The consummate man-behind-the-curtain, Diplo, aka Wes Pentz, has been responsible for the rise of pop musicians like MIA, Blaqstarr and Santogold, a record label (Mad Decent) and one of today’s most hyped acts, Major Lazer. So it was pretty fitting that I was able to slip into the depths of the Mexican-American Cultural Center for a few minutes with one of modern music’s most influential heads. He’s done this a million times already and is cool and collected, friendly and far from flapped even though we spoke in the midst of what I was later told was an extremely hectic time.

How much time do you spend on business versus art?
Diplo: “I guess if you count my days it probably like 20% sleeping, 10% answering emails and the business side, 30% doing music like actually producing. 30% djing almost every night DJing. 10% jerking off, going to the bathroom and stuff.” He does a quick calculation and seems almost surprised, “yeah, that’s 100%.”

What’s the most rewarding collaboration for you, personally not financially?
Diplo: Working with MIA on the first couple of records, you know it’s been really crazy because it defined both of our work, and it made a lot of impact on a lot of people I feel like.

At this point a short skinny girl comes up and complains about how could it is. “We came from Maryland, from 70 degree weather and you brought us all the way to Texas and it’s freezing! And I’m going to be naked on stage!” Diplo smoothes the situation over as best he can. “It’s going to be fine, you’ll be jumping around.” She’s not happy about it, but soldiers on. I get back to the interview.

So, what’s your favorite state in the Union?

Diplo: Hawaii, because it’s way fucking hotter than anywhere else,” he says laughing.

At this point someone has come up and been sort of whispering into his ear. We start walking.

Diplo: Come on.

We walk down the hall as I ask him about his most favorite vacation. “Any time I go to Jamaica and work, I mean, it’s half vacation half work but it’s always fun.”

I ask if he ‘s got a kid. He does, but when I ask for advice for parents he’s quick with a laugh, “don’t do it.” I was really hoping for something enlightened – how to raise a child that’s open to the world, creative with art and is a firm enough businessman to make it in this cold world, but without possessing a “ruthless” gene. But at this point we reach the door and Diplo/Wes is telling the door guy “these guys are with me right here.”

“Who are you man?” the doorman asks. I’ve seen him badgered all day by strangers, stars and beautiful women all asking to be let in. “Diplo, I’m like the guy who’s headlining the thing tonight,” Wes says.
“So I’m not going to get bitched out for letting all these guys in here?” asks the young doorman.
Diplo’s wondering how many people are getting in. “They got two?” There’s actually four people trying to get past the gatemaster. “You guys said there was going to be three?” Diplo looks at his buddy, shaking his head, more amused than upset. Confusion abounds but eventually the dudes get in, and Diplo starts walking back toward the back room.
It’s kind of hard to get into contemplative questions in these moments and I let the parental advice slide.

Do you think the term ‘cultural scavenger’ is a pejorative?

Diplo: I’m not a scavenger, it’s not sitting dead when I eat it, it’s still alive!

I’m not saying you…

Diplo: Nah, I’m more of a hunter/gather.

As more people mill around him I try to get in a few more questions, asking about projects in the works.

Diplo: MIA/Santogold, Snoop Doogg, I don’t know, I can’t even remember all the shit I’m working on.

Anyone you’re particularly excited about?

Diplo: Anyone on my label, Popo, Rusko, Maluca.

There are more people needing help, needing encouragement and direction – a whole room of questions for the man, most having a higher degree of import.  We break off the interview and I slip back out to enjoy the show.

Words by Jacob Cottingham, Photos by Dustin Downing