M.I.A. Documentary Leak Goes Viral, Creates Friction with Roc Nation

Image by Rasmin

Artist, songwriter, and political activist Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, better known by her stage name, M.I.A. is no stranger to controversy. Since blowing up the American music scene with her hit song “Paper Planes” in 2007, the English singer has brought shock and awe to a global plane by marrying radical politics with an outspoken artistic edge. Some have called her a musical genius, and others, a terrorist. No matter what your opinion of M.I.A. is, her magnetism is contagious and there is no denying that she is a fascinating public figure.

In anticipation of her fourth studio album, “Matangi,” the music world is buzzing about “Bring the Noize,” the first track released from the album last week. But that’s not all that has people buzzing. Just days ago, a teaser from a documentary about the singer went viral online after it was leaked. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the highly anticipated documentary, directed by Steve Loveridge, and now it appears to be coming to a head.

According to Jezebel, “A documentary about the artist has been in the works with her label, Roc Nation, for the last year. It was meant to be released along with her fourth studio album, “Matangi,” but both have been postponed, prompting M.I.A. to release the album’s first single herself.” Fed up with delays from Roc Nation, Loveridge, who is reportedly no longer part of the project, leaked a preview of the documentary on his Tumblr page, causing immense friction between himself, M.I.A. and the record label.

Currently, the fate of the documentary, as well as M.I.A.’s affiliation with Roc Nation is uncertain, though the singer is used to doing things on her own terms. Take a look at the leaked documentary teaser to see what all the buzz is about.