M.I.A.

A musical chameleon with a fiercely independent and unapologetic spirit, M.I.A. established herself as one of the most uniquely talented and impactful artists of the 2000s. From her politically charged lyrics to her incredibly eclectic sound, M.I.A. has consistently pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and artistry. Her rise to international stardom was far from easy, but her resilience and unwavering commitment to her beliefs has made her a legend in the eyes of her fans and a dangerous dissident to the world's elite.

About M.I.A.

Born Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam on July 18th, 1975, in Hounslow, West London to Sri Lankan Tamil immigrants, M.I.A.'s childhood was shaped by the Sri Lankan Civil War. Her father was hunted as an enemy of the state, her schools were regularly bombarded, and her family was in constant hiding due to their impoverished state. In 1986, Maya and her family moved back to London in search of stability and relative peace.

In England, Maya discovered her artistic talents, completing several years of secondary education in fine art, eventually gaining attention as a visual artist, painter, and musician. In the early 2000s, she began to seriously explore her musical talents, using the internet and underground radio to build her reputation as a unique and talented firebrand. Amidst her no-nonsense politics, critics from around the world heard a talent in the making.

M.I.A.'s music is remarkable for its complexity and diversity. Combining elements of hip-hop, dancehall, and electronic music, her sound is an incredible sonic landscape that captivates listeners and draws them in with its unique rhythms. Her lyrics are politically charged and unapologetically confrontational, tackling issues such as immigration, war, and government surveillance with an unflinching honesty that is both refreshing and inspiring.

Her first two albums, "Arular" and "Kala," became two of the most highly praised of the decade, showcasing her unique vision and incredible talent. 2010's "Maya" culminated in her infamous and characteristic Super Bowl XLVI performance alongside Nicki Minaj and Madonna. "Matangi," released in 2013, was her most ambitious project to date, incorporating collaborators from Hit-Boy to Julian Assange. In 2015, she released the anthemic "Borders" amidst much controversy, as a promotion single for her latest album, "AIM."

M.I.A.'s legacy is that of a true artist and a fiercely independent, unapologetic spirit. Her fans remember her as a woman of the people, celebrating her unforgettable chic, tongue-in-cheek humor, and stereotype-shattering artistry into everything she did. While the world's elite may remember her as a dangerous dissident and relentless critic, there is no doubt that M.I.A.'s contributions to the world of music are unmatched.

But M.I.A.'s impact goes far beyond her music. She is an artist in the truest sense of the word, someone who uses her platform to effect change and fight for justice. Whether through her music or her activism, M.I.A. has consistently pushed back against the status quo and inspired a generation of artists to do the same.

Despite all the controversy and criticism she has faced throughout her career, M.I.A. remains one of the most respected and influential artists of her generation. Her music is a testament to the power of art to effect change, and her commitment to her beliefs is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt marginalized or oppressed.

As of 2017, M.I.A. continues to put out music and engage in her passion for visual artistry. Her time as a worldwide-inspiration and a virtuoso is nowhere near over, and she will undoubtedly continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.