15 Tracks Produced by Diplo You Need

February 6, 2013 - 8:06 pm by Gabrielle Pharms

Cat's out of the bag..."EDM" is ubiquitous in all facets of the music world. Last year’s Grammy Awards marked the first time a DJ was nominated for Best New Artist (Skrillex). This year, Philadelphia-based DJ/producer, Diplo, received a nom for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical). His long string of immaculately produced tracks began long before last year’s success. While we eagerly await the results of the 55th Grammy Awards this Sunday, here’s the top 15 that reflect the eclectic work of Wesley Pentz.

Thingamajawn – “Diplodocus” Based on this earlier track, released in 2003, it was evident that “Diplodocus” (Diplo) would bring his atypical style of producing onto the forefront of the music scene. We just had to be patient. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Bucky Done Gun" – M.I.A. The electronic elements combined with the baile funk-dancehall tempo caught our rapt attention. The carioca "Injeção" influence was ingenious! [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Look At Me Now" – Chris Brown This track wouldn’t be “fresher than a motha…” without the synths and Southern crunk bass. Diplo had some help from fellow DJ/producer, Afrojack. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Pirate In the Water" – Santigold Although Diplo has a versatile production style, his forte is the incorporation of reggae sounds.

Thought Of You – Justin Bieber Diplo and Bieb? Why not? A welcome break from the usual edgy dollops of dub, and well worthy of recognition. It’s a pop-meets-R&B track that reminds us why we admire Diplo’s artistic flexibility. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Push and Shove" – No Doubt, Busy P, Major Lazer Were we the only ones not shocked about this collaboration? No Doubt’s 2001 Rock Steady album was completely inundated with dub, dancehall, and reggae laced tracks. Can Diplo officially add King of Dancehall to his resume? Perhaps. Sorry, Beenie Man. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Lies" – Marina and the Diamonds How can you reject candy sweet vocals combined with Diplo’s electro uppity beats? Dr. Luke also lent his assistance on this track.

"Climax" – Usher It’s Usher AND Diplo. Everything about “Climax” is a concoction of brilliance – from Usher’s crooning to that sexy rhythm. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Animal" – Yelawolf Borgore joined forces with Diplo on this gritty hip-hop track. The uptempo combination of dubstep and late ‘90s Southern hip-hop works like charm. Do we smell the beginnings of trap music?

"Slight Work" – Wale Just in case you didn’t know Diplo actually produced this track, Wale gives him a shout out before the song even begins. The cop sirens were a nice touch. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Express Yourself" – Diplo Feat. Nicky Da B Even if you didn’t post a picture and a “#expressyourself” tweet, you know want to attempt the dance move. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Run the World (Girls)" – Beyoncé Switch and Diplo’s 2009 release of “Pon De Floor” from Guns Don’t Kill People…Lazers Do, served as the backdrop to this anthem. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

That Tree – Snoop Dogg (now Snoop Lion) Feat. Kid Cudi It’s playful and reminiscent to a cartoon in space – jagged fading, electro loops and is that an organ we hear? We know Diplo is a fan of intergalactic. Ahem, refer to “Set It Off." [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

"Dancehall Queen" – Robyn So, “dancehall” is in the song title. Hint, hint. However, the dubstep bass wobbles adds freshness to the overall reggae vibe. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Jah No Partial – Major Lazer Feat. Flux Pavilion Despite the clear style distinction between Diplo and Flux, doesn’t lack cohesiveness. Actually, the reggae and dubstep blend give an otherwise generic dance track an appealing upgrade. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]