Thomas Wesley Pentz (born November 10, 1978), better known by his stage name Diplo, is a Los Angeles-based American DJ, music producer, rapper, and songwriter. He founded and manages record company Mad Decent, as well as co-founding the non-profit organization Heaps Decent. Among other jobs, he has worked as a school teacher in Philadelphia. He is also the co-creator and lead member of the electronic dancehall music project, Major Lazer. His 2013 EP “Revolution” debuted at #68 on the Billboard 200.
Category: 2010’s
Lorde – Royals
“Royals” is a song recorded by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde from her debut extended play The Love Club EP (2012) and her debut studio album Pure Heroine (2013). The song was released for sale on March 8, 2013 as the lead single from the extended play and the album. The song was co-written in half an hour by Lorde, with the help from the songs producer Joel Little. “Royals” is an art pop and minimal song that, according to the pair, is a “response to everything that’s on pop radio”, with lyrics that revolve around “aspirationalism” and the luxury and lifestyle of pop artists.
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Happy is a song written, produced and performed by American singer and producer Pharrell Williams, from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album, the song will also be included on his second studio album which will be released in 2014. It was released as a single on November 21, 2013 alongside a long-form music video presented via the website 24hoursofhappy.com.
Avicii – Levels
“Levels” (stylized as “LE7ELS”) is a song by Avicii, containing a vocal sample from the 1962 gospel-inspired “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” by Etta James, as written by Leroy Kirkland, Pearl Woods and James. An early instrumental version of the song was first played by Avicii during an appearance on Essential Mix in December 2010, while the final version with Etta James’ vocals was first performed at the Ultra Music Festival in March 2011. “Levels” was officially released on 28 October 2011 and peaked at number one in Sweden and on the Dance music charts in United States,
DIIV – Doused
DIIV, formerly known as Dive, is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York City. Formed in 2011, DIIV started as Zachary Cole Smith’s solo recording project. After releasing three singles – “Sometime”, “Human”, and “Geist” – on the Captured Tracks label, DIIV released its debut full-length album, Oshin, on June 26, 2012.