Personally, I would not put M.I.A. in that category.
I totally understand that, but many would put M.I.A. in that category in terms of at least having 3 masterpieces under their belt! M.I.A. is just very left field, futuristic, semi abrasive, very loud, colourful and political and she isn’t as easy on the ears compared to Kanye West, David Bowie, PJ Harvey, Radiohead etc
Piracy Funds Terrorism, Arular, Kala and MAYA I think are all considered very strong pieces and fans are always split between the four on what are their favourite, although a lot can see they are all masterpieces in their respect! MAYA is like the Yeezus in M.I.A.‘a discography; it’s industrial, extremely left field and is rough and volatile! Piracy Funds Terrorism is an absolute classic mixtape where M.I.A. does such good bars and tunes over instrumentals that were modern hip-hop-Esque classic bangers (Drop it Like It’s Hot, Ciars’s Goodies, Pass The Dutch, LL Cool J’s Headsprung) as well as 80’s semi new wave pop (When Doves Cry, Papa Don’t Preach, Push It). Like Diplo’s production/mixing on that mixtape is iconic. And then Kala and Arular are widely considered as masterpieces.
M.I.A. has what many consider are four masterpieces, but she’s very new age and her style is one many don’t like. She’s definitely in that category though of having multiple masterpieces where it’s evenly split in terms of what fans consider her best!
