2008 Woodie Awards
M.I.A. jumps back into action with latest release
Rapper spans the globe for catchy beats and packs a political punch in 'Kala'
By Christian Ochoa
Issue date: 8/30/07 Section: Life & Arts
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Just like in Arular, M.I.A. doesn't wince at the grisly nature of the world, something the Western world is turning a blind eye to. M.I.A. informs the listener of the cost of AK-47s in Africa in "20 Dollar." It's $20, if you were curious.
"I fly like paper, get high like planes / If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name" starts off "Paper Planes" with a playful, summer tone. And then the lyrics take a gritty turn, "Everyone's a winner now we're making that fame / Bona fide hustler making my name." The following chorus, which is sung by children, is overshadowed by the most unexpected sounds - gunshots and a cash register.
M.I.A. integrates rock into this album, too. She gives a nod to the Pixies and the Clash, whose song "Road to Hell" is sampled in "Paper Planes." Whether that's another form of political commentary about the West and its interaction with the rest of the world is up to the listener.
It's not as infectious as Arular, but with varied sampling of world sounds, Kala's verve makes it an addictive listen.
"I fly like paper, get high like planes / If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name" starts off "Paper Planes" with a playful, summer tone. And then the lyrics take a gritty turn, "Everyone's a winner now we're making that fame / Bona fide hustler making my name." The following chorus, which is sung by children, is overshadowed by the most unexpected sounds - gunshots and a cash register.
M.I.A. integrates rock into this album, too. She gives a nod to the Pixies and the Clash, whose song "Road to Hell" is sampled in "Paper Planes." Whether that's another form of political commentary about the West and its interaction with the rest of the world is up to the listener.
It's not as infectious as Arular, but with varied sampling of world sounds, Kala's verve makes it an addictive listen.
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