With over seven million social media followers, an estimated $100,000 to $250,000 in earnings from a weekly Las Vegas residency and premium beats that cost from $40,000 to $50,000 (according to industry sources), it’s safe to say Diplo is one of the most influential and successful artists in the world.
 
But unlike many of his peers, the 35-year-old is known to experiment, take chances and simply not give a f#ck. In this week’s cover story for Billboard, Diplo’s personality shines once again as he speaks on his career evolution, new projects, today’s EDM landscape, and more.
 
Here’s five things we learned from the inspiring interview
 
1. He lives a relatively modest lifestyle

“I don’t even have a house . . . A lot of DJs don’t realize they’re here today and gone tomorrow. They’re literally taking jets to every show. It’s crazy how much money they’re spending.”

 
2. He doesn’t really see himself as a part of rave culture

“They don’t even care about the music anymore . . . It’s about the experience and hearing things that are really familiar and comfortable over and over again.”

 
3. He thinks many of his DJ peers lack imagination

“All the DJs were at my Vegas night one night — I’m not going to name names, but all the big EDM guys — and I played a Juicy J record . . . They’re like, ‘Where do you get these records?’ I’m like, ‘They’re on the radio! You can buy them off iTunes!’ They really have no idea. They live in these bubbles. I’m like, ‘Damn, dudes, use your imagination a little bit.'”

 
4. He’s excited about working with Madonna

“I think three are just like amazing, smashes . . . One is super weird. Late one night in the studio we got a little bit drunk and she improvised a little hook and we made a song out of it. I think it’s going to be a breakthrough if she can manage to get everything together and get it out properly.”

 
5. He relaxes at strip clubs

“All the strippers in Vegas know me and the club is cool . . . They give me a table and it’s quiet enough that I can talk. The strip club is the chillest place I know.”

 
Read the full article at billboard.com
 
Related: Diplo Previews New Jack U Track Featuring Kiesza