Just when you thought the holiday season couldn't get any better, M.I.A has gifted fans with a surprise present under the Christmas tree — a 16-track mixtape featuring collaborations with Skrillex, Blaqstarr, and Toy Baker. The British rapper dropped the mixtape on Christmas morning, spreading festive cheer with her unique sound and special guests, according to a report from Pitchfork.
In a press release, M.I.A. shared her holiday offering with a poetic touch, saying, "I present you a gift from the East, star of wonder, star of night—Beauty. Bright. Sacred. Cosmic. Magnestism. A collaboration with God." The mixtape showcases M.I.A.'s signature rebellious style and her ability to blend influences from her Tamil heritage with themes of politics, revolution, and spirituality.
Known for her breakthrough 2005 album "Arular," M.I.A. has consistently pushed boundaries in the music industry. This surprise mixtape comes as her second release since revealing a new spiritual journey, expressing her Christian faith. In an Apple Music 1 interview, she shared a profound vision of Jesus Christ, describing the experience as creatively transformative, turning her world upside down and challenging her previous beliefs.
Despite her earlier claims of retirement after the 2016 album "AIM," M.I.A. continues to captivate audiences with her music. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, she expressed a desire to step back from the spotlight, stating, "I want to [retire], and I have said I am. And, yes, that is as much as I have to say." However, her passion for music prevails, and she recognizes the challenges faced by emerging artists in today's industry.
For those eager to listen to the mixtape, it's an exclusive experience that can only be enjoyed on M.I.A.'s website. So, if you're looking for the perfect soundtrack to your holiday season, M.I.A. has just delivered the gift of music that promises to resonate with her distinctive style and unexpected collaborations.
