Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam a.k.a. M.I.A. is no stranger to controversy. Much of the eccentric U.K.-based recording artist’s works have incorporated very strong socio-political messages accompanied perfectly by uniquely dance-able, highly infectious tunes. More recently, outside of the musical aspect of her illustrious career, Arulpragasam has made broad statements regarding pop musician Lady Gaga in an interview with British publication, NME, touting her as a ‘mimic’ and going on to allege: “People say we’re similar, that we both mix all these things in the pot and spit them out differently,” she said, “but she spits it out exactly the same. None of her music’s reflective of how weird she wants to be or thinks she is.” (NME Interview).
Now, following an airborne advertising campaign in promotion of the June 29th U.S. release of her upcoming third full-length album (in the form of a blimp during rapper Jay-Z’s set at the recent 2010 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival), M.I.A. has released a controversial new music video for a recently distributed track entitled “Born Free”. The video, which was directed by French director Romain Gavras (whose portfolio includes Justice’s “Stress” and Simian Mobile Disco’s “I Believe”), is one chock-full of violence, nudity, and lots of explosions and gore. The song is pretty dope, too.
Check out the NSFW music video for “Born Free” here:
What do you think of the new music video and song? We’d love to hear your opinion in our comments section below.
COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law and money. Independent Lens
Debuting tonight on PBS TV’s Independent Lens will be a documentary many around the interweb have been waiting to see. Is sampling a crime? Can anyone really own a sound? I would say no but the film delves into the concept from both perspectives and in fair and honest way.
Copyright Criminals will feature interviews with DJ Q Bert, Mix Master Mike, Pete Rock, Chuck D, George Clinton and the original funky drummer himself Clyde Stubblefield.
For your local listings check HERE and see the trailer below.
Also look into the book Pirate’s Dillema by Matt Mason it touches upon this issue in broader context.
“There are some things money can’t buy, don’t let higher education be one of them.”
Most of us here at EastofLA are students or have been students at one of the University of California campuses. Even though some of us have graduated and moved on in our lives, we still believe in equal opportunity. Not only does the University of California’s recent 32% fee hike threaten the institution of higher education but also limits the opportunities of many underprivileged people. Last time I checked, education was not a privilege but it was a RIGHT. Rise up and fight for what’s ours!
Stand in solidarity with the University of California students!
Big ups to the folks at UC San Diego for putting this video together.
“Where is My Vote” is a project dedicated to the political failures of the Iranian government and the progressive movement by the people of Iran. The project was done by “The Are” of NY. Here is a note on how the project came about.
Thank you! I started this project a while back but got side tracked with other projects. After I returned from NY a few months ago, it was one of the things I wanted to finish. After the Iran election went down and I saw the press and protest, I thought not only did I want to do this project but that it HAD to be done. - Are via FWJM
Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Protest
3. The March
4. Love
5. The Night
6. Let’s Go
7. Closer
8. What You Don’t See On TV
9. Rooftops
10. Green
11. Protest 2
12. One Thing Remains
13. IRAN
It’s typical of Mr. Lif to speak his mind about the government and he does just that in this track, “What About Us?” The track is off his upcoming album, I Heard It Today, which is set to drop April 21st. In the album, Lif, delivers harsh criticism towards the government and its role on Wall Street. Should be a good listen…
Last Sunday, January 25th, Bob Simon and CBS 60 Minutes producer, Robert G. Anderson, aired a great story about Israeli apartheid in Palestine. Here’s your chance to learn and thank Mr. Simon and Mr. Anderson for exposing the truth.
LMAO, I had to watch this twice after catching it on CNN.
“This is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog,” shouted the journalist, Muntazer al-Zaidi, before he was bundled from the room by security staff.Throwing shoes is particularly insulting in the Middle East. A crowd of Iraqis used shoes to whack a toppled statue of Saddam after the 2003 invasion.Mr Bush tried to brush of the slight, saying: “It doesn’t bother me … I didn’t feel the least threatened by it.” -AP
Wish he would have hit the mofo… lol… its time to go buddy.. its time to go..
So! President Barack Obama is now officially the biggest celebrity in the entire Universe (quite literally). Following at his footsteps is probably Wolf Blitzer (CNN) who should probably capitalize on his last 2 years of presidential publicity Hip Hop style by launching a line of eyeglasses, ties, or cologne or some ish. Down below we got some MP3’s that in the last 24-48 hours have been dedicated to or inspired by Barack Obama and some words from our favorite Banana Republic rockin’ emcee, Common.
“My daughter now believes she can be the next president. Two years ago, she wanted to be a dancer. Now she says she can be the next president.” - Common
1) “Mr. President, You’re the Man” - Brother Ali
2) “Election Night” - Nas & DJ Green Lantern
3) “Harrowdown Hill” (Remix) - Thom Yorke (of Radiohead, dedicated as a reminder of the dark days of Bush)
4) “History” (Radio Rip) (Update: FULL CDQ)- Jay Z
EastofLa crew would like to congratulate Mr. Obama on his landslide victory last night. “Yes We Can” hope for change homies. Together as a people will get this country back on track.
I’ve been a huge fan of Saul Williams for a long time. Wasn’t too crazy about his latest release, however that doesn’t take away from my respect for dude. Its not much of a surprise, but Saul is pro-Obama, and roll’n deep with the Obey Crew in trying to get the vote out, check out his “A Letter to History” above, and we got a transcript and audio if your interested as well.
M.I.A. - Born Free (Music Video + Mp3)
