I've been a big fan of M.I.A. since the release of her first record Arular, which garnered acclaim from all corners of the music world. Born Mathangi Arulpragasam to a family of Tamil descent, M.I.A. was raised in Sri Lanka, India, and as a refugee in the UK. Her father's involvement with the Tamil struggle for independence forced him into hiding for much of her childhood and Arular is named after him. Her music is an amalgamated blend of genres and political activism that sounds like it would be equally at home in the favelas of Rio, the fashion houses of Paris, or the open air markets of Calcutta.
Tonight's song is a bath-time favorite in the Reynolds household and is found on M.I.A.'s sophomore release Kala, named for her mother. Featuring a group of Aboriginal boys called the Wilcannia Mob, the song's subject matter ranges from Indian snacks to digeridoo to cooking meth, delivered over a booty-shaking rhythm track. Check it.
P.S. Also check out M.I.A.'s disturbing new video for the song 'Born Free'. Definitely NSFW and definitely not for the weak-hearted:
