M.I.A., the Swagger Like Us singer who revolutionized music in the 2000s with politically charged lyrics and genre-defying sounds has offered an unsolicited outburst once again. The once trailblazing British-Sri Lankan artist says Jay-Z told her to get plastic surgery shortly after they met and when she signed with Roc Nation in 2012. During an Instagram Live session, the British rapper and producer recounted that this was “the first thing” he told her upon meeting. She rejected the idea, asserting that her confidence and decision not to have plastic surgery contrast with the norm in her industry.
M.I.A., who left Roc Nation in 2014, reflected on her career journey, emphasizing her authenticity and resilience in a competitive industry. “I’m not insecure because I would have got plastic surgery,” she continued. “So their argument of ‘Maya’s fucking insecure, that’s why she needs to fucking massage her ego,’ fails. It fails because you turn around and ask … What women do you know who hasn’t had plastic surgery around you? All of them have. I’m the only one who didn’t, which already proves the fact it’s not insecurity.”
Her debut mixtape, Piracy Funds Terrorism, and albums like Arular and Kala showcased global rhythms, pop, and activism, earning her widespread acclaim and mainstream success. Songs like “Paper Planes” made her a viral sensation, while her fusion of activism and music drew both praise and criticism.
Despite her influence, M.I.A.’s career has been marred by controversies. Critics labeled her political messages as “radical chic,” questioning her credibility as a pop star with revolutionary aspirations. Her provocative Superbowl performance with Madonna in 2012 damaged her mainstream image, while later albums failed to match her earlier success. She accuses Roc Nation of sidelining her fourth album Matangi and claimed that Jay-Z’s ties to the Bronfman family, with whom she shares a child, impacted her career. Earlier this year, she alleged that Roc Nation severed communication with her, deleted her emails to Jay-Z, and undermined her career while copying her style. Despite the challenges, she expressed pride in prioritizing her child over fame.
More recently, M.I.A. has attracted attention for divisive views, including support for anti-vaxxers and Donald Trump, overshadowing her music. Critics argue her artistic influence has waned, with conspiracy theories and polarizing statements dominating her public persona. Nonetheless, her legacy as a cultural innovator remains significant, blending global sounds with unapologetic commentary on social and political issues.
