Sinakilloptimist Review: M.I.A. – // / Y /

I give M.I.A. credit. She stands alone with her distinct sound which she creates…from her first release, Arular (named after her father, 2005), and her second release, Kala (named after her mother, 2007), she has made abstract sounding music. It’s not mainstream but it’s not foreign either. I can vividly remember listening to Arular for the first time. I had to listen to it four to five times before I could even understand the concept. With her newest release // / Y / (Maya), I was able to understand it after first listen. Her sound is not for everyone. Its not catchy hooks with monster beats, but to me, it’s cool. It’s real.

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The open skit (The Message) is great. It’s where she connects Google to the government. Excellent conspiracy theory. I “wish” the government was that smart but whoever controls the government is that smart. It’s a nursery rhyme with its simplicity (Hip bone connected to the…). Medicated Nation is an offbeat look into the pharmaceutical industry.

What I wonder is why XXXO isn’t on the radio right now. But, they can’t make her too huge. She might say or do something to wake up the masses. Teqkilla made me want to do a lime shot right then and there when I heard it. Born Free is actually a good song. I think the controversial video detracts from the music. Caps Lock is my favorite for its smooth rhyme. “The battle choose me, I fight the ones that fight me.” Make M.I.A. a voice of the oppressed.

Is she going to change the world? No. But, I respect her for trying. As Bob Marley did when he sang Get Up, Stand Up, learn to not take too much shit.

Thank you M.I.A. Mariah Carey has been my forever girl but if you keep this up, I think I’m in Love.

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