

"First Internet Artist" - M.I.A: From Refugee to Rebel, Paper Planes, and Beefing With Oprah| PBD Podcast | Ep. 443
8 snips Jul 22, 2024
M.I.A., a groundbreaking musician known for her bold activism and genre-defying style, discusses her evolution from a refugee to a rebellious icon. She reflects on the dark side of fame and her clashes with music industry giants like Jay-Z. The conversation traverses the complexities of identity, artistic integrity, and the moral dilemmas artists face today. M.I.A. also shares her heartfelt journey of reconnecting with family, the significance of cultural heritage, and the ongoing struggle for recognition within her community.
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Digital Trailblazer
- M.I.A. claims she was a trailblazer in the music industry, attributing her success to breaking through on the internet.
- Record labels used her as a template to digitize their business models, capitalizing on the rise of digital music.
Super Bowl Lawsuit
- M.I.A. recounted being sued for $16.6 million by the NFL after giving the middle finger during her Super Bowl performance with Madonna.
- She questioned the justification, citing Janet Jackson's lesser penalty for a more revealing incident.
Political Clashes
- M.I.A. views her clashes with powerful figures like Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Oprah as politically motivated.
- She believes she was targeted for her activism and support of Julian Assange, contrasting her political art with their commercial focus.