Paper Planes (M.I.A. song)
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"Paper Planes" is a song by British hip hop artist M.I.A. It was released on 11 February 2008 as the third single from her second studio album, Kala (2007). It is produced and co-written by her and Diplo. It appeared in the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire and on its soundtrack album. The song samples English rock band the Clash's 1982 song "Straight to Hell", leading to its members being credited as co-writers. A downtempo alternative hip hop, pop track combining African folk music elements, the song has a less dance-oriented sound compared to other songs on the album. Its lyrics, inspired by M.I.A.'s own problems obtaining a visa to work in the USA, satirise American perceptions of immigrants from Third World nations.
Paper Planes (M.I.A. song)
The video was filmed in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighbourhood which prompted M.I.A. to contemplate American perceptions of immigrants.
M.I.A. performing at the 2009 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
Image: David Gordon Green by Gage Skidmore
M.I.A. (rapper)
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Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, known by her stage name M.I.A., is a British rapper, record producer, and singer. Her music combines elements of alternative, dance, electronic, hip hop and world music with electronic instruments and samples.
M.I.A. performing at Sónar on her Arular Tour
M.I.A. performing at the Prince in Melbourne in February 2006
M.I.A. performing at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in August 2009
M.I.A. performing at Peace & Love during the Maya Tour, 2011 following the release of her Vicki Leekx mixtape