Mad Decent is an American independent electronic music label founded in 2005 by Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) in Philadelphia, now based in Los Angeles. It is home to Diplo, Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Baauer, Troyboi, Zeds Dead, 100 Gecs, Aluna, and many others. Mad Decent built its reputation on blending global bass music, dancehall, and pop. The label is known for breaking acts like Baauer (whose "Harlem Shake" became a viral global phenomenon) and Major Lazer (whose "Lean On" became one of the most-streamed songs of all time).
Mad Decent's roster reflects Diplo's global music curation, spanning electronic dance music (Dillon Francis, DJ Snake), global bass (Major Lazer, Troyboi), and hyperpop (100 Gecs). The label has been instrumental in bringing global sounds (dancehall, reggaeton, Afrobeat, baile funk) into Western electronic music. Its 2026 roster includes a diverse range of artists from Aluna and Azzecca to Snow Strippers and SALEM, reflecting the label's continued commitment to genre-blending electronic music.
How Mad Decent Operates
Mad Decent runs dedicated A&R under founder Diplo from its Los Angeles headquarters. The label is built around Diplo's brand and his global music curation. Its model favors artists who blend electronic music with global sounds (dancehall, reggaeton, Afrobeat, baile funk). The label's strength is its connection to Diplo's global network and its track record of breaking viral hits (Baauer's "Harlem Shake", Major Lazer's "Lean On").
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make electronic dance music, global bass, or genre-blending pop, Mad Decent is one of the most recognized independent labels in that space, founded by one of the genre's defining artists. Its track record of breaking viral hits and global crossover acts (Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Baauer) shows it can turn electronic music into global pop. Its connection to Diplo's global network gives signings access to collaborations and markets worldwide.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Founder-led: Mad Decent is built around Diplo's brand and curatorial taste. New signings benefit from but also live in that shadow.
- No unsolicited demos: Mad Decent does not accept cold submissions.
- Global bass focus: Mad Decent favors genre-blending electronic music with global sounds. Pure underground techno or house artists may find it less relevant.
- Track deals common: Mad Decent often signs individual tracks or singles rather than full artist deals.
Notable Artists and Releases
Mad Decent has released some of the most commercially successful electronic and dance tracks of the 2010s. Below are 10 notable releases with chart data.
Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MO - "Lean On" (Mad Decent, 2015)
Released March 2, 2015 as the lead single from "Peace Is the Mission." It peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the UK Singles Chart. It reached #1 in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. According to IFPI, it was the fifth best-selling song of 2015 worldwide with 13.1 million global sales. The music video has 3.9 billion views on YouTube. Spotify named it the most streamed song of all time in November 2015.
Major Lazer - "Peace Is the Mission" (Mad Decent, 2015)
Major Lazer's third album, released June 1, 2015 on Mad Decent. It peaked at #12 on the US Billboard 200 and #1 on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart. It reached #5 in Australia and #25 on the UK Albums Chart. The album is certified RIAA Gold in the US and BPI Gold in the UK. "Lean On" was the lead single.
Baauer - "Harlem Shake" (Jeffrees/Mad Decent, 2012)
Released May 22, 2012 on Mad Decent's Jeffrees imprint. It went viral in February 2013 when a YouTube video set to the song became an Internet meme. The single hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. It reached #3 in the UK and #1 in Australia and New Zealand. Over 100,000 parody videos were uploaded to YouTube. Billboard cited it as "the biggest viral sensation since PSY's 'Gangnam Style.'"
Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber & MO - "Cold Water" (Mad Decent, 2016)
Released July 22, 2016. It debuted at #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with 169,000 downloads in its first week. It reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart. The single was Major Lazer's highest-charting Hot 100 hit, surpassing the #4 peak of "Lean On." It spent 12 weeks on the Hot 100.
Dillon Francis & DJ Snake - "Get Low" (Mad Decent/Columbia, 2014)
Released February 11, 2014 as the lead single from Dillon Francis's debut album "Money Sucks, Friends Rule." The music video has 772 million views on YouTube. The track was featured in the film "Furious 7" (2015). It was co-released with Columbia Records, giving it access to major-label radio promotion.
Major Lazer - "Free the Universe" (Mad Decent, 2013)
Major Lazer's second album, released April 16, 2013 on Mad Decent. It peaked at #34 on the US Billboard 200 and #1 on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart. It reached #5 in Australia and #34 on the UK Albums Chart. The album included the single "Watch Out for This (Bumaye)" featuring Busy Signal.
Major Lazer - "Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do" (Mad Decent, 2009)
Major Lazer's debut album, released June 16, 2009 on Mad Decent. It peaked at #169 on the US Billboard 200 and #7 on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart. The album was created by Diplo and Switch before Switch left the project. It established the Major Lazer concept and the label's global bass identity.
Major Lazer - "Music Is the Weapon" (Mad Decent, 2020)
Major Lazer's fourth album, released October 23, 2020 on Mad Decent. It peaked at #5 on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart. The album included collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Mr Eazi, and Anitta. It was the first Major Lazer album without Jillionaire as a member.
Diplo - "Express Yourself" (Mad Decent, 2012)
Diplo's EP, released 2012 on Mad Decent. The title track featured New Orleans bounce artist Nicky Da B. The release helped popularize bounce music outside of New Orleans. It was part of Mad Decent's early catalog of global bass releases.
Major Lazer - "Lazers Never Die" EP (Mad Decent, 2010)
Major Lazer's second EP, released 2010 on Mad Decent. It included collaborations with M.I.A., Lindi Ortega, and Collie Buddz. The EP peaked on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart and helped build the Major Lazer brand between the first and second albums.
Deal Structures
Mad Decent offers several types of deals:
- Track deals: Mad Decent frequently signs individual tracks or singles rather than full album deals. This is common for electronic labels where singles drive revenue. Baauer's "Harlem Shake" was signed as a single to the Jeffrees imprint.
- Full artist deals: Major Lazer and Dillon Francis have full album deals with the label. These deals include album funding, marketing, and distribution.
- Sub-label releases: The Jeffrees imprint handles single and EP releases from emerging artists. Mad Decent Publishing handles publishing rights.
- Co-releases with major labels: Some releases are co-released with major labels. Dillon Francis and DJ Snake's "Get Low" was co-released with Columbia Records. This gives releases access to major-label radio promotion.
- Independent distribution: Mad Decent uses independent distribution networks. The label does not rely on a single major-label distributor for all releases.
How Artists Get Signed
Mad Decent runs its own A&R under founder Diplo. The signing process works as follows:
- Diplo's personal network: Diplo discovers most signings through his global network of DJs, producers, and collaborators. His travels and performances in Brazil, Angola, Jamaica, and elsewhere connect him to local scenes. DJ Snake was signed through Diplo's production network.
- A&R scouting: The label monitors streaming data, SoundCloud, and club play to identify emerging tracks and artists. Baauer was discovered through his online releases and BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix.
- Track-first approach: Mad Decent often signs a single track before offering a full artist deal. A successful single can lead to an EP or album deal. This reduces the label's risk and lets artists prove their commercial potential.
- No unsolicited demos: Mad Decent does not accept cold submissions. Artists must be discovered by Diplo or his A&R team, or introduced through industry connections.
- Global bass focus: The label favors artists who blend electronic music with global sounds. Dancehall, reggaeton, Afrobeat, baile funk, and kuduro are all within the label's scope. Pure underground techno or house artists are less likely to be signed.
Similar Labels
- Armada Music - Similar independent dance label
- Spinnin' Records - Similar dance and electronic label
- Astralwerks - Similar electronic music label
- Ultra Music - Similar dance and electronic label
- Ed Banger Records - Similar French electronic label
- Dim Mak Records - Similar artist-founded electronic label
- Monstercat - Similar independent electronic label
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Mad Decent deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The artist-founded electronic label model
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an electronic music profile
- Armada Music - A related independent dance label
- Mad Decent Official Site - Roster and releases
