Thomas Wesley Pentz, globally recognized as Diplo, is more than just a DJ. He’s a multifaceted force in the music industry. From electrifying solo tracks under the Diplo moniker to his integral roles in Major Lazer and Jack Ü, alongside Skrillex, Diplo’s influence spans genres and continents. Behind the scenes, he’s a sought-after producer, collaborating with superstars like Beyoncé, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna. And as the head of Mad Decent, he champions a diverse roster of artists, including Valentino Khan, NGHTMRE, and Party Favor. His ever-evolving persona is even captured in a new TV show, highlighting the complexity of this music innovator.
But with such a vast and varied discography, pinpointing the essential Diplo Songs can feel like navigating a sonic labyrinth. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding the breadth of his work is key to appreciating his impact on dance music and popular culture. This list dives into 15 of the best Diplo tracks, showcasing his evolution, collaborations, and undeniable talent for crafting bangers. To truly highlight his solo work, we’ve primarily focused on tracks released under the Diplo name, with a few key collaborations that define his solo artistic identity. Get ready to explore the essential Diplo songs that have shaped the sound of modern music.
15. Diplo feat. MØ – “XXX 88”
Diplo’s versatility shines in “XXX 88,” a collaboration with Danish electro-pop sensation MØ. Moving beyond the expected club anthems and heavy drops, this track demonstrates Diplo’s range, blending electro-pop sensibilities with his signature sound. “XXX 88” is a sophisticated mix of triumphant horns, pulsating tropical rhythms, and MØ’s airy vocals, delivering poignant lyrics about the complexities of love. This Diplo song proves his mastery extends beyond pure dancefloor energy.
14. Diplo & Swick feat. TT The ARTIST, Lewis Cancut – “Dat A Freak”
Always ahead of the curve, Diplo tapped into the burgeoning twerk trend with “Dat A Freak.” Teaming up with Melbourne’s Swick, and featuring TT The ARTIST and Lewis Cancut, this track is a booty-shaking anthem. Its fast-paced, Egyptian-influenced rhythm makes it a unique and infectious Diplo song that perfectly captured the cultural moment. The animated music video further solidified its place as a twerk-era classic.
13. Diplo feat. Liz – “Set Me Free”
“Set Me Free” is a high-energy ride showcasing Diplo’s signature bass-heavy sound, complemented by the sweet vocals of Mad Decent artist Liz. This Diplo track builds anticipation with bouncy keyboard chords and Liz’s sugary voice before unleashing a throbbing beat. The playful music video, featuring Diplo in a robe and a rave, adds to the track’s lighthearted and energetic vibe.
12. Diplo feat. Lazerdisk Party Sex – “Set It Off”
The bizarre music video for “Set It Off” is undeniably attention-grabbing, and the song itself is equally captivating. From the Express Yourself EP, this Diplo song combines helium-infused, chipmunk-esque vocal samples with a maddening build-up and a twitchy, shimmering instrumental. The result is a hypnotic track that’s both danceable and sonically intriguing, highlighting Diplo’s experimental side.
11. Diplo & Sleepy Tom – “Be Right There”
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“Be Right There,” a collaboration with Canadian producer Sleepy Tom, delivers strong 90s vibes for a reason. This upbeat house track cleverly samples vocals from Jade’s 1992 hit “Don’t Walk Away.” By honoring the original while injecting a fresh, funky dance feel, Diplo and Sleepy Tom created a nostalgic yet contemporary Diplo song. The result is euphoric, infectious, and a perfect example of Diplo’s ability to blend genres and eras.
10. Diplo, Steve Aoki, Deorro feat. Steve Bays – “Freak”
When dance music titans Diplo and Steve Aoki joined forces with Deorro for “Freak,” fans went wild. Released amidst the frenzy of Miami Music Week 2014, this collaboration lived up to the hype. “Freak” features a driving snare drum, heavy bassline, and vocals from Hot Hot Heat’s Steve Bays, creating a grungy and energetic Diplo track. Its NSFW music video further amplified its edgy and rebellious appeal.
9. Skrillex feat. Diplo, CL, G-Dragon – “Dirty Vibe”
“Dirty Vibe,” a Skrillex track featuring Diplo and South Korean rappers G-Dragon and CL, is aptly named. This intense song delivers a grimy beat and darkly captivating verses. Clocking in under three minutes, this Diplo collaboration is concise yet impactful, packing a chaotic punch. The music video further enhances the track’s devilish and edgy aesthetic.
8. TroyBoi feat. Diplo, Nina Sky – “Afterhours”
Celebrating the dedication of late-night partiers, “Afterhours” by TroyBoi featuring Diplo and Nina Sky is an entrancing track. This song pays tribute to the club-goers and concert attendees who keep the music alive into the early hours. With a winding, clanging drop and energetic verses, “Afterhours” is a unique Diplo song. The cityscape music video, showcasing late-night workers, adds depth and visual interest to the track’s theme.
7. Diplo feat. Faustix & Imanos, Kai – “Revolution”
“Revolution,” a collaboration with Kai and producers Faustix & Imanos, is a testament to Diplo’s innovative spirit. This 2013 track is a fitting representation of Diplo’s influence, as he’s often credited with revolutionizing dance music by embracing diverse genres and pushing boundaries, particularly in bringing dancehall into the mainstream. This brooding, trap-infused club anthem is a powerful example of Diplo’s songs being both groundbreaking and impactful.
6. Diplo & Tiësto feat. Busta Rhymes, “C’Mon”
“We got ’em hypnotized,” Busta Rhymes declares in the outro of “C’Mon,” a 2011 collaboration between Tiësto and Diplo. And he’s right. “C’Mon” is built upon metallic, pulsating synths that create an almost hypnotic effect. The track’s repetitive “c’mon!” interjections add to its infectious energy, making it a quintessential Diplo song for high-energy sets.
5. Diplo & Skrillex feat. Kiesza – “Take Ü There”
No list of essential Diplo songs is complete without tracks from the Jack Ü project. “Take Ü There,” featuring Kiesza, is a standout. This track builds with soaring vocals and rapid drums before surprising listeners with a heavy, trap-influenced drop and the signature “hey” vocal sample. “Take Ü There” showcases the dynamic synergy between Diplo and Skrillex, creating a track that is both experimental and highly accessible.
4. Diplo & GTA – “Boy Oh Boy”
“Boy Oh Boy,” a collaboration with Miami duo GTA, is a dance floor igniter. This near-iconic Diplo song revolves around a simple, repetitive four-second sample looped at varying speeds. The cartoonish “boy oh boy” vocal sample takes on a darker tone against the grungy backdrop, adding a layer of playful mockery that became a hallmark of Diplo’s Random White Dude Be Everywhere era.
3. Diplo & Skrillex feat. Kai – “Mind”
Diplo and Kai reunited for “Mind,” another standout track from the Jack Ü album. Kai’s sultry vocals perfectly complement the glassy, pop-infused drop and Skrillex’s catchy hook: “I’ma show you how, show you how, show you how… to love again.” The joyful music video celebrated the success of Jack Ü, further cementing “Mind” as a fan-favorite Diplo song.
2. Diplo feat. Nicky Da B – “Express Yourself”
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Diplo explored the energetic New Orleans hip-hop subgenre of Bounce in “Express Yourself,” a collaboration with Big Freedia protégé Nicky Da B. This explosively upbeat track, released in 2012, carries a somber undertone as Nicky Da B sadly passed away just two years later. However, his vibrant, genre-bending spirit lives on in this adventurous Diplo song, and its colorful, hypnotic video remains a testament to his artistry.
1. Diplo & Skrillex feat. Justin Bieber – “Where Are Ü Now”
Topping the list of essential Diplo songs is “Where Are Ü Now,” the breakthrough hit from Jack Ü. This track propelled the Skrillex & Diplo Present Jack Ü album to number 1 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart and remained a chart fixture for an extended period. “Where Are Ü Now” became a club anthem with its blissful, chopped vocals, Indian tabla-inspired beat, and a distinctive flute-like riff, famously revealed to be Justin Bieber’s pitch-shifted voice. Winning a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, “Where Are Ü Now” remains a timeless and groundbreaking Diplo song that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
