M.I.A’s artwork for her third album is one of the most creative album packaging in terms of Cd manufacturing that I’ve seen this year and the best thing about it is that it is designed by Maya herself. The concept is about technology,digital age, and the internet. It features YouTube bars, Google search results, an iTunes playlist, iChat conversations, and a hologram cover on the deluxe edition, plus a shout-out to Flip cam, Apple, and Google in the thank yous.
To some, it may look like a cheaply-done, cluttered, school project with all the elements thrown in one bowl but to those who know Maya, they would know that that’s exactly the point.
The concept has perhaps something to do with online censorship and her negative views on the internet. Her 2010 single “Born Free” was rejected by YouTube because it showed red-headed youth being round up and brutally murdered. In a recent interview with ClashMusic, she slated the internet arguing that it is owned by corporations. She says that the internet, including Facebook and Google were crafted by the CIA and that the internet is now controlled by large corporations.
M.I.A’s third album ///Y/ is hitting record stores this Tuesday, July 13.
Photos: Rap-up
