M.I.A. releases new single “XXXO” with Jay-Z

A few years back, M.I.A. wanted to retire from the scene following her second album Kala. It did well in the underground scene but then just subsided. Then a little movie by the name of Slumdog Millionaire used one of her tracks, arguably a weaker one, by the name of “Paper Planes.” The movie went on to become a big hit and pulled that song with it. She now enjoys mainstream success and somehow, this underdog who was doing it for the art, is back with a new album aptly selfishly eponymous third album by the name of /\/\/\Y/\, which spells out Maya, her short name. Well, in order to authenticate her “credible” music roots she has lashed out at Gaga numerously and released a fluffer first single with a video made just to be banned. “Born Free” is the kind of unlistenable balderdash you get from riot grrl chic aspirants. Now that her hard edge is back with this here-now, gone-tomorrow song and video, M.I.A. is ready to launch her full-fledged commercial money-making career with a good single by the name of “XXXO.” But, she had to go ruin it with a Jay-Z collaboration for the a little extra extra. Everybody’s gotta cash in somehow!

M.I.A. releases official single cover and of “XXXO”

M.I.A. used her first single “Born Free”, its single cover and video to thrill and to get some attention. She did so, but her second single will be “XXXO” and this is the sleeve for it. It looks like a shady back alley graphic designer did it. But, that’s the point. Let’s hope the single’s good.