: What is Diplo’s net worth in 2025?
A: Diplo’s net worth is estimated at $55 million.
Q: How old is Diplo?
A: He is 46 years old (born November 10, 1978).
Q: Is Diplo married?
A: No, Diplo has never been married but has had several high-profile relationships.
Q: Does Diplo have children?
A: Yes, Diplo has three children—Lockett, Lazer, and Pace.