It’s been a while since we’ve seen or heard from our gal Mathangi Arulpragasam– she is, quite literally, M.I.A. Sure, we’ve missed her, but after exploding onto mainstream radio and even Hollywood’s radar with “Paper Planes,” taking a break was certainly the right thing to do. Nearly four years later, M.I.A. is a bit older, and perhaps a bit wiser, but it’s lucky that she’s named her new single “Bad Girls” because she’s essentially still the same. She’s made her career out of being a bad girl, like when she performed at the Grammy’s with Jay-Z, Kanye, and Lil Wayne nine months pregnant and in a see-through leotard– if that isn’t badass, I don’t know what is– and now she’s better than ever. Over a beat supplied by Timbaland protege Danja, M.I.A. weaves a mesmerizingly slow tale that features fast cars, big chains, and the old adage of “live fast, die young.” Sharp, clever and catchy as ever, M.I.A. is back to prove that her signature mix of exotically experimental pop is a winning combination.

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Guest Post by Loren D