Kenneth Cappello

Los Angeles based producer Dillon Francis is 25; after his track "Masta Blasta" found its way to Diplo's computer, and he was signed to Mad Decent. He's now working to help evolve Moombahton, a fusion of house and reggaeton invented by Dave Nada.

He's had massive support from Diplo (whom he calls his "Dad") and Skrillex, and is currently in the midst of his first U.S. headlining tour, including a three-night stop at the El Rey starting tonight. We caught up with Francis at his downtown loft, where he also records. Sitting on a plaid couch, wearing a pastel button down from Topshop, Francis talked about why Calvin Harris used to think he was crazy, and other topics.

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Baauer

You may have heard the term "trap music." You may even realize that what people are calling "trap music" today (which sounds a whole lot like dubstep) is not necessarily what people were calling "trap music" a few years ago.

See also: Flying Lotus' Nocturnal Visions: Once believing himself destined to fail, the DJ-producer returns triumphant on his new album

So, what the hell is trap music?

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Tasia Trevino

Mad Decent Block Party
Block Party Center Studios
August 25, 2012

See also:
*Popping That Ass: The Ladies Who Won Diplo's Contest
*Is Riff Raff Serious? One thing's for certain: This maddeningly inscrutable white rapper is more entertaining than you are

On Saturday the fifth annual Mad Decent Block Party concluded its five city tour in Los Angeles, at Center Studios near downtown. Curated by producer and lover of annoying sounds Diplo, the Block Party's eclectic line-up of hip hop, dance, and electronic music showcased the roster of his LA-based Mad Decent label.

The diversity of the performing artists, as well as the fact that it was an all-ages, free event, attracted a spectrum of attendees, including raver babes, tank-top clad bros, hipster and hip hop heads. Teens were out in full effect, visibly antsy to enjoy one of their last summer weekends.

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Top Ten Awkward Electric Daisy Carnival Dance Move GIFs
World's Douchiest DJs: The Top Five
Interview With a Raver Who Wears Electrical Tape on Her Boobs

Recently, producer and Blackberry spokesmodel Diplo released his Express Yourself EP. He simultaneously ran a contest, encouraging female fans to, um "express" themselves in odd locations, preferably by popping their butts in public, as pictured above.

The hash tag #ExpressYourself was employed, the responses overwhelming. Grand prize winners (like the ladies above) received guest list for life privileges to any of Diplo's shows, while others got some swag. We interviewed a bunch of them about issues pertaining to popping that ass and #ExpressingThemselves.

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