M.I.A.

Ignoring musical and geographical boundaries, pioneering rapper, singer, producer, and activist M.I.A. favors an outspoken, internationally informed perspective. Her fusion of hip-hop, dance and alternative music, and global sounds provides a vibrant soundtrack to her commentary on identity, war, immigration, and politics. She gained viral popularity with 2004's "Galang" and "Sunshowers," which -- along with 2005's widely praised debut album Arular -- sounded celebratory and confrontational at the same time. M.I.A. remained restless despite her acclaim, emphasizing her music's...